Multiple Job Posting Alert!

To my network seeking a new opportunity with a great, growing and exciting organization:

Dealer Teamwork LLC is a company I can personally vouch for. Based in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, they have needs in-house and virtual.

Do you know someone who should be seeing this employment opportunity?

Is it you?

Feel free to reach out to hashtag#DealerTeamwork directly, or pm me if you'd like more info. I'll do my best to help you both.

Thank you to my very good friends and colleagues including James Klaus for posting these career opps today!

hashtag#BetterTogether

hashtag#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

hashtag#MakingADifference

If the Suicide Epidemic is on your mind like it is on mine, here are some thoughts on my heart as well this morning.

I normally don't repost from my personal Social Media, but I am sharing FB post from today. I cannot say professionally that #PeopleMatter and then stay quiet about an issue affecting more people and those they love daily. Because when I say that #PeopleMatter at work, then what I really mean is that 'People Simply Matter.'

If your new and improved HR department has actually made it harder and not easier for you to help your team, you might want to re-think your true culture. I lost a co-worker at my last job. Absolutely gut-wrenching. I saw a picture of him again a few days ago from one of my many photos I love taking at work. How could I have helped? Look around your office, take the initiative and please lead the way and do what you can. Here is the post. And please be well.

"If the suicide epidemic is on your mind today like it is mine, here are some things on my heart to consider.

Do we spend all our time in the sadness the rearview mirror holds, or look through the windshield to see all of the opportunity to help and support that lies right in front of us?

While many are facing internal demons and mental health issues we are not personally equipped to handle, not every case is as severe, and many times a community and a sense of community can help.

>Call someone you haven't talked to you in awhile. Your voice alone could make a difference.

>Offer a coffee, a kindness, a shoulder. How long since someone was kind to this person?

>Think mindfully about those around you. Don't make assumptions.

>Seek them out. They won't seek you out.

>Donate $$ to a suicide crisis center. You can always help there, but $ can help immediately.

Times are clearly taking a toll on people. Unkindness, Isolation, Hopelessness. Money, hotlines, medicine... none alone will be the great eradicator.

I feel compelled to add...if you are struggling, ask for help or call a friend before it gets so overwhelming that those things no longer feel like options.

God rest your souls, Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and the hundreds who have already joined you since your passing.

We can do better. We have to do better."

Disruption is Coming! Disruption Is Coming!

6+ Reasons Why We Are Not Sounding The 'Disruption Alert' Bell

You couldn't enter a room or even the most casual conversation at NADA last month without hearing the word 'disruption.' Some of the faces showed panic, others the "I'm the expert" sideways look, some leaned in and others, well others are still circling one of the multiple Moscone buildings looking for a place to grab lunch without a 45 minute line. Clearly some appetites and seating arrangements were suffering from disruption. Even here on LinkedIn, everyone is aligning themselves with the latest, but not really greatest, buzzword. Here's how it looks and sounds:

Fear. Gloom. Doom. Panic. Dueling Experts. Confusing Rhetoric.

Mixed Messages. Buy This. Stop That. Panic 7.0...

And for god's sake... what is the plan? Perhaps every dealer should all hurry home and spend an inordinate amount of money chasing a villain we don't even have a police sketch for yet. And don't forget the other side of the plan...'hope'. Just kidding. You would never advise anyone to execute a plan involving your entire business, 100s of employees and countless millions of dollars in this manner. That would be a terrible plan, wouldn't it? But apparently it's the 'plan' we have become far too comfortable living with in our industry. Money + Hope. Are you ready to take on the 'D' word as a strategy instead?

Here are our Top 6+ reasons why we aren't panicking and how we know you can navigate this with a little help from your friends at Foster Strategies Group.

Attention! Apparently all it took to get many dealers to begin paying attention to the change that has been occurring, simply took changing the word from 'change' to 'disruption!' There are always changes happening from multiple fronts. We do happen to be living in a time where we have moved from a Category 1 storm to something more significant. But this is not new news...and you still have a little time to prepare. Now that we have your attention...

