Don't rest on the built-in gifts you have.
We are asked, "How did you use those to build something even greater and how did you help others?"
Not, did you like what you got there?!
Whatever it is, health, intelligence, financial advantage, support, take it and run with it to show the universe what you can do with what you were given.
Make a difference and always, always ask yourself:
#WhatIsPossible?!
One of the things I live by?
I care less about what others think about me in this exact moment, than what they will think when they see what I accomplish.
The noisy ones will try to distract you.
Stay on course and go for what is in your heart and soul...lifting off the launching pad of everything you were born with!
On Break Out Artists
This has become one of my go-to ways to explain extraordinary talent. I'm curious to hear how you would interpret this phrase.
Quite often companies take credit for the one or two 'stars' they hired, but I'm of the volition they were going to make it regardless of the company as long as they believed in the product or solution, had the work ethic and enthusiasm and saw an opportunity.
I'll talk on this more in the next few days, but for today, look around and think about your team.
Are you responsible for your super performers...or are they the ones pushing you and the limits?
#LeadershipMatters
#PerformanceStrategist
#WhatIsPossible
#PowerOfPartnerships
#BetterTogether
On Not Listening to the Critics
Why do they have time to worry about you anyway?
"Pardon, what was that you were saying while I was busy making a positive impact on my industry???"
Be Like Gaga.
Follow your dreams. Do the work. Get better every day. Help others.
And someday, someday
They
Will
Know
Your
Name.
Just like Gaga, perhaps.
I'm Laurie and I love (yes, LOVE!) helping People and Businesses in Automotive achieve their Highest Performance.
#WhatIsPossible!
What do you what to be known for?
Go ahead and tell us your superpower!
Let's shush the critics with your awesome-ness!
#BeLikeLadyGaga
#SuperPowers
#ShushCritics
#DreamBig
#DoBigger
#BetterTogether #PowerOfPartnerships #FosterStrategies #Automotive #ExcellenceInAutomotive
On Your Marketing Spend
#Automotive Dealers: Quick Question!
Would you rather give your shoppers rewards they can earn for engaging with you and your inventory and taking a test drive...OR
pay Google, and such for clicks?
Your average customer acquisition costs $500+.
It could cost $25, total.
Shoppers or Marketing spend.
You choose.
#CarShopping
#MarketingAutomotive
#RewardingShoppers
#AskOtto
Eric Brown Frank Smith
On Getting Ignored (Dismissed?)
At A Booth At Digital Dealer Conference & Expo.
One company exhibiting had a good-sized space near the front of the expo hall. I had gone by a few times to try to learn more. They are a company that's been around for a while, yet I don't know enough about them. And you know I like to know as much as I can about all in our space.
They had a beverage display and I was talking with a colleague and asked for a Diet Coke as we were going to be lingering in the area. I would like to mention that there was almost no water onsite and everyone was thirsty. Literally everyone.
A rather large and unfriendly male person stepped up quickly and said "these drinks are only for our customers sitting in our booth." I apologized but added I was actually interested in learning more.
He stood there as if he was about to watch a crime take place. Make no mistake, although the audience was great, it was not a huge crowd this year and so it was a perfect opportunity to start a conversation.
As he came back by again I asked his name was and role with the company. He was quite impressed with himself as he told us he handled international business for them. I asked a few additional questions about what countries they served. Instead of using this as a moment to learn about me, he walked away...again.
I said, "I'm in the industry and actually wanting to know more about your company."
Nothing.
The woman who was standing with me was aghast. She couldn't believe that in this industry conference with a limited audience he didn't take the time to at least shake my hand and ask me who I was and what I did.
Was he doing this to everyone?
I was in a dress and heels and clearly there to do business.
I can't possibly get into his mind, but was he treating men the same way who were standing next to his booth saying they were curious?
Perhaps.
Or perhaps he's just a buffoon who thinks everyone's a joke except for him and his international business title.
Make no mistake, no matter how impressed you are with yourself, fame is fleeting and even the best people and companies have difficult moments.
