USA Today talks to TK Carsites' Richard Valenta and Matt Funk about how dealerships use social media to sell more cars. Before customers visit the inventory lot, they've already visited the dealer's website.

Read the full article @…

How often do your sales consultants or sales managers have to respond like this to customers to whom they’ve just presented or demonstrated a used vehicle?

“Don’t worry about that clunking noise we heard. I’ll have a technician get it fixed in a jiffy.”

“That smell will go away as soon as the carpets are thoroughly dried out.”

“After we do a front end alignment, it won’t pull to the right…

By Kathryn Carlson

Find out how well your program rates in these four areas. Make sure that the money you spend on HR programs goes to hiring and retaining the best employees who in turn improve your overall bottom line.

Average Revenue by Employee

Divide your overall revenue by total number of employees. Your goal is to increase the average revenue by employee year over year. If you hire and retain the right employees, they…

Read the full KPA February 2012 Newsletter articles @ http://kpa.co/February2012newsletter…

TAMPA, FL, February 11, 2012 - That's Us Technologies, Inc.'s LotVantage software was recently named 2011 Vendor of the Year by Dunn Rite Auto. This award goes to the vendor which has out-performed all others in the category of sales and marketing. The award is voted upon by all managers and staff.



"Congratulations to LotVantage on their outstanding service and dedication to Dunn Rite Auto and our customers," said Mike Richardson, General Manager of Dunn Rite Auto. "I would like…

by Motyka Johnson

Lafayette, CO (KPA, January 31, 2012) – Preliminary figures from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as reported by The New York Times, show complaints of harassment totaled 8,341 in the 2011 fiscal year. To help dealerships with the persistent problem of harassment in the workplace, KPA has released a new online training course that…

Chicago, Illinois – January 30th – Dealer e Process, the highest rated chat vendor in the country, is proud to announce the launch of the Live Chat Challenge. Dealer E Process is looking for 30 dealers who do not already have Dealer E’s award winning Proactive Managed Live Chat. These dealers will get Dealer E Process live chat on their website free for 30…

CarChat24 is going to have an Extended Beta with approved volunteer Beta test dealers to make sure our final version after Beta will be exactly the way our clients (Car Dealers) want it. Approved dealers who actively participate will be offered the free use of our premium chat software for up to 2 months, and may also qualify for our free 24/7 Staffed Back-Up support.



Offer: Approved dealers who are willing to actively…

Right now, automotive dealerships across the globe are seeking ways to sell more vehicles in a market that appears to be on the upswing.  2012 will see a majority of dealerships dedicating more resources to their …

Are leads from live chat really leads?

If you are the general manager of a dealership that has never used automotive live chat service or software, you’re probably…

What a year we've had.  There were ups and downs, but I'm so looking forward to next year.  I had the privilege of working with enough dealers to see an even bigger need for training in 2012.  But, my challenge is not that I see it, but getting dealers to see it as well.  As many in my industry know, the most common objection to training of any kind is that the dealer has it handled.  They just don't see a need.  In my opinion, many of them just don't see!

For example:  Follow-up. …

You cannot manage what you can’t measure.  As more and more consumers flock to your dealership website, you must focus your attention to optimizing the ease of which your prospects obtain information about you. …

We all have one week of work before 2011 becomes a collection of files to be stored away.  Sure, we'll go back and get some things for this years taxes.  Perhaps even take a look at some trends that occurred during the year.  But what are the things that will make 2012 a better year for you?  Chances are, there will be talk of improvement, higher numbers, better grosses, and maybe even a reduction in expenses.  But, it will all fade before the Christmas decorations are taken down.

In…

Best Chance Equity Communications from DMEautomotive automatically identifies and markets to customers “in equity” with current vehicle; helps dealers increase valuable late-model used inventory and generate new vehicle sales

Daytona Beach, FL -- December 15, 2011 – …

ActivEngage was honored to have its CEO and Co-Founder Todd Smith featured as a keynote presenter as the Ignite! Dealer Summit. Todd’s workshop highlighted more than 17 easy to use and powerful online tools and …

Groundbreaking program dramatically expands the number of vehicles eligible for certification and increases consumer confidence and purchase protection  

Venice, CA  --  Mota Motors…

While the majority of my time is now spent trianing new salespeople, I still get to work with experienced teams on occassion.  I enjoy this break, especially during this time of year.  It's always easy to get new people to set high goals becasue they're still excited about their new career and want to make a great impression.  Getting veterans to set goals is more like trying to get a college student to be done with a major paper BEFORE the night before!

As an expert in human personal…

What are you doing this Thursday?  Besides eating and some football.  Some will travel a bit and some will stay home.  But too many may find themselves forgetting that this day is more than just a day off in the busy lives of those in the car business.  I'm hoping to change that.

This year I am thankful for the new associations I've made.  I am grateful for all of those who took the time to teach me more about this business as I grew.  I want to sow my appreciation to the hundreds of…