The topic of leadership has been and continues to be one of the most vital topics in human history.

Every organization, or collection of people, from large to small, requires skilled leadership. Every group, every family, every city, every association and every nation – fulfills its purposes and potential based on that leadership.

So…..What is Leadership???

I think it is…

1. How long have you been a Dealer Elite member?

We joined Dealer Elite from the inception of IntellaCar to help us stay on top of emerging trends during our development process. We wanted to be a part of the Dealer Elite platform that integrates best in class for a variety of different processes.



2. What do you like best about Dealer Elite?

Dealer Elite members are among the most cutting edge, innovative and engaged dealers, who are…

The Penske Automotive Group is catching up to AutoNation in the total revenue department. A few years ago, AutoNation was generating about $20 billion in annual revenue, while Penske was at about $8 billion.

Penske has narrowed the gap considerably generating $10.6 billion last year to AutoNation's $12.4 billion ($12.5 if you round up). And now Penske has added about $257 million worth of revenue with today's acquisition of Crevier BMW in Santa Ana, CA. Crevier is the fifth…

The customer has been in your dealership; as usual your team could not for whatever reason sell them a vehicle. In 80% of cases this is the reality right?

The next step for most Salespeople, Sales Manager and BDC representatives is to offer the customer a better deal, a better trade in value etc. The problem with this game plan is in most cases it's not enough to motivate the customer to come back to the store. In addition if it is you and I both know the discount is a starting point…

Here we finally have a car dealership using Groupon for CAR DISCOUNTS (Cadillac and Groupon).  People can purchase an amount off the car later for buying a coupon for a lesser amount now.

I tried to get four separate dealers to try this last year. I'll get…

You have everything you need to be an impact player in this world. You are equipped with unique talents to reach your potential. When you discover your talents and and refine your skills,you become unstoppable. There are no extraordinary people out there, only…

Here's a question -- what's the craziest or most clever marketing scheme you've seen from a car dealer?

Some of the old giants in the industry -- Jim Moran, Cal Worthington, Earl Muntz andcountless others -- put together some wild and over the top marketing schemes. Moran probably was the first dealer to advertise on TV with a variety show and his sponsorship of a wrestling show in Chicago long before he created JM Enterprises, the largest Toyota distributorship in the…

When I first started working in the industry over 25 years ago now, I always asked this question. We know that customers "Hate Buying Cars" for the most part. We also know that like visiting a dentist, lawyer, or doctors office they would not be in a store unless they were servicing their car or needed a new or used vehicle.

So the question is why is it that customers who visit the showroom don't buy cars?…

No matter how sophisticated or rudimentary your website provider‘s reporting platform is, having Google Analytics on your website is a “no-brainer”.  You want to “trust, but verify” your website provider’s analytics by making sure they are similar to those in Google Analytics.  At DealerOn, we have made it a standard part of our process to create a Google Analytics account for each of our customers’ websites. 

Luckily, if your auto…

BDC, Internet Department, Web Sites.  Yes it seems that dealers are really jumping in on doing business in the 21st century.  Me too.  I am always looking for ways to spread the word, promote, solicit, and generate business using the power and the economy of the Internet.  In fact, just this morning, I sent out a small blast to 500 select dealers promoting a new service offering.  I was amazed and shocked at what I learned.

Our…

I remember as a child my mother sitting us kids down after a holiday or birthday to write handwritten thank you notes for any gifts we had been given.  It was a chore that as a child I found little value and a whole lot of grief in participating.  As an adult, I have learned that it is the little things in life that make an experience memorable. 

We all have mailboxes full of canned…

How can car dealerships all over the world get more appointments that show up at your automotive dealership? In order to determine the answer to this fantastic question, we need to look at the problem first.

The problem is: salespeople, managers, service writers, even BDC representatives are not giving customers a reason to return the dealership. They may be calling the customer back, but best intentions rarely get you to the finish line.

The question is what are they…

I love watching good, strong short motivational videos.  I just watched the Steve Job commencement address at Stanford, though it was 15 minutes long it's Steve Jobs...So I was entertained.  My personal favorite under ten minutes is Anthony Robbins telling the Sylvester Stallone Story.   I am curious who might have other great motivational stuff for me to listen to (Short and to the point to get my day going) and share with everyone here.  Thank you in advance for any thoughts and…

I tweaked a speech by General Patton for a sales meeting; enjoy...

"Sales staff, this stuff that some sources sling around about Lithia wanting out of this sales war, not wanting to sell, is a crock of bull. Lithians love to fight and to sell, traditionally. All real Lithians love the sting and clash of negotiating. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to provide for your families and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because…

Volkswagen Dealership located in the Carolinas is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate to fill the position of automotive sales manager. Candidate must have extensive successful experience running a Volkswagen Store as well as possess team building and leadership skills. Ideal candidate will be able to seize Volkswagen momentum to grow business.

This is a long-range career opportunity with generous compensation, flexible schedule and full benefits package. There are unlimited…

I've been known to buy things that I don't need. 

I'm not a hoarder. You won't see me on A&E, at least not yet.  I prefer to call myself a "Supporter of a Good Salesman."

That being said, I'm a tough girl to sell. I have years and years of bad relationships and mommy/daddy issues that can attest to this. Also a monthly visit to a therapist who will state in a court of law, that I don't buy it…