Be kind.
I get asked to discuss and recommend companies daily.
This will unfortunately be on the top of my mind.
Because how you treat one person is how you treat everyone.
What is their culture like especially if he is in a leadership role?
People are core to all our performance strategies as I help my clients.
At the next conference I'll be pulling a small bag full of cold beverages for anyone and everyone who would like one, no sales pitch required.
I'm glad your business is doing so well, but this $5 #DietCoke at the inflated conference prices might have just cost you thousands, or more.
All in, I'm sure they spent $100k+ for the event.
To meet customers. Ahem.
I'm an enormous advocate of great companies, clients or not.
But I'll never advocate for treating people poorly.
Perhaps #BetterTogether coaching is in order?
Get it Done Together
Here's to those who have the belief in themselves and the solutions they can offer and possess the courage to stay the course, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Here's to those who insist on excellence and take no shortcuts.
Here's to those who work quietly and feverishly behind the scenes until the spotlight finally arrives.
Here's to those who contribute to others endlessly, selflessly, even when they forget who it was that helped them when they needed it the most. You still step up to the plate again and again with the same spirit of contributing to others, regardless of gratitude or praise.
Here's to those that may not be part of a tribe but don't need to lean on one because they're driven internally. You'll be successful with a community of colleagues in many industries no matter what. It's nice when others show up, but your success and your vision carry on with or without them. Stay focused!
Here's to those who appreciate talent and camaraderie from a client or colleague when they do show up. And who are smart enough to know never to let them go and always will appreciate them fully.
Here's to those who maximize every opportunity and leave no stone unturned until it's all on the floor, then quickly press ahead to find even more opportunities.
And here's to those with a relentless pursuit of excellence for themselves first so they can contribute powerfully and deliver amazing outcomes to all who look up to them and are counting on them to win.
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#EntrepreneurLife
#LeadershipMatters
On Getting Back to Normal: The 'Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2021 in Tampa' Edition.
On Getting Back to Normal: The 'Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2021 in Tampa' Edition.
First things first.
This formerly uber-frequent flyer had to re-learn
How. To. Travel!
Who would have ever believed I would be grounded for nearly 18 months? And what day in 2020 did I remove my litany of travel apps?!!! Where's my Uber app!!!
As many of you know, I had a full week planned at DD which only became busier once I arrived. Simply catching up after the year we have all experienced wasn't a pleasantry. This was essential.
Handshakes were MIA.
Hugs and long embraces were the order of the week.
I am usually filming videos and taking pics. I didn't.
I was in too deep with the conversations. So I invite you to share yours liberally here!
While I am aware of the myriad reasons why many could not attend, those onsite were perhaps the most intentional, focused and driven audience I have ever experienced. Watching many of my clients move business forward as they met face-to-face was a thrill.
I was pleased to see my presentation '15 Performance Hacks for Automotive' was very well-received by a full room of engaged participants, launching productive conversations.
As a Performance Strategist, I watch an audience carefully, methodically. This body of attendees at DD was ready to collaborate and deliver the next wave in the Auto Evolution.
And I couldn't help but smile each time someone shared out loud my hashtag #BetterTogether.
Yes, friends, we are absolutely, unconditionally #BetterTogether.
For those who didn't believe this before, they do in 2021.
More to come on the actual events and learnings. As I follow through today, you are all on my mind.
Always remember the full Power of Our Partnerships!
-Laurie
On Honoring Those Who Displayed and Display Bravery and Courage Daily
On Honoring Those Who Displayed and Display Bravery and Courage Daily.
Without fanfare, without accolades and sometimes even with protesters in the wings, millions of brave women and men have conscientiously made the decision to serve and protect our country and our freedoms.
How can we possibly honor them?
We can start with respect. Saluting the flag without respect for individual Americans misses the full meaning.
We can add in kindness to strangers as we are strangers to most of our military.
We can exercise courage in our words and in our actions. And while we are not asked to stand in the way of bullets, we can and we should stand up for and beside those who are taking bullets from a variety of fronts and cannot speak up for themselves.
