I love reading Jim Ziegler’s articles there is a lot of hard core truth in what he writes, most of all you can bet he is passionate and believes and lives every word. While reading this latest article “Coffee’s for Closers” it floored me that we still see this connection between the “PRICE” and the "Close". What’s even more ironic is that is that what actually “CLOSES” a car sale is as old school as it…

We've all seen ads looking for sales pros.  Dealer web sites invite us to meet their "professional" staff.  Customers all want to be handled "professionally."  Yet, there is still a perception that having a real professional staff is a matter of luck or just playing the numbers game in hiring.  However, luck has nothing to do with professionalism.  Like everything else we've talked about, it's a choice.  But, it's a choice that can be influenced.

First, to determine what is…

In the most challenging economic climate in a generation, the influence of the media on the consumer’s attitude to spending has made the job of the auto dealer that much more difficult.  The advent of social networking, such as Twitter and Facebook have not only empowered consumers with information but also provided a global outlet for feedback both positive and negative.



Whilst many of the principles of selling in the automotive sector remain valid, the industry has needed to…

Where you are at this very moment is exactly where you chose to be.

The first time I heard that statement, I was having the worst month ever.  I looked at the person who said that, like they had two heads.  My response, less than kind, was, "Are you seriously telling me that somehow I decided to go broke and have a really bad month?  Is that what you're saying?"  He didn't even bat an eye.  "Yes," he continued, "And I can prove it."

He proceeded by asking me…

Since this month is Women's Month on dealerELITE, we want to get even more feedback from your experiences when working with female buyers. From today until the end of May, here is what we want you to do:

1. Salespeople/Sales Managers/Dealership Personnel
2. Grab a flip camera, or…

It's Monday morning and I'm getting ready for a new adventure.  While I'll still be working with dealers to help them staff up and train, I'll be responsible for marketing and delivering on my own.  With the market still not where it needs to be and many dealers believing they still do everything right, this is a scary endeavor.  How can one possibly compete  with companies that have been around for a while?  How can a "new kid" (even as old as I am), possibly go up against the old…

Kids are expensive.  I know, tell me something I don't know.  But, I thought it would get easier as they grew.  WRONG!  As I set my daughter up in her first apartment at college, the bare necessities had me hoping for a lot more book sales and training assignments.  But, we went shopping anyway.  She needed everything from bedding to pots and pans.  Furniture to picture frames.  For those of you with college age kids, you know what I mean.

So, after many trips to stores,…

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 10^th Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition “Back to the Future” SCVNGR promotion!

It was not only designed to be a fun way for attendees to interact with the conference but also to introduce attendees to the power of location-based marketing. We hope you enjoyed it and thought it was fun.

First a few statistics:

• We had 116 people participate

• There were 24…

As people are getting prepared to depart for Orlando and the Digital Dealer Workshopsfollowed by the 10^th Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition, I thought some advice from someone who’s been to 6 of the 9 previous conferences would be helpful for those first-timers.…

Aussie ‘trust survey’ shows car sales ranked lower than the 'oldest profession'

The credibility of the Australian retail motor trade is at an all time low it seems. But why?

According to the findings of the annual ‘Trust Survey’ 2010 carried out by Reader’s Digest Australia, the car sales sector was rated less trustworthy than the oldest ‘profession’ in a poll that asked respondents to rank forty professions in order of perceived…

The Digital Dealer Workshops start in 5 days! The workshops run Monday, April 18th thru the morning of the 19th which leads right into the Digital Dealer Conference! A day and a half of hands-on training by 7 top instructors! Be sure to register for this OFFICIAL add-on to the 10th Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition which will be April 19-21st at…

“Deliver on your ideas.  Nothing silences critics like success.  Raise the bar for yourself and project a greater vision for those around you.”  When Tony Paragas shared this statement with me, I felt challenged to seize the moment and share a…

The Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition is rapidly approaching! Only 11 days until kickoff and only 10 days until the start of the Digital Dealer Workshops. The conference in Orlando will see record attendance for the Digital Dealer Conference. With 80 sessions and 100 exhibitors, people are really amped and getting excited.

We have all sorts…

There are good days and bad days.  Just ask the basketball team from Butler University during the 2011 NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball Tournement.  I am sure they prepared and practiced for "The Big Event" but…

I am committed to never say a number is bad without providing processes to improve it. It amazes me that when people are trained on ways to improve and want to, how quickly the result goes to the next level. You must develop standards for your company and measure them against…

Baseball season is back in full swing. (See what I did there?  Yes, very cheesy, I know). And spring training for the teams is coming to an end.  They’ve spent well over a month preparing themselves and their minds for the day-to-day responsibilities that go along with a season of baseball.  Trainers, managers, and coaches get together to evaluate their personnel and to get them ready for action.  Several dealers do the very same when they seek out training for their team.



Dealers…

Hi DealerElite members:

Only 21 days left until the Digital Dealer Workshops.. 22 until the 10th Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition!



We have some great stuff lined up for this year's event. I've mentioned the SCVNGR promotion. We have some really cool prizes! The grand prize is an Apple MacBook Air (courtesy of…