Dealer Data Vaults: The Holy Grail of Data
If you’re like most dealerships today, one thing you are not short of is data. Regardless of which DMS you use, the system constantly collects data. Your CRM system does the same, as does your website and whatever third-party sites you’re marketing on.
Is There Really a Technician Shortage?
Employers today must have a very attractive offer in order for good technicians to respond.
Just Text Me
Text is now the preferred method of communications for U.S. adults. It has a 99% open rate compared to email’s 20% (at best), making it a far more effective form of communication. However, most dealerships’ websites still have countless clever — and annoying — ways to attempt to get a consumer to fill out a lead form.
Hire for Attitude, Not Skills
High employee turnover continues to be a top concern for car dealers, and a strong economy with low unemployment rates doesn’t help.
6 Key Strategies to Increase Your Dealership’s Sales Efficiency
While it hasn’t been a banner year for many car dealerships in the U.S., some brands are doing well, and some dealerships are bucking the trend with robust sales figures. The more successful dealerships have one thing in common: both their operations and marketing are firing on all cylinders.
Preparing for the 2020 Applicant Economy
With the summer sales season in full swing, it might be hard to imagine planning ahead and preparing for the demands next year will hold. But this is the time to start thinking about what is working and what needs to change to set your dealerships up for a successful 2020. Your best bet will be to start planning for the needs of your true competitive advantage: your people.
Volunteering as a Hiring Guide & Benefit
I’m always inspired after reading through our contributors’ articles each month. Their willingness to share their leadership, sales and marketing advice is a testament to the generosity of our industry.
Video Merchandising
I never thought that I would be advising dealers to shoot video with a cellphone, however, advances in cellphone technology in just the last two years have made me rethink video hardware.
Business Intelligence 101
Given the importance of being a data-driven organization in today’s economy, it’s imperative to understand what “Business Intelligence” actually encompasses and how it can help with providing strategic and tactical advantages for improving business performance and results.
Written Permission to Conduct Background Checks
In order for an employer to conduct a background check for employment purposes, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires written permission from the applicant to authorize the employer to conduct a background check through a third-party provider; a background screening company.
Look Before You Leap
It’s advice that’s been around for centuries and still makes sense: look before you leap. As a business owner or manager, you want to ensure you have all the information needed to make a decision before making it.
The Voice of Your Customer
If you’ve been to an automotive industry conference in the past several years, you’ve likely seen service providers offering some combination of artificial intelligence, digital retailing or subscription/alternative ownership solutions. They promise that these features will lead to increased loyalty, customer satisfaction and improved margins.