We can be brave enough to admit that we have a lot to learn. And even when we think we've completed our learning, realizing we've just begun to learn and comprehend our full responsibilities as American and world citizens.
We can commit to memorializing every day we are given and living it with decency and support to others.
In honor of those who stepped up when they heard the call, we wish you a memorable Memorial Day.
From Foster Strategies Group, we thank the fallen and all who have dedicated their life to our freedoms.
Interview Insider
On The Highest Employee Mobility Rates We've Seen In Years.
When you talk to as many people a day as we do, it's almost impossible to keep up with where everyone is at the moment.
Companies are hiring. People are switching jobs, even careers.
How do we help you keep up with it at this scale?
With our latest Career services. #InterviewInsider allows the best talent in the marketplace the opportunity to get an inside look at your company, your people and the position you're offering without risking exposure of their current position.
Increase the talent pool by offering the best insider look in the market.
To learn more about how easy, affordable and effective this performance strategy is, contact us here or see Laurie at Digital Dealer Conference & Expo June 7-11. Yes, I'll be there all week.
I have multiple presentations there and will also be filming live for other media outlets you trust and watch.
Interview Insider. Giving you the inside track on the best talent.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists
Providing Solutions, Services, SaaS and Other Products in Automotive Retail to Dealers
On All of Our Vendors Providing Solutions, Services, SaaS and Other Products in Automotive Retail to Dealers.
While everyone else has Dealers in their targets at #DigitalDealer, I will be ready and available to talk to you about dramatically increasing your Performance with your Automotive Clients.
Between our proven insights and our performance strategies, our revolutionary program, 'Power Of Partnerships' was designed to give your company the 'POP' it deserves.
Why hope and wait for better results to come in?
We are here and built to take your results to heights in only months you thought would take years, if you were lucky.
We don't merely 'train', we strategize and take a 360 approach to lifting your company, your people and even your clients.
Reach me now to reserve a time at Digital Dealer.
Also, be sure to visit me and Michelle Denogean, CMO at her panel on Tuesday am and my session on Partnership on Wednesday.
If you're not able to attend, reach out this week to still take advantage of show pricing packages.
Vendors need help every bit as much as our Dealers, we are here to help.
#BetterTogether #PowerOfPartnerships #AutomotiveOpportunities #DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
On Maximizing Your Digital Retailing Performance
On Maximizing Your Digital Retailing Performance.
More people are starting to join the 'Digital Retailing' conversation, but most still aren't sure of the key drivers and metrics to ensure you're not overspending. Plus, there are still critical updates needed for your lead management techniques and unfortunately, most dealerships are still using outdated material and scripting.
We help you with Performance in Digital Retail on all fronts:
Maximize Budgets and Decrease Spend
Right Size Your Team with Exciting New Technology
Get Results Faster with AI Solutions
Increase Your Teams' (and Leaders') Understanding of Digital Retail
and Dial Your Team in to Win At Digital Retail.
Make More Money, Spend Less Money, Right-Size Your Teams, Leverage Tech for Faster Wins and Be Equipped and Educated For 'What's Next'!
Yes, all of this and more from a proven team you know and trust.
Ask About Our Digital Dealer Special Offers Now Through June 13th.
#WhatIsPossible #DrivingDigitalRetail #Automotive #Training #Consulting #NorthAmerica #PowerOfPartnerships #BetterTogether
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists
Hacking Leadership Starts with You
On Starting A New Series Featuring Our Performance Hacks.
Here's a great one to start your day.
Foster Strategies Group Performance Hack 0001: On Hacking Leadership Starts With You.
Remove your ideas on 'WHO' is in charge.
When thinking about an opportunity or challenge, ask yourself "What are the first 3 things I would do if I was responsible to improve this situation" and take action quietly to test methods that may help.
Leadership is not a given. Leadership is an active choice, exercised in moments and months. Choose to operate with a next level of thinking, look at any challenge with a 360 lens and start seeing yourself as the one who can and must affect change.
