Think about Pinking it up

Over the holidays I realized my LinkedIn banner could do a better job of sharing the services I am proud to offer. I changed it up, gave a more focused overview of how I help businesses, checked the colors and edits.

After editing my profile, I uploaded this new piece…thank you Canva!

It looked better.

But was I satisfied? Something was missing.

I wasn’t being brave. Some of you who know me best are already on the ground laughing, but believe me. This took courage.

Was I really offering the subtext of part of my formula for my own success and yours?

So I did it.

I added an Asterisk. A Pink Asterisk. Do you see it now?

And I added the words. ‘Woman Owned and Operated.’

For far too long I longed to be ‘one of the guys’ but I slowly found that being friendly with everyone is different than sounding like the masses. I appreciate all of the great men in my world, but simply being ‘male’ should not give you exclusivity in Automotive. And hiring a ‘guy’ doesn’t guarantee you hired a professional. (Yep, I lost a few of you here, but a few more and now reading more closely.)

A primary differentiator in how I support businesses is powerfully rooted in the fact of being a female in my industry. I have an added and strategic perspective.

My voice was always different just by the very sound of it in conference rooms. I learned not to care about being one of the many- and took bold action- usually void of ‘the club’ and pressed ahead. Because I still didn’t get the popular vote. But more often than not, my ideas were right. Thoughtful, insightful, strategic, actionable and successful. And I’m still here, now working to help as my individuals and businesses as I can to make a needed difference in Automotive.

I am passionate about our industry.

I am concerned about the way many do it.

I can help get to the root causes due to my ability to shut out the noise of the crowd and see what is really happening. And I am constantly studying and collaborating.

I can motivate people because I did the work and I know what will make our efforts a success- because it matters to me. People know when you’re pitching a program and when you are actually enthusiastically invested in their success. People trust this. Not pre-packaged, over-priced programs.

So ‘Pink’ is here. It’s my signal to automotive friends everywhere that a different level of partnership for success is available. If you are wondering why your efforts with previous companies have not been as successful as you had hoped, I encourage you to ask yourself one simple question:

What did their leadership team look like?

If they all wore the exact outfit and looked like your owners, that may be your first clue.

When you are ready to move forward with a partner your team will get behind strategically, enthusiastically and successfully, add a bit of ‘pink’ to your thinking. I’m still surrounded by men in this wonderful world of Automotive, but I am proudly making you aware that my company is:

Women Owned and Operated. Making a Difference in Automotive.

To your success with more Pink in it!

Laurie

Founding Partner -Foster Strategies Group, LLC

269.217.0414

PSA To the Automotive Industry

PSA to any business supporting the Automotive Retail industry:

The topic of incorporating more women in our business has been bantered about for quite some time. Not much changes.

It's understandable actually.

It's just talk and old stats.

First, this isn't a gender conversation, it's about leadership. Without addressing this, expect most 'female' platforms to remain aimless and without results.

As of today, I offer my earned expertise in this area to businesses looking to make genuine strides in improving their leadership landscape and progression paths for people, female and male, who can become highly valued performers and leaders within your company and our shared industry.

My offer: A one day onsite with your leaders and teams at no charge to you.

It's this important to me and hopefully easier for you since the barrier has been lowered.

There are no tricks. I will pay for my own travel.

Our industry needs a cursory review of what is holding back its full potential for profitability and more importantly for its people.

No strings attached.

I can help.

I'll only be able to accept a few of these a month, but over the next year I trust my actions contribute to massive, expedient, duplicatable shifts in my world of Automotive.

Ready to begin? I am.

#Auto20In20

'That Woman' Helping People Remember Who I Am

It happened again. I was at an industry conference, meeting people as is my custom and one man in the group said "Hey, I remember you. You spoke in our city!"

He asked what I was doing now and I shared how I launched my own consulting and training company this year.He went on to give his colleagues specific, kind details of the event where I had presented. From years ago! :)

This happens often, saying this humbly.

However, most haven't connected the dots that 'LAURIE' or 'That Woman/Lady who spoke' is now the force behind Foster Growth Strategies, Automotive Performance Plus and Foster Strategies Group.

So I'm mulling this over. I'm aware I serve an industry mainly run by+served by men.

I'm comfortable here in Automotive. I love it!

But it seems by using my business name of 'FOSTER' (sounds more ‘male’ ???) I have inadvertently limited visibility to people whose businesses I have and could help by not saying:

Yes, that's me.

I am that woman/lady (smiling!) who shared unique insights, solutions to your challenges, who listened closely and helped thousands of people like you in automotive.

This is on me. But now you know.

I am That Female in Auto.

I am Laurie. (Foster)

Maybe now you recall our meeting and will share this with someone who would benefit from help 'this woman' can offer!