Appointment- Gather your notes, your team and set an appointment to have 'The Big Talk.' These talks might feel as awkward to start as when your dad said, "Hey Pete, let's go grab some ice cream." Trust us, although the 'Disruption Big Talk' may be uncomfortable at first, not nearly as much as that unforgettable ride home, this is about the future health of your business. So get on with it. It is imperative you find a time on the calendar for this important appointment with your entire leadership team and schedule it with 2-3 week's advance notice so everyone can be prepared. To be treated with the importance required, this cannot a last minute fire drill. Prepare a list of starter questions for the leader of each and every vertical of your business, with the requirement that everyone must prepare in advance and be astute enough about any approaching headwinds, vendor updates or other valuable insights to contribute powerfully to this critical and strategic Appointment.

Agenda- First, for a meeting as important as this, you may want someone to step in to moderate. To help ensure you have a good working environment and keep moving forward purposefully and productively, create an agenda which includes all topics and departments and also allows ample time for discovery...even vocabulary review. There are a lot of new words and terminologies in a rapidly changing marketplace like ours. This is no time to make assumptions that everyone understood when they nodded their 'yes', so do a knowledge check a few times to get everyone comfortable we are in a safe, growth and learning dialogue. It is your job to ensure no one dominates, all are heard, everything is on the table and understood.

Ability- As your meeting progresses, it will most likely be punctuated by enthusiasm or exciting discoveries. Caution and patience will need to reign for the moment. This is not a time for knee-jerk reactions or supposed quick-fix solutions. Listen carefully, gather information and ask questions around 'Ability':

• What do we have the ability to learn right now?

• What is our opportunity and what are we comfortable investing financially to reach it?

• Who do we need to bring into this conversation, internally or externally, prior to going forward?

• Do the people we have currently in specific roles have the ability and capacity to do more or learn these new processes or tools?

• How much of the changes suggested can this leadership team absorb and coach?

• Is every individual leader on the team capable of making these changes?

• What other questions should you be asking yourself and others?

5. Accountability- Change is constant, especially today and this environment requires a continuous improvement commitment from your team. No exceptions. Make sure you design a process to make it clear and achievable for all in leadership to truly lead in words and in their actions. Doing this prior to any changes may be uncomfortable for you at the onset, but will save you endless hours of time you can no longer afford. Your coaches must be coachable to ever be fully effective. Let everyone know your clear expectations and hold them accountable.

6. Action- Get going! Even with the best preparation, you will almost certainly make mistakes or at least missteps. If you did your homework and delivered on your strategy, you should easily be able to pinpoint what you missed or what failed. Identify it, fix it and move forward. This is far better than dying in a pool of analysis paralysis. Fail less frequently as you fail your way upward, and keep taking Action!

Now that we have laid out 6 of the most important ways for you to take on the 'disruption' conversation, we hope you don't see it as disruptive. Anything is manageable if you take it seriously and allocate the time and resources responsibly.

Wait, before we close out! We told you there was a 'Plus' to this how-to list.

These pluses are two of the most important items regardless of your initiative.

++ Acknowledge and Award++ Acknowledge individuals, teams, targets, creativity, innovation, accomplishments, successes, 'best failures' and so on! Go overboard in your celebration of the spirited environment of relentless pursuit of change! Let everyone- including your customers,your employee's families and your vendor partners- know that these people and their contributions made towards taking 'disruption' head-on were necessary, appreciated and absolutely were rewarded.

We love the automotive industry and the people in it. Keep watching as we look to drive positive and profitable change, starting right here with you today.

Disruption??? You've met your match. All the best as you take on the Big 'D'!

laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com www.fosterstrategiesgroup.com

#TransformingAutomotivePerformance

Beat Your Challenges and Engage Your Team through Inspiration, Innovation and Transformation

Seeking 'Transformation' doesn't indicate you are broken.

'Innovation' doesn't mean you throw everything you ever knew out. "Which comes first?"you ask. We'll get to that later.

It was suggested to me, ever so gently, that when a client hears about or reads my posts about 'Transformation', 'Innovation' and 'What Is Possible' this can sound scary or suggest they are failing. Hmmmm. He then shared that it might actually prevent clients from calling!Well, who wants that? Frankly, if one was this easily frightened, my invoice will give them heart failure. So this 'transformation' conversation could help me avoid this situation.

Change is hard. Sure. But it's a lot harder when you don't understand the real challenge, uncover the most logical and helpful path to overcome it and explain to everyone why and how we are implementing this innovation.