Choosing a Leadership Mentality will increase the level of your conversations, your commitment and the respect you receive from others. Your success track can be hacked by your thoughts, intentions, actions and the increased value you bring to others.
#SuccessHacks #PerformanceHacks #PowerOfPartnerships #LeadershipMatters #BetterTogether #SmartTrack #Automotive #Consulting #Strategy
On Elevating Your Next Company Meeting.
Clients bring me in to ensure their investment of time and resources delivers the intended value and outcome to all participants and the company at large.
As companies look to finally bring their teams back together after a long absence, it is more vital than ever to plan accordingly.
You will make a massive investment in flights, accommodations, meals, event space and so on, yet often leave final outcomes up for grabs.
What did the last event cost you in total? What did it net the company?
We can lift this dramatically.
Very often your different verticals serve their own silo without regard or responsibility for the results.
I'll share more on this and how profitable your meetings can be, instead of an expense when you call.
DM me below or reach out to me at 269.217.0414 or info@fosterstrategiesgroup.com or https://lnkd.in/drWghYE .
Performance Strategies for the healthiest, progressive companies.
On Meeting Fascinating People
On Meeting Fascinating People. How often are you meeting people that you walk away from thinking, "Wow...they are remarkable!"?
I hope for you this is a frequent event in your life.
If it isn't, take my kind advice and branch out. Accept a few calls from strangers. Meet up with someone new and share a beverage, a meal.
Open yourself up to new people, new conversations and you will win by receiving much more than you contributed.
💡Fresh Insights
💡Alternate Perspectives
💡Fascinating Solutions
Good, Good People Are In Abundance.
Some would say, "If you know where to look."
I say,
"You'll meet more interesting people if you are intentional TO look!"
Open yourself up to receive new people with enthusiasm and
Watch...What...Happens!
Why am I considered a great connector in our industry?
Because I started choosing to connect with others from the very beginning. And not just 'connecting' but learning about them, what matters to them, their goals, their dreams, their families...everything. I'm better for it.
And then I get the opportunity to learn more about their companies and where/how/why it all works #BetterTogether.
My secret success formula?
Saying an genuine 'YES' to new people!
If this resonates with you, please feel free to share in the comments below- or say 'hello' to someone new today as a personal thank you to me!
We are #BetterTogether. And my life, my business, my passion for our industry is proof positive that it's real.
Taking time to be grateful for your amazing network
On Being on a Zoom Call with a Client When the Doorbell Rings:
I had to answer this time.
I have a neighbor that has become a really nice friend. She's retired and doesn't understand about work hours and silly things like conference calls.
⭐Although...she has just started an online elderberry business which is already taking off. I learn a lot from her every time we talk. Usually outside!⭐
But today while I was talking to some terrific colleagues, I could see her walking from her yard to mine with a handful of these gorgeous flowers.🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺
I answered the door quickly and thanked her so very much for her thoughtfulness.
I'm not sure about you, but I think these moments let others see our humanity and our other relationships and partnerships.
If we learned one thing throughout the pandemic it's that people matter more than anything.
I'm honored that she thinks of me as she's collecting wonderful living products out of her garden.
I wish you could be here and smell this bouquet with me because they would just about knock you out they're so fragrant!
So when I look at these flowers the next handful of days I'll be thinking about Jeanette for sure...but also about the three gentlemen on the call that were gracious enough to understand why I had to open that door during our important call.
That tells me something about those men too, doesn't it?
😊Do your best today.
😊Spread some joy.
😊Inspire someone.
😊Have a laugh.
😊Relax... and help someone around you relax also.
We've come a long way in the last year.
❤️I think we're getting better.
❤️I think we're being better people to each other.
❤️I think we're starting to do better for ourselves and others.
❤️I think we're finding some overdue balance.
❤️I think, no, I know... we are #BetterTogether! ❤️
Take time to be grateful for your amazing network, for your friendships and all of the beauty surrounding us.
-Laurie
Fixed Ops Roundtable 2020
Great colleagues, pictured at the Fixed Ops Roundtable meeting last year.
