When business is just excellent, do we give big incentives to employees, have big parties, talk how great everything is going? Do we spend plenty of money on advertising, training, upgrades to our businesses? 

Do we have the attitude, "We can conquer the world"?  We know we will do just awesome, by trying, paying attention to detail, pumping up our staff, going strong,  all day long. We will make it happen!!!  The throttle is wide open, nothing will be acceptable outside of…

General Motors opened up orders for the Chevrolet Volt to all 50 states today, lowering the base price for the 2012 model by about $1,000 and adding more option packages.

Why is GM doing this?

Will the Volt be a Champ or a Chump? Why?

Posted by: Mark Hergert in Used Car Loans, Sub Prime Leads, …

The US Department of Labor (DOL) recentlely released a new smart phone applicant that provides workers the ability to track their hours and calculate OT.  This is just another sign of an increased focus on wage and hour matters.  On May 9, 2011, the DOL announced the launch of its first application for the iPhone smartphones, described as “a timesheet to help employees independently track the hours they work and determine the wages they are owed.”  Available in English and Spanish, workers…

When I'm speaking at a convention or large sales seminar, a common question I get asked is, "What will this book cost me?"  There is a two part answer to this question.  If you believe in what I've said and want to buy it, the cost is a few dollars.  But, if you don't, not having the information will cost you a fortune.  Now, I want to give something back.  A Free…

Karl is one of our veteran salespeople. He has a customer that has two trades. He comes to me, lays down the ground work for his deal. Here is what I have, 08 Altima

coupe with 49865 miles on it, BIG dent on the driver’s door, cracked

windshield, broken lens in the rear light on the driver’s side, needs four

tires, other than that a nice car. The second vehicle is not here,…

Do you look at the Blacktop as your personal playground or do you call it called the yard. Did you ace the interview and get the job or did you catch a case-a mandatory sentence with no other options? Do you take care of your customers by under promising and over delivering or do you get put in lockdown-hidden away from population, for…

Google has now launched its latest venture, Google Offers, its entrance into the world of online deals. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial have seen incredible success with offers that people buy into and then invite their friends via social media, and Google is now providing some competition. Dealers seeking fresh automotive marketing ideascan look to a tool like this to market service…

The struggle for a competitive edge requires skill enhancement.  The techniques of yesterday are no longer acceptable tools.  Knowledge of products, technology and problem solving all take on new meaning while working with today’s customer.

Customers no longer accept mediocre presentations, canned closing questions and product demonstrations that lack…

I am calling you to get the customer to commit, or guide me with this deal. My customer has bought 3 SUVs’ here, but will not commit. He is not satisfied with this last vehicle. He explained to me it cost him 5500, in repairs from the 80,000 mile to the present which is 130,000 miles. I know he is going to buy a seven passenger vehicle. He loved our seven passenger, but says he has reservations, about the product. He also has been an owner of our product for 19 years. He explained to me, the…

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Have you ever noticed symphonic conductors are the only ones not making a sound?  During a performance, conductors manage by miming; through facial expressions and hand gesturing, they guide the musicians through a performance. Like a coach, a conductor is unable to offer instruction during a performance; he has to rely on thorough preparation and…

IIt does not happen often, but sometimes I find myself bored.  This week I find myself working remotely with my toes in the sandy.  Without the distractions of the office, I am actually finding myself completing my normal task list with time to be bored.  So how does someone who is usually as busy as a bee handle boredom?  I have learned to embrace this simple and rare luxury as a gift to take a…

As much as many of us like to talk about all we've learned in the car business, some of my best lessons have come from the strangest places and yet I have used them to help me succeed.  As a writer, I live life by paying attention and observing.  Then I see what lessons I can apply to my everyday life.  This was a big one.

When my son was 10, he was selected to the "Major" league division of his little league.  This was a big deal and I thought he'd be very excited.  He would…

One of the biggest challenges that the automotive industry has faced over the past few years has been the ebb and flow of sales. Nobody's buying, then everyone's buying, then...

Between natural disasters, recalls, lawsuits, and bailouts, the past 4 years have been a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Still, things seem to be looking up. For many, they're looking up in a big way. Take a look at this infographic by TK Carsites for a recap of where we've been and where we are.…