Let me introduce to you a small peek into how I approach a challenge.

My very frequent business traveler colleagues have faced this situation often. I'll keep it easy to follow and visualize. Just imagine it...close your eyes... wait, after you finish reading!

The Scene

In most hotel rooms, there is rarely enough 'flat surface' space for all we need to do. I am a Platinum Premier for Life with Marriott. I truly hope this means nothing to you! But it does mean I know this landscape well as some years have included 200+ nights of hotel stays.

The desk is typically placed awkwardly, with 8 pieces of hotel marketing, the phone, and lamp that won't budge, lack of plug-in spots. And then you think you might actually want to watch the news while working- TV refuses to bend. If you roll the chair back at all, you are usually backing up into the bed and can't move around it. The not-too-comfy chair in the corner looks appealing, but it's the wrong height! God forbid you think about eating in here also.

Are you with me? You've been here, too, right?!

One day, after 100s and 100s of nights in this situation, I stopped and just stood there. What was I missing, what could I use? I had a project requiring a lot of surface space for my notes, my laptop, all the things. Everything needed to be charged as well.

Bonus Tip #1- Think A-B-C on the road and you'll never regret it.

No matter what, Always Be Charging! No matter your device or battery power, if there is a USB or outlet nearby, use it!

Back to our story...hotel room, nowhere to go with all of my work...standing there, twisting my hair...

VOILA! AHA! EUREKA!

And What I Refer To As: My Life Before and After My Innovation

What could give me needed space, be adjustable, move near outlets, let me see out a window??? What could let me add on an L-extension to my desk or sit in a slightly softer chair while working? What could possible move up and down to the height I needed?

It was there. With a purpose of its own. But it was ready and willing to be called into duty. But I had to see it differently, think about it differently. Use it differently.

I should charge you for this.

Ready???

The Ironing Board! ( I heard you gasp!)

It was always right there!!! It took more than the challenge of needing the space. Millions have faced this. It took the willingness to step back and apply critical thinking, look for inspiration and innovation.

Nothing was thrown out. In fact, all of the pieces of furniture in the room actually became MORE useful, not less! My time in the room was LESS frustrating and MORE productive.

I used what was available to its Maximum Potential. And this is how I approach business challenges.

If you have read enough already to know you'd like to work with us, Click here to set up a confidential conversation.

https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19

From Challenge to Transformation in Results

Most companies face challenges. Or want to go all 'Next Level' and achieve more.

Clearly Define Your Challenge

Conduct A Clinical Examination of What You Currently Have Available - People, Stuff, Products, Buildings, Customers....

Curiosity! Shuffle it- Scramble it. What is it really? What could it be?

Collect All Ideas

Choose the Most Effective, Efficient, Easy and Enjoyable Path

Communicate To Everyone - And tell them how you arrived here. And what is now possible.

Create Transformation in Your Results and Culture.

Now that this is possible, What Else Is Possible?

Your 'Before and After' Innovation and Transformation

Now that you see me working here, happily, efficiently, what is a challenge you are facing?

If you are ready for the thrill today and the successful future offered you by applying Innovation and Transformation to your team, let's talk. Connect with me today and I guarantee we will have a great conversation. I love hearing what you are working toward and how we can help.

At Foster Strategies Group, we don't just talk about #Transforming Automotive, we live for it. We see a better future for you, using your people, your stuff, just changing it up to get the most out of everything you do.

Now back to the drawing, I mean Ironing Board. What is your latest Innovation? Please share them with us and definitely share those pics of you happily working away in your hotel room! If we get 10 or more pics by the end of May, I will give out a free night at a Marriott -out of my own points! I would love to spend them on you having a great night away- and I would really love to see your Ironing Board At Work pics!

The Ironing Board Innovation Awards are ON! Look for the Inspiration, Innovation and Transformation as you go...it's all around you. Your own 'Before and After' story is right around the corner.

-Laurie

If you are starting to think you and your teams would benefit from a partner who can bring new insights and success levels to your organization, Click here to set up a confidential conversation. Thank you again for reading this article!

https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19

PS: A special nod to a great colleague, George Nenni, of Generations Digital for his inspiration today!

Pps: Bonus Tip #2: Want Maximum Engagement and Results?

Always apply the Foster Strategies Group's 4 E's to any new venture with your team:

• Is it Effective?

