It’s odd how, in the fortnight that passes between these lite essays, the theme for the next one always appears out of recent dealer visits.  For example, if I write about lead response times it’s because, unexplainably, LRT became an issue multiple times in my visits during the two weeks prior. 

The issue that revealed itself this time is Over-Thinking The Lead.  I had some poor mystery shops, and from stores that should know better and do better.  When we looked for a…

I’ll bet you when you got into sales, you didn’t think of yourself as a prostitute nor a jaywalker. I don’t remember putting the word “prostitute” as the position I was applying for. Morally, we are neither one; but professionally, we have characteristics of both. See if your recognize yourself:

• Prostitutes: Prostitutes are waiters; they wait for something happen. Normally prostitutes hang out with other prostitutes on the corner and are unwilling to look…

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…

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.…

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…

May Sales Drop – A Blip or a Trend?

Just when we were beginning to feel good about the auto industry following eight months of sales growing by percentages in the double digits, sales plunged in May, down 4% from May of last year.

The question is whether the drop will be a trend the rest of the year or a “minor” disruption for a couple of months. The major challenge is lack of inventory resulting from the earthquake in Japan earlier this year. The lack of inventory has led to…

(originally published 6/3/2011 on Dealer magazine)

The other day, I started thinking about all the friends I’ve made that I met because they bought a car from me. I’m not talking about acquaintance-type friends, I’m talking about people that are involved in my life, and have been for a long…

As an invited guest to the NAS Pensacola National Naval Aviation Museum, I had the honor of attending the "winging" of a group of young aviators.  Rear Admiral Mark Vance was the guest speaker to address this assembly of recently graduated Navy and Marine aviators with a welcome to the fleet speech.  I found myself feeling like I too was being given a "charge to order on the tip of the spear".  The…

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…

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…

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…

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"You don't get paid for the hour.  You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.” 

~ Jim Rohn

Recently, I had a day in which the time seemed to sit still.  I glanced at the clock for the tenth time and it was only 1:30pm.  How could this be?  I felt like…

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…

With summer here and hot weather with it, what is proper attire for dealership employees? At our dealership our sales, parts , and service are allowed to wear polo style shirt with our company logo but no jeans and no shorts. The first dealer I ever worked for required dress shirt and tie (and they still do). Some other dealers in our area allow shorts and polo shirts. So my question is what is professional attire in todays market? Does it depend on what…

Disappointment

If I live whispering the words, if only,

I will live a life that bears no fruit and ends quite lonely.

My dreams and fortunes are waiting to be found,

all I have to do is flip those 2 words around.

Going from a wish to a demand,

puts my future back in my hands,

the plane of success only I can land.

If only I had fortune and fame,

I can, only if I develop a reputation and build…