SEMA vs. AAPEX: Spectacle is Killing Meaningful Connection [E069]

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, ExpressWatch Full Video EpisodeIn Our Episode Today:It was a busy week in Vegas at AAPEX and SEMA! Walking through those halls, I kept thinking about 2017—the year I met Chris Cloutier at AAPEX. (See Episode 64) That conversation changed my life. It led to everything I do now. And this year, I kept asking myself: Could that have happened today?Something has shifted. SEMA is where the action is. AAPEX was quiet. Vendors are chasing SEMA's crowds, getting high traffic but low-quality conversations. The fanfare is hard to ignore at SEMA, we get that - but focused and meaningful interactions were always my goal at AAPEX.While walking back to AAPEX from SEMA, I inadvertently captured a meme worthy series of shots while a burnout contest roared in the background. It’s the “cool guys don’t look at explosions” meme featureing Chris.  See below.  Even when you try to walk away from the spectacle, it follows you. And eventually? We all look, don’t we?Walking around SEMA, I kept saying: "This is like social media." Same noise, same distraction, same vanity metrics. Racing simulators at software vendor booths along with salespeople desperately trying to grab attention from the passing traffic.Here's the solution: Let SEMA be SEMA. Let AAPEX be AAPEX. The industry needs abnegation (Our WOTD) —vendors must renounce the fanfare and create more focused spaces for real business and meaningful interactions. AAPEX is supposed to be that space.  Then, after our meetings and gatherings… we can check out SEMA's spectacles. Or not.Right now, spectacle is choosing for us. And the spaces where careers change (as it did in my story) seem to be disappearing.Sincerely, Craig O'NeillThank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.comShop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings. In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound. Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better. Contact InformationEmail Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersThe Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/