• Is it Efficient?

• Is it Easy?

• Is it Enjoyable?

You make sure all of those - all four- are in place and you will be more successful than before!

#WhatIsPossible

#BetterTogether

#TransformingAutomotivePerformance

My 10-15 Minute Tips to Make Business Reading Effective... and Enjoyable! Bonus, Meet Some Incredible Writers Who Can Change Your Professional Life.

Barriers To Books

Fortunately for me, reading was an important part of my life from very early on. But maybe that's not the same for you, or you haven't taken/had time to do much reading lately.

Whether it's out of lack of interest or time, the result is the same. It's not the financial investment, since every library has physical and online bookshelves right in your community for no cost at all. Stop missing out on powerful, brilliant tools that could help you accomplish your personal goals, meet your company's objectives and make a much more impressive impact. I'm pretty confident that if you are reading this, you are committed to continuing to grow and develop yourself, and others.

Someone Else Did the Heavy Lifting

These authors all began with an idea, a concept, a challenge- one that many of you are facing. They spent months, year even, collecting and curating research with professionals. Stats, surveys, interviews, professors, real-people...and then did the hardest part, put it into a format you could easily carry, mark up, and refer back to whenever you want...or need. All typically for between $12 and $30.

Take advantage of the years and years of compounded expertise and look at your next book option as a Time-Saving Tool instead of a chore.

10-15 Minutes that Will Change Your Mind On Reading

This is NOT a novel where you will RUIN the ending! These are books, packed full of information, and even the smallest slices can make a difference.So if time- or lack of interest in reading itself- are issues, here are a few tips from me and my website:

• Choose what catches your interest. That's probably the best place to begin.

• Inside the cover, write one quick note to yourself on why you picked this book. "I heard this might help me with ideas to____" -something like that.

• Grab a highlighter or pen, or add separate sheets of paper and tuck into your book for when you have time

• Read the Index- highlight what interests you most.

• Flip through the book quickly, highlighting not just the section headers, but the EDGES of those pages- quick way to find key sections.

• Read the opening paragraph + closing page of any sections that appealed to you.

• Take a minute to look at the graphics or charts- what are they saying and why? Does this look like something that would help?

• Flip back through and see what you already learned in 10-15 minutes

Enjoy It Your Way- Paper or Podcast

Dive in wherever you like! Do you feel like some topics grab your attention more than others? Go there. Imagine yourself at a pool- which part is most enjoyable to you at this moment? You don't have to do a swan-dive into the deep end or do 50 laps in the marked lanes to enjoy the pool. Sit on the side, dangle your feet in or wade in up to your waist. Who told you that one way was better than the other. Just get started and enjoy your material, your way.

More people than ever are enjoying podcasts and audiobooks- be sure to use some of the same tips above for getting the most out of your listening. Join millions of daily listeners, find authors you think you might enjoy- listen, and then grab their printed material for more depth.

We find this in the coaching we do for our clients as well. Where are they most comfortable- and what will they actually take action on...and enjoy?!

Saving Time-Finding Great Authors You Can Trust

I pay close attention to not simply the topic of the book, but who wrote it. The style and tone of an author, coupled with their talent and knowledge, are very essential components to me as I read.

You can read much more on these people, but here is my introduction to you of carefully selected writers you can trust:

Business:

@Jim Clifton of the Gallup Companies, 'Born to Build', 'It's the Manager' , @Bob Burg, 'Go Giver' series, @Erica Peitler, 'Leadership Rigor' and 'Leadership on the Ground' @David A Fields, 'Irresistable Consultant's Guide to Winning Clients, @Sean Covey, 'The Four Disciplines of Execution, @Malcom Gladwell, 'The Tipping Point', 'Blink' 'Outliers' and for today, we will wrap with John Doerr, 'Measure What Matters'

Professional Development:

@Margie Warrell 'Live Bravely', @Melinda Gates, 'The Moment of Lift', @Ray Dalio, 'Principles'

Other: Always- Always, Michael Lewis! 'Moneyball', 'The Big Short', 'Blind Side'...some of my best insights ever for my business were in Moneyball

You're Never Alone Again

Suddenly, you will see your opportunities and challenges differently, and you will know you are never alone. Someone else has cut a path for you.