Thank you for the reminder today, Ted Ings.
This should make a lot of people smile.
I know I did.♡
Why I Will Continue to Advocate for Women
On Why I Advocate for Women. My own daughter's story.
At the exact time I was being told women could not be managers in the automotive retail business, my daughter was being told by her HS guidance counselor that she shouldn't try to apply to the college of her choice.
The language we use to the men and the women around us is still not equalized.
Take a look around your organization. You say you want more women, but where are they and what are you paying them, what are their opportunities?
It all starts with intention. But when you look at how far there is to go with your organization, like any other significant project, you will need help to get results, not just have conversations.
Andrea persevered, got in, worked hard, graduating proudly from the college she selected.
She went on to have two successful careers and then:
Along with her husband, she is running one of Charlotte's fastest growing and most loved construction businesses with their reviews and projects piling up.
You're doing the right thing for your business, your community, the women in your lives by taking a proactive stance on Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, DEI.
We can help.
By the way, she's not kidding when she says she's coming back to buy the building!
#BetterTogether
#LeadershipMatters
#MyDaughter
Don't Abuse Your Muse
Oh the fun conversations with my clients. One likes to refer to me as his business 'Muse'. Another great compliment.
Today, in between all the serious conversation, we decided there should be a line of merch- all with rhymes based of of the word muse.
My personal favorite?
'Don't abuse The Muse'!
It's a great pleasure to offer insights and solutions, but to also provide inspiration to business owners and leaders. A thoughtful partner who is committed to your success who reminds you of where you were supposed to go, nudges you towards your pursuit of greatness and reactivates your visions that got you started in the first place.
But don't make a mistake and take your Muse for granted!🤣🤣🤣
Be inspired today. Better yet, be inspir(ing)!
#DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
#FosterTheFunnels
#BetterTogether
#BrainStorm
#Inspiration #Motivation
#GeneralManagers
#Dealers #Automotive #DigitalMarketing
Laurie Speaks with Troy Scheer on Transforming Automotive Partnerships
Our friend J. David Adcock of Binary Automotive shares Laurie’s podcast on video with his partner Troy Scheer about how Foster Strategies Group is elevating automotive partnerships through #BetterTogether
⭐Laurie Foster, president at Foster Strategies Group, talks with our host, Troy Scheer, about her company's focus on 'Transforming Automotive Partnerships and Performance'. This is done by incorporating all aspects of Automotive Retail: dealerships, service providers, and vendors plus manufacturers.
They discuss moving away from legacy thinking, combining what's best from before, what's best from the current landscape, and how all of that will affect business tomorrow.
An extremely insightful conversation with Laurie Foster with Foster Strategies Elevating Automotive Partnerships+... - If you're in the auto retail industry, you don't want to miss this. You'll want to learn more about "Transforming Automotive Partnerships and Performance." #bettertogether #autodealership #autodealers #culturematters #automotiveretail
Listen in as Laurie meets up with Troy Scheer as they discussing how companies are winning with a #BetterTogether Partnership mindset.
Tools to Increase Performance
On Tools to Increase Performance.
Don't let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn't use to keep yourself organized. Find a system that works for you and celebrate it.
As much as I lean on digital calendars and reminders on my phone, tablet and PC, I still find great pleasure and added proficiency by having an 8.5" × 11" planner where everything is written down including notes.
The ability to flip through a few pages easily and not search simplifies my life. And it serves as a great diary for my business days, weeks and months.
It's interesting to look at my notes and the notes around any given appointment. You can see collaborations taking shape on paper. The birthplace and first baby steps of ideas, scribbled down in various in colors depending on the project and my mood.
So invoking Steve Martin's memorable line… "the new phone books are here, the new phone books are here!.” I'm almost as excited that my new planner for 2021 is here.
Organize your world, your way. Celebrate the events and the people your black and white or color-riddled calendars hold.
#BetterTogether, me and my planner!
#ExcellenceInAutomotive
#LeadershipMatters
