Are You A Leader Or A Manager?
There are some very important distinctions between being a manager, and being a leader. Not all managers are leaders, and not all leaders are managers. It’s really fantastic when you get a manager who is also a leader, but you don’t have to be at the top of the organization to lead.
A New Chapter for AutoSuccess
Last month, AutoSuccess began an exciting new journey — one that will allow us to take our mission of serving automotive sales professionals to the next level. After 16 years as a solo publication, AutoSuccess has joined the Babcox Media family, giving us greatly increased access to resources and expertise. With the tools now available
Greetings from a New Partner
Hello, AutoSuccess readers! Since this is the first time you’re seeing my face, I feel I should properly introduce myself. I’m Sean Donohue, and I am a group publisher for Babcox Media, a media company that is aligned heavily in the automotive aftermarket, heavy-duty fleet equipment and powersports industries. And now, thanks to our new
Recon Accountability and Profit Align at Three-Day ADR
I don’t mean to squeeze more juice from an already tired cliché, but time is money in used car reconditioning. Get used inventory spiffed up and to the sales line in three days, consistently, and that’s the sound of money. For years I have been promoting Time-to-Market (TTM) workflow as the measurement of exceptional reconditioning
Stop the Turnover: A Frank Look at Why Your Service Advisors are Leaving
If we focus on the needs of our people, they’ll be more satisfied with their current career instead of looking to the next one. That will reduce our employee turnover and create more consistency with our customers, which is a key component to keeping your guests coming back.
Getting Unstuck: Ways to Break Yourself Out of the Everyday Rut
“The danger in playing a piece over and over again lies in getting stuck in a rut where you don’t ask questions anymore and you always play it the same way.” — Itzhak Perlman We’ve all had those times in our careers when we’re stuck in a rut, or even might be losing ground. Days
So, What Makes You Different?
Every automotive dealer believes that they run the best operation and do everything a little better than their competition. But, is this true? I have the pleasure of going to all regions of the country every week and walking into automotive stores that are new to me. I can assure you that, for most of
If You Think You’re Covered for Safety Recalls – You’re Not
Compliance pressures are increasing, yet safety recall data errors and timing issues continue to challenge dealers to know the safety recall status vehicles they are acquiring, currently have in inventory and those that they have previously sold and serviced. Big Problem Last year saw a record number of recalls, impacting more than 53.2 million vehicles.
Is Your GM the Right GM for Your Bottom Line?
Lots of folks suit up to look the part. Unless the general manager of your dealership looks the part and plays that role hard, though, with passion and an enduring commitment to excellence, your dealership will not be great. GMs fill big shoes. They cover a lot of acreage in their responsibilities — staying atop
Spending Time Wasting Time
I think about time a lot. It’s the one thing that is truly in limited supply. No matter who we are or what we do, we each have 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year. Is there enough time to do everything I need and want to do in the 525,600
The Real Product of a BDC: Rapport
How do you befriend a skittish puppy? You crouch down to the pup’s level, hold your hand out — but not too far — palm face up, and wait patiently until he approaches, haltingly at first, sniffs your fingers and then finally licks your palm. Then you can reach behind his ears with your
The Importance of Employment Branding
Employment branding: a company’s reputation as an employer, or how great a place it is to work — a must for today’s prospective employees. Dealerships have always placed a heavy emphasis on attracting consumers and cultivating a company brand for them, but with Millennials now making up the majority of the workforce and consumer base,