You'll know you are on your way when you begin applying what you read, listening for the recommendations of others and looking for new opportunities to secure brilliance from these writers. Who knows, maybe you will become a person others look to for the latest recommendations and insights. You might even find yourself sharing your books, podcast lists and may even 'Amazon' books to a colleague you believe would enjoy and benefit from one of your latest reads.

Not only are you never alone again with your challenges, you will help others when they need a lifeline like the words in these books can provide. You offer help they need, when they need it most, in the form of a $15 book or podcast, and you have a friend for life. Be the trusted colleague. Make 15 minutes and enjoy the unlimited benefits!

More to Come

I will be writing more on some of these books and authors soon, but in the meantime, look for our upcoming webinar and podcast series, 'Transforming Automotive.' At Foster Strategies Group, we are committed to continuous improvement, and work with leaders to do the same. I hope you give reading, especially these authors, a renewed chance and some of your time. It's worth it.

We would love to hear more about who you are reading and the latest benefits you have seen from the material you discovered. Send your notes to laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com.

To our success- Laurie

If you're interested in learning more about working with people committed to their ongoing improvement and yours, click here to set up a confidential conversation.

https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19

The Saturday Morning Sales Meeting

It's your Big Day. You waited all week for it.

And you're about to kick it off in the best way possible.

With a great big, one hour meeting that will inevitably run over until you hear "Hey boss, I've got people coming in" and with 15% of your team standing in the back, 20% half asleep (they were there until 11 last night) 3 guys missing, "has anyone seen Bill???" and that one guy that's always running a little late. Ready?! Let's do this!

We have a LOT to cover this morning, so let's get started. Are you fired UP?!!! (someone please hit that motivational music track you love)

Sales Training

We'll have to get back to this later, unfortunately. See the manager over there behind the desk? He forgot it was his turn. He's either: A) Going to feverishly put something together, after of course, he finds the topic he was supposed to be talking on... OR

B) He's going to WING IT! Yes, Mike, "Big Mike" says he forgot, but no worries. He has been in the biz for 38 years and is going to wing it. There are 47 people in a crowded room that can't wait to hear how long he goes on this time!!!

Now it's time for...

Incentives!!!

This is the math of our business. The difference maker for our customers. The factory just released some incredible programs...let's listen in...

New Car Manager pulls multi-folded, multi-page papers out of pocket.

NCM: "So it looks like we just got another $1500 plus 1.9% on the ______ (inaudible) . No wait, that's Or, not Plus. But we do have another 500 on the LT version. But for the 36 months. The 84 month is something %. Not with the current incentives though. The lease is better. It's 299 for 39 months with 5000 down, if they are a returning lessee and if they qualify for the retired teachers incentive. Everyone got that?"

Confused?! Don't worry- your entire team is, so they will rush the tower repeatedly today to clarify. Odds are someone will yell at them for not remembering.

Sales Targets

We need a BIG DAY! When we went around the room on the 5th, you all told us you would each sell 25 units. Well, it's the 25th and you are averaging 7.2. So we need a BIG DAY! We can turn this thing around RIGHT NOW.

First person to sell 3 gets to leave early, or get 500, or write their own schedule for the week.

We need everyone on their 'A GAME' today. We've got great incentives, good weather and lots of Appointments on the board...which takes us to...

Appointments

This one is special. You have 47 appointments on the board. But 1/2 of them are real, maybe, only some were 'confirmed' which meant a manager hurriedly called them to check the box and said they were here to help. No discovery. And some of those appointments were set on Tuesday for today. Again, don't worry. They won't be clogging up your showroom, because right now they are driving their new car past your dealership on their way to the beach/the big game/Lowe's today.

We won't need to start worrying about these appointments until about 4pm when we haven't sold very many vehicles. And we certainly won't want to have a better process for this next week. We'll just keep telling people that "If you don't have appointments, you're not in business!!!" Which may be true, but, there is a little bit of opportunity to vastly improve this message.

Housekeeping

Here we go, this is one of the crowd's favorites. If there were only emojis for the faces you are about to see:

"Who parked the ______ in front of the _____?) Bill, didn't you have a customer on that late last night?"

"We're still missing the key for the____"

"Who left personal info for their customer in the____ room?"

"Don't smoke within ____ feet of the ___ unless you are a manager."