#ThatWomaninAuto

#LaurieInAuto

Clarifying My Brand, With a Little Help From My Friends

"You are who your customers say you are."

Thank you to my many trusted friends and colleagues who have helped me as I shape my company into what it has become today.

They asked me the tough questions about clarifying my brand.

They told me they wanted to know when and how to tell their clients and colleagues how I can support them, what exact service I provide.

Thank you for pushing and pulling it out of me!

So here I am, proud to share that we are taking on Churn Management with our impactful 'Automotive Performance Plus' program.

I began socializing this program at conferences and here on LinkedIn, referencing how I can take all I do and have done to help vendors/suppliers in Automotive overcome the expense and chaos brought on by Cancellations resulting in Churn.

The lights went on!!!

My message was clear and the need for overcoming Churn and bolstering Retention is a much greater need than my initial research had shown.

My colleagues are sharing it with their clients.

The calls. PMs. From people like you.

You have had this very distinct challenge and I can help you.

At the end of the day, we're all better for it. The stronger we all are in automotive, the better we can handle anything that comes our way.

Reach out and we'll see if I can help you also!

#yes

#MakingADifference

Is there One Human who positively impacted your world this week at work?

You don't have to name them (but feel free) but I am curious to know what it was it they did to make a difference.

Do they know it?

Here is a short list from me:

Bruce Martin Andrea Seymour

Leslie Vander Baan Jim Kalogerakos

Dave Spannhake Sue Jacobson

Robin Wilson Sandy Zannino, SPHR,

Julie Lawton Ann de St. Aubin

Jose Tiru Jr

I'm leaving out way too many people.

And yes, this is one week's worth of positive, professional influencers in my world.

If you haven't been intentional about connecting with terrific people who help you reach new heights together, get intentional.

Identifying the people who made a difference is an important step in fully experiencing and sharing gratitude.

It's not just work. It's Real Life.

So...who's on your list. ..And why?!

Let's write a book today.

Thanks again to all of the people on my list.

-Laurie

#BetterTogether

Let's Do A 180 On Churn

What financial impact is Customer Churn aka Cancellations making on your business?

Once Churn and Retention are distracting you from moving the business forward, it's time to call in someone who can help.

Your investors are asking tough questions. It's time to show them you have a plan.

For a complimentary call to discover how we are helping Service Providers to Automotive retail reduce Churn and get back to healthy retention, relationship and revenue levels, call 269.217.0414 or PM us today.

Foster Growth Strategies.

Driving proven results in Automotive since 1998.

#AutomotivePerformancePlus

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

Getting to Know Us: Here is My "Why"

It's Saturday.

Here is a huge piece of my 'Why'.

We celebrated Jordan's 2nd birthday today in Charlotte with my Andrea Seymour and my terrific son in law Brian Seymour...meanwhile, my son Kurt and Connie are with my darling Eliza back in Michigan.

You, your 'Why' are important to me, too. I hope you always know that.

Thanks for allowing me to share today.♡

#BetterTogether. It begins right here.

Cracking the Calendar Code

How many days of the month are your dealers even allowing you to visit?

🚫No Mondays they're busy wrapping up the weekend (4-5 days)

🚫No Fridays they're getting ready for the big weekend (4-5 days)

🚫No weekends-see above (8-10 days)

🚫No holidays or 'Big Sale Event' days (2min/mo)

And the biggest of all...

🚫THE LAST DAYS OF THE MONTH!

How are your basic math skills?

And how is your head doing right now?

We haven't even begun to factor in the availability of the person you needed to call on or work with. Plus all the logistics for you to arrive there!

And then they blame you for your products not performing. Ouch.

If you're like every other service provider, this is the drill. Almost everyone is losung in this Rubik's cube of a calendar.

A lot of this is in your own head. You haven't given enough value to be invited, to be a part of your client's success.

So don't be like everyone.

Our clients are seen as TruePartners

who are always welcome to visit via phone or in person, because they make an impact to the business.

If you're ready to:

Flip the narrative

Reduce churn

Improve relationships

Drive success metrics for all +

ADD days to the calendar

Reach out today.

It's Q4 and the clock is running.

Automotive Performance Plus can help.

#BetterTogether

Join Me Live at #UsedCarWeek

Dealers...be sure to join me!

Many thanks to Bill Zadeits and his team for this incredible invitation to participate and share my insights as I am passionately committed to helping every single person I can inside our great industry.

You CAN make a bigger impact than ever. It is possible. We just have to make some game day adjustments.

Are you in?

Don't be afraid of 'disruption'.

Join me and let's run towards it and through it...and BE the Disruption!

True leaders are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

If you don't already have your tickets for #UsedCarWeek and you are an automotive dealer or manager, reach out to me immediately. I've got a complimentary pass waiting for you.

See you in Las Vegas, Nov 11-14th.

