Good Memories:

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

In a world preoccupied with the quest for material possessions,

it's easy to overlook the fact that the most valuable…

Just saw this article on TechCrunch about CarWoo. One of the main things in this whole TrueCar scenario (other than data) was TrueCar's goal of removing salespeople from the process.

I thought this part of the article was interesting.

"That’s the promise of CarWoo, a startup that looks to take the stressful negotiation tactics and pushy salespeople out of the equation, allowing consumers to buy their car online with a relatively small amount…

 This True car deal is no different than the guy down the street advertising at cost or below. It's no different than when the internet came out and people were worried everyone will come in with the cost of a car. This simply is not the case. One thing will remain the same. The best trained sales force can overcome anything. What's your thoughts?

Jim,

I couldn't agree more!!! The business model True Car,Zag and others like them operate under is flawed because the only person that truly wins is them.

Does the customer win?... No because the dealers have to post a price hundreds, if not thousands below what we pay for the car to get the consumer and then we either have to eat that loss or figure out a creative way to get back to profitability. In my opinion not the smooth customer experience they…

I received this email about eight hours ago from an employee of DealerTrack.  They asked me that I kept it discreet so I will not be mentioning who it was that sent this to me.  It is amazing that DealerTrack's own employees have certain opinions about DealerTrack selling ALG to TrueCar.  Does it mean that DealerTrack's own employees are against this deal too?  I know that I myself could not work for a company that would allow something like this (no matter how much money I was getting…

Yesterday I conducted an interview with Scott Painter, CEO of TrueCar.  I asked him some tough questions and he candidly provided the answers. Answers that I didn't always agree with, but he did answer my questions.  I commend Scott Painter for reaching out to people like myself and Jim Ziegler. 



There is no doubt that Mr. Painter is very passionate about his business.  He believes in what he is doing and he's defending his vision, and I can't fault the man for attempting to…

Scrambled eggs can’t be undone. Neither can your past. The only guarantee in your life is the present. Often we focus on the tiny rearview mirror affectionately known as our past, instead of being fixated on the large windshield of our future. You can’t be bitter and sweet, you can’t be hot and cold, neither can you move backward and expect to advance forward in your life. Sometimes we become stuck because we like it. Not because it is enjoyable, but because it is…

Great infographic from peaksalesrecruiting - sales and marketing go hand in hand, and this chart has some interesting stats regarding social profiles, internet usage, and how people are viewing and sharing information. Also: techniques for better sales and PR.

Add your own to the list...…

CarChat24 will provide hosted Free Advanced Auto Dealer Chat Software for (“All Car Dealer’s NEW or Used”) after final Beta testing. Expected release in late January to early February. Hosted Advanced Chat software designed for Car Dealers FREE!

Anyone interested in this always free version should go to the appropriate URL below to register. Once we launch we will send…

Very few dealers are both aggressive and effective in selling Extended Service Agreements (ESAs) after the new or used vehicle has been delivered. If you are so fortunate to be among this minority, you don’t need to read any further. Since most F&I departments don’t seem to have the inclination or motivation to work these post-delivery opportunities, let’s explore an alternate strategy…structuring a process to have our service advisors aggressively and effectively sell ESAs in…

Five days ago on dealerelite.net I posted this Blog titled True Car Pricing. I reviewed the snap shot of Seven vehicles SOLD in a regional area. Today I went back to TrueCar.com and reviewed "My Vehicles". Check out the difference when four cars got added to the metrics from 7 to 11 Regional Sold.

According to TrueCar, if I would have purchased this vehicle…

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 …

Attitude, albeit good or bad is infectious; as a salesperson ask yourself, are you infecting your clients? Are you sneezing optimism on every opportunity or are you coughing doubt and pessimism spoiling your attempts in making a sale? The ABC’s of selling has traditionally stood for Always Be Closing. The acronym’s purpose is to remind sales…

The article indicates Acura is to roll out a sub $30,000 sport sedan.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-12/honda-wants-new-acura-ilx-to-help-keep-gen-y-out-of-lexus-bmw.html

What’s with all this talk about social media? I’m sure it’s just a passing fad like carrier pigeons and the telegraph. Here are three reasons why you should NOT use social media.

1. I Believe in Traditional Values I’m a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. I don’t run with a fast crowd that’s always fiddling with their electronic do-dads in public. I…

So the sky is falling – What lands on your head is up to you.

The economic realities of today are brutal and greatly affect the service and repair industry.  When you’re out of work or underemployed, you may simply not have the cash to perform needed maintenance and repairs.  Those of us fortunate enough to have enough work all know someone who does not, and that…