"We are going to rearrange the lot this morning for our BIG DAY! Everyone needs to get grab keys and help out." Please note, a minor miracle is about to take place. 65% of your team suddenly has a CUSTOMER in the Showroom or that 'will be here any minute and I have to get ready for them'... It's going to be a great day!

Rewards

It's time to...Spin that wheel!

Did you know, you have people on your teams whose financial life for the week is literally hanging on a good spin or surprise incentive

If they don't get the $300 spin, the light bill goes unpaid. And they will spend half of today looking online for another job with a predictable, even if lower, income.

They are tired of the ups and downs...and no ability to work a second job due to the hours.

I thought you might want to know. They will never tell you this. But now, it's time for them to strengthen their knowledge base, get focused, because here comes their...

SALES TRAINING!!!

Every Associate and Manager is taking notes. On lunch. Where should we order from today? But wait, first we have to handle breakfast. "I'll buy if you fly" ( I had plenty of free meals based on this BTW, Thank you very much. )

The topic meanders, the audience wanders, the receptionist is paging overheard that there are customers in the Showroom. No one will remember/apply/benefit from this. We just spent 78 people hours on this part alone. And the people who needed it, didn't get it.

Now it's time for everyone's favorite...

LET'S GO AROUND THE ROOM!!!

You will now get an opportunity to hear from the Managers who say, "I think Steve said it all...I really don't have anything to add."

Finance telling everyone to "get in all of your paperwork because we are too busy making 3-5x all of you to do this ourselves." (Fact, check the latest reports from NADA)

That one guy who was waiting all week for this opportunity to vent...and never fails to deliver. ( I always wonder what his life is like at home, don't you?)

Closing

(Crowd is starting to stand as GM or Dealer steps up)

"We want you all to know how much we appreciate you and the fact that your family and friends are all doing something exceptionally meaningful today without you. Your time is valuable to us and we are going to have a BIG DAY. Of course, if we don't, you can still stay until after closing to finally get your one sale through F&I."

Is There A Better Way?

While this may sound like an exaggeration or amusing to you, does it to your Sales Team? I was right there...in all of those roles. Sometimes on the 'oops I could have done more' end. But that was a long time ago. I have spent years improving the lives of all dealership personnel and care about each of you - your goals, your career, your effectiveness. You put in the hours, let's make them count even more.

We can help you create structure, purpose and results in your meetings. But you have to start planning now. Once you get the rhythm and use the new templates we create, your job will get easier, your team will actually LOOK FORWARD to these meetings and most important your effectiveness with your team and your results will greatly improve.

Take an inside out look and ask yourself if it's time to do more. Your competition might be. With record low unemployment, talent is hard to find and costly to lose. Meetings like this can erode or strengthen their performance. We care about all of you. And we can help.

Now go out there, motivate your teams, and I'll take care of motivating you.

Contact us today- or after your busy Saturday is in the books.

Click here to set up a confidential conversation and we'll get you on a path to success!

https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19

www.fosterstrategiesgroup.com

269.217.0414

Women in Automotive 2019 Reflections

I truly enjoyed this year's Women In Automotive conference. There were so many'moments that mattered' and laughter and serious conversations. Being asked to contribute to two sessions was such a privilege. I appreciate the partnership of those who were there with me as we delivered important information with candor and honest, all the while encouraging others to manage themselves to higher levels.

I want to thank so many people who work all year to make this a reality. Subi Ghosh, Kathy Gilbert, Evelyn Chatel, Jody DeVere, Lisa Copeland, Kerri Reese Wise, Christy Roman and many, many more...thank you. And Shasta...and Charlie and Eliana...and more!

We Meet Again

The conversations were as hopeful as I have yet to see and hear.

Relationships and camaraderie are spreading.

The messages are becoming more focused on inner and professional strength over 'girl power' themes.

All excellent signals.

We Contributed to A Good Cause

We all walked in with no idea we would be instrumental in packaging food for 10,000 meals for kids. I join the dozens of others who measured, packed, sealed and counted these small tokens of nourishment who shared my overwhelming appreciation for being included in this operation. Thank you for thinking of this- thank you for allowing us to help- thank you for the conversations we shared ( and the hairnets and the laughs) as we celebrated each box being filled by the ringing of the cowbell and the subsequent cheering.