#BetterTogether

#BeTheDisruption

#WinningAtUsedCars

#LeadershipMatters

#MakingADifference

#BeTheDisruptor

Breaking through disruption.

Leading the way through change.

Foster Strategies Group and #FosterGrowthStrategies was built for this.

Let everyone else play catch up while you go on to reach new heights in the midst of their confusion.

Proudly serving automotive with proven solutions and innovative thinking since 1998.

Don't worry about disruption. Join up with leaders who have been ahead of this the whole time.

Be the Disruption!

We offer our clients solutions to assess, identify and move forward with success while others are still wondering what's happening...or worse, not aware that it is happening!

If you're losing clients or customers or talented people...or money, that's your signal to call us.

We love Automotive.

FOSTER Growth Strategies. Our name says it all.

#BeTheDisruption!

#BetterTogether

#AutomotivePerformancePlus

#LeadershipMatters

#TransformingAutomotive

#ConnectionsMatter

Employee Retention Continues to Confound Automotive Dealerships: Great Perspectives from Three Industry Leaders

The revolving door at dealerships is spinning out of control- still! With unemployment at record lows, we must do better.

Where to begin? Join in Automotive News #ANRetailForumCanada this week and listen is as these three brilliant women take the stage discussing a topic that is pivotal to your dealership's success.

Fleming Ford Tamara (Tammy) Darvish and Julie Brinkman, I know I speak for many when I ask for an update from you during or after the event.

Safe, smooth and successful travels!

#BetterTogether

#LeadershipMatters

#TransformingAutomotive

#AutomotiveNews-get your own copy!!!

The Clock is Ticking: Make the Calendar Work for You

50 Days?

What have you prioritized for your day?

☎️I have 2 prospective clients to call back and review our 'APP' solution.

📣Working on two separate presentations. Different audiences, slightly similar theme, very different delivery method.

✈Booking travel and making a few decisions about conferences.

🎯But first, checking in on my Q4 plan. Only 70 days in total remain, with holidays, et al (?!) the number creeps down towards 50.

🗓Every day matters. Every hour. Every conversation. Every connection. Every action and activity. Every page read and note taken and applied.

☀️So...good morning, 50!

Sleeves are up, devices at full power, coffee is rolling and it's on.

There's nothing more rewarding than knowing I can offer solutions and make a positive, profitable difference to businesses, whether they are in jeopardy or want to increase distance from the competition. 📈

🌟50 days? There are great people depending on our solutions. Let's do as much good as we can in every one of them!⌛

-L

🌎

#BetterTogether

#MakingADifference

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

#CountdownTo2020

#Fab50FunWithEmojis

It Came In Like a Wrecking Ball: The Damage Churn Might be Causing Your Organization

Vendors/Suppliers and Service Providers to automotive have been on a great run for several years as they have brought new technologies and software to the industry and the dealers they serve.

Many are solid companies with excellent value propositions and service to back it up.

Many had great intentions.

But something's breaking down out here. And the very investors and PE folks whose attention you're seeking are starting to ask some questions.

Your Client Churn rates are showing up and potential investors are quite possibly more concerned about this than you have been.

It's time to get deliberate, focused and bring in help with a proactive solution based strategy.

It's time to overcome Churn and get on to Retention Management.

Our Automotive Performance Plus program is designed to

Review Risk

Restart Conversations

Rebuild Relationships

Restore Results and ultimately turn those who were at risk of cancelling into...

REFERRALS. Yes, it's possible.

Whether you planned to keep your company or sell it, you may want to take a close look at making sure you've got this right.

If the investors pass, it's all up to you.

Stop throwing money at this without a plan and call now.

What do you have to lose and what's more, what do you have to gain?

Laurie

269.217.0414

A Partner You Can Trust to Overcome the Challenges of Churn

I'm not hip.

But I am current, constantly learning and leaning forward with confidence.

Buzzwords? Nope.

But I do talk a language you can relate to.

I don't have the 'cool' friends. (Sorry, friends!!!)

But I do have the brightest, most talented friends you and I can both trust who are quietly, humbly yet proudly working feverishly to make a difference.

I am not driven by ego.

But I am driven, obsessively so, at making a difference for you, your teams, your customers...and your success.

I am not male.

But I am a woman who has worked diligently against the odds and chosen to contribute to the men and women in an industry I believe benefits powerfully from added perspective and intentionality.

I have never taken one thing for granted in Automotive, or anywhere.

And...I am endlessly grateful for all that I have learned, all I can contribute and the amazing people I am allowed to serve to and alongside on a daily basis.

If you're ready to partner with someone invested in growing your Automotive business, look no further.

Start solving problems like Churn and Retention with someone who understands what it is, what it isn't and how to fix it.