Feeding Children Everywhere had an outstanding team on hand to keep us from harm's way and on task! Thank you. We all were better for this.

Women in Dealerships

But with all of this being said, with over 18,000 franchise dealers and another 8,000+ independent operators, there were probably not even 150 female dealership personnel at the conference. It's a big country, friends. So maybe 3 women per STATE were there. All business has room to cover with this conversation, including our factory and vendor partners. But I return home concerned that most of the women who are in automotive at the retail/dealership level are still grossly under-served and unnoticed. 3 per state. We can do better.

These women constitute under 20% of the total headcount at retail stores.What is even more alarming are the reports that their collective comp is under 8% of the operations they work in. They're not collecting the big 'car money' we hear about.

What does this mean?

We're not attracting women to work in this industry.

We're not growing them. This applies to the largest organizations. Fact.

They leave at a greater frequency even if they do stay initially.

They are not becoming Leaders, Decision makers, Influencers. Rather, they continue to be at the short of the power equation for the decisions made, primarily by male leadership who may or may not appreciate their skills.

They are not allowed or included in conversations. Those casual chats at work are full of info that can be easily absorbed and applied. But not if you aren't in them.

Less than 2% of our stores are led by women who worked their way up in the organization.

Only an added 3% are led by women who grew into the family business.

So while there was much fun, much to be encouraged about, we have so, so much work to do.

If you believe, like I do, that we truly are #BetterTogether, that is.

It is now time to set the table and invite more women to it if we are going to start to experience the benefits women and a diverse workforce can provide. We can no longer simply bring them in simply to have them clean up after the meals.

Yes, we've seen the break room at your store. And we know who empties your fridge.

New Partnerships and Relationships

To our female friends in the Vendor spaces and our OEM partners, please keep pressing ahead in your worlds. We're here to help you also. But please, please do take time in your travels and conversations to look out for those women occupying seats in our dealerships. Your interaction with them might be the first encouragement they've had in a while. And be ready to learn from their inside perspective as well.

Thank you again to all of the great people I met and those who wanted to be or were introduced to me. I am eternally grateful.

Back to working on all that is possible. Signing off for now, but not for long-

Laurie

Ready for a real discussion on how we can help?

Click here to set up your confidential conversation.

https://meetings.hubspot.com/laurie19

Transforming Automotive Begins with You

What if I told you you had the power to grant wishes?  What if instead of wishing something for yourself you wished them for your clients this week?

To my automotive family, vendors, OEMs and dealers, let's think about this when considering the partners that we have in our business.

To our vendor friends, think about  3 things that could contribute mightily to your dealer clients' success.

Dealer friends...same question. What are three things you wish you could contribute to the success of your vendors and professional partners?

There's something quite special about the word 'Wish' I'm choosing.

It requires going beyond and actually caring, having a relationship with your client or partner. Their success should matter to you.

There is so much more strength, power and possibility when you seek to contribute to those that are in your path whether it be business or personal.

Tonight I'm wishing you all this next level of care, concern and contribution for those you serve.

Unlock new levels of opportunity when you begin to wish it for others.

Focus on one. Feel their pain, wish for them to succeed.  Become their ally

Watch what happens.

We are committed to our path of 

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships 

You are #BetterTogether. Just watch.

Why Foster Growth Strategies?

Many Dealers + GMs feel their stores could be more profitable.  We agree. In fact, we're confident you're currently leaving money on the table or not maximizing opportunities. No worries.  We can help. Start with our Complimentary Performance Assessment. 

Discovery

We quickly assess your business to uncover your greatest areas of opportunity. 

Strategy 

We offer options to provide strategic, proven paths to start capitalizing on increasing profits.

Implementation

Many firms tell you what you're doing wrong.  We show you how to get it right. We work with you + your teams to create realistic, achievable targets to place you in the right direction quickly.

Execution

We take this part very seriously. We create a dashboard with expectations for all parties with a built-in system enabling you to monitor your progress at a glance. We craft and deliver effective training and education to ensure nothing is lost in the message transfer throughout your organization. 

Accountability + Results

We remain actively engaged to ensure your teams stay moving forward and partner with you to make any necessary adjustments.

How confident are we you will find our approach is effective? We guarantee it. Always. Your business is your legacy. Your future.

Contact us now to schedule your assessment.