#AutomotivePerformancePlus

#KnowledgeIsPower

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

#ChurnManagement

https://www.fosterstrategiesgroup.com

On the Other Side of the Mic: Ryan Gerardi Interviews Laurie Foster

Listen in as Ryan Gerardi of @AutoConverse interviews me (?!) at #DigitalDealer27 in Vegas.

It was fun being in the other seat, as I'm normally the one conducting the interviews!

Yes, I see the 'disruption' signals in the market place, but it's only as fearful or painful as what we allow it to be.

Change has always been happening...we must surround ourself with the right people and do what is necessary to stay and get ahead of change, disruption, the economy, the competition, whatever it might be at the moment.

Special thanks to ⭐️ Owen Moon ⭐️ and FIXED OPS DIGITAL for their booth and the great solutions they are offering today's progressive dealers.

Click the link, not the pic, and Enjoy!

#BetterTogether

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

https://lnkd.in/eKAhVaD

Join Us at #UsedCarWeek and Reap the Rewards

If having a more profitable store is important to you, there is a conference specifically designed to help.

Progressive automotive dealers will discover ways to take their Used Car operations to new heights- and keep competition at bay at hashtag#UsedCarWeek in Las Vegas November 11-14th.

To my dealer connections (Owners, GMs, Managers) reach out while complimentary passes are still available. PM me for details. You won't believe who has taken me up on this so far! :)

Conference tickets have become ridiculously priced!!! This one can be yours for the cost of travel alone. (which is still a lot, I know!)

Since I'm also your resident travel pro- check out great rates on hashtag#AmericanAirlines into LAS- and also hashtag#JetSuiteX out of Burbank for my CA friends. Hotels aren't bad right now- and this is in Red Rock area. Bunk up and get here!

Check out the impressive speaker lineup and see for yourself the level of intel you will gather. You just might walk away with a PhD in Used Cars!

#BetterTogether

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

#AutomotivePerformancePlus

(Heart)Breaking News

And so I'm just learning that hashtag#Fair has had a significant layoff as well today.

If you're struggling to meet your budgets as a vendor… please contact me and we can go to work quickly on your client retention and churn.

When your back is up against the wall I understand how difficult it can be and the decisions that have to be made, but let's get to this before the results are this devastating.

This is absolutely painful to hear.

No one is winning with news like this.

My thoughts are with all those who have been affected today.

If your company is struggling, please reach out. You do not want this in your house.

I'll even work out free consultations or special payment arrangements in order to avoid massive layoffs of your people.

*** Hopefully it goes without saying that I'm here to help anyone I can inside this organization or anyone who's facing similar challenges. I see the greater network is already deploying and there are amazing people posting jobs. So encouraging, but I'm not surprised. There are so many great people out here!

Please keep your chin and your head up everyone!

#BetterTogether

#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships

Your Loss is Our Loss

We've had too many industry friends experience personal/professional loss in recent weeks, even in recent days.

To our friends who are hiring, thanks for quickly getting the message out there and always know you can post to my network as well, or ask me to share.

To those most closely affected, this is prime time to take inventory.

❇What do you want out of the next phase of your career?

❇What are you willing to do?

🎯What skills had you considered brushing up on or adding-are you willing to take the time to add those now?

⭐What are you able to do now and what relationships do you possess because of what your work offered you?

✅ How are your finances?

Keep gratitude for the path you've been allowed to be on at the forefront of your mind.

Get focused on what you could have done/should do now.

It's game time.

Promise yourself today you will always be ready for this in the future. No matter what.

✅Your career.

✅Your skills.

✅Your finances.

✅Your network.

It's all about 'controlling the controllables' and right now your attitude and next actions are the best place to start.

Please know many others join me in extending our support to you now and into the future.

It goes beyond the hashtag.

We are hashtag#BetterTogether!

Sending you all love, strength and hope♡

-Laurie

Where Is All This Money Coming From?

The Wall Street Journal

SoftBank Fund Dials Down Risk; Staff Struggles With Chaotic Culture

It appears prospective employees need to ask their interviewer a few new questions, especially if joining a start up.

How well do you know the investors backing your company?

How much influence do they have over the decisions your leaders can make? And the leaders themselves?

In recent years, many vendors in automotive have relied more heavily than ever on outside investors. It's easy to chase their money and feel wonderful when you receive their attention and cash.

Everyone wants to grow quickly and make the biggest impact possible. But what happens when it buckles overnight?

These are heady conversations for many people. I've heard the conversations at every conference.

Everyone's in their C round and very excited about raising capital. It's too easy to forget the very real risk.

Is bigger always better?

Is faster always more stable?

I'm not sure what the answers are. I do know we have 100s of friends who have suffered an unexpected blow to their personal lives and their careers this week.

Whether it was necessary or not isn't mine to know or understand fully at this point.

I do think it's fair to start asking questions, earlier.

Hang in there-Laurie

hashtag#BetterTogether