Some say this is a good problem to have. But this indicates several systemic challenges and is costing you real money, time and (gasp!) SALES!
Others think there is only one problem or solution.
Meanwhile, this is expensive.
No worries.
We equip you + your team to see your challenges with a 360 lens, enabling you to increase your skills to better manage and avoid any concerns in the future.
Which part of this multi-layered challenge of 'so much traffic' would you like to tackle first?
⭐ Internal: Aligning Marketing + Sales Teams
⭐ Marketing: What/Where Are We Spending Money?
⭐ Budget: Marketing Spend Costs + Effectiveness
⭐ Sales Management: Training to Improve Your Team's Velocity and Impact
⭐ BDC: Shifting Approach + New Tools to Optimize Connections, Conversions and Sales.
⭐ Staff: Help Individuals Perform Better on Their Own Faster-and Stay!
⭐ Leadership: The New Language + Metrics in Automotive Marketing Today.
Partners: How to Get the Most Value From Your Vendors
We have proven solutions + tools for you whether you need one or all of these upgraded.
Foster Strategies. We Understand How It All Works, Together.
#BetterTogether
#PerformanceSpecialists
#PowerOfPartnershps
#SmartTrack
Building A Team
On Attracting and Engaging An Audience on LinkedIn
Do.
The.
Work.
I could stop right there, but here are additional thoughts and tools.
Write, write, write-until you write well.
Discuss challenges in the market and how you canhelp.
Help others.
Be okay with not being perfect.
Read others' work often.
Engage with and examine interesting content- learn from it.
Try not to tag. Ever.
Only when incredible applicable and necessary.
Compliment others.
False engagement is not real engagement.
EX: I tag someone, they 'like' probably out of a feeling of obligation rather than interest. You run the risk of wearing out those who would normally support you.
Don't 'share' without adding your thoughts.
Not implying you're lazy, rather we see you grasping to try to create engagement. Great content creates engagement.
Be curious.
Be funny.
Share data.
Extend a hand. Both hands!!!
Be yourself.
'Do The Work' and you'll earn respect and gain a real audience.
My driving thoughts + mission with LI are to provide:
Inspiration, Education, Collaboration and Motivation.
No vanity metrics. Just real, honest effort.
Do. The. Work.
Lead by example.
Lift Others.
Tell the Truth.
Here to Help.
Many thanks to my network as it grows faster than ever.
-Laurie
#DoTheWork
#BetterTogether
On How To Hire For An Auto Sales Role.
Hold that thought.
Automotive would do well to focus more on the attributes of their Sales Managers before spinning their wheels hiring for Sales.
With an industry issue of only 30% YOY Retention for Sales, it doesn't matter what skills, attitude and effort you try to hire for with your Sales team if this is not 100% first.
Tip: How they can 'put together a deal' is not a measuring stick for SMs.
Anyone can do this.
Look closely at how your SMs and GSMs:
🤔 Lead a team with Purpose
🤔 Create a safe and enriching employee and customer-centric experience
🤔 Choose to continue to grow and learn
🤔 Lead with respect, attract and grow their people
If you're still trying to hire Sales People with 'passion' yet bring them into an opportunity desert, your focus needs to move to a level up.
Once we have your Sales Manager team at high performance, hiring Sales People in #Automotive will stop being a concern.
They will:
Succeed
Stay
Grow
Attract others
Add value
Not leave or be asked to leave.
Right side up People Mindset starts here.
Foster Strategies.
Power of Partnerships: Sales Management Edition.
On Things You Heard Here First.
Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?
Systemic practices require females in most companies to be exceptionally gifted to receive recognition, pay increases or promotions while openly and actively allowing mediocrity in their male talent.
Your company could be missing huge revenue by not intentionally checking your data and correcting this?
How many clients have you not sold,, how is performance affected, how many competitors have you allowed to creep in and how much cold hard cash has this...and is this...costing your public or private company?
Leadership Matters, now more than ever.
Here is one example: When your routine client entertainment is golf and it's taking a lot of your people's time and money...
Who Is Included? Who Isn't? What Does This Cost and Why? This is a 'Top Heavy Male Situation'.
If this doesn't shake you or open your eyes, you'll need my Pre-Leadership course, which is extra. Because, it hurts
#LeadershipMatters
#BetterTogether
#WomenNotInvited
#HBR
#HaltMaleMediocrity
#GolfIsAFourLetterWordInBusiness
On Supporting Women's Careers Starts at Home
See the cartoon below and then:
Add in the bulk of childcare, groceries, cooking and it's not difficult to see the very real challenges. I'm fortunate to have worked with hundreds of men. But as we did similar jobs, I can't begin to tell you how many times these men shared how they couldn't possibly do the job as well if their wife wasn't so much help while they were gone.
I have looked at them in all sincerity saying, "So while you travel for work, they're home, working at their job, running your house, all responsibilities of your kids plus she's doing your laundry, your chores and packing your suitcase? How do they do it and how can you do more?"
I felt worse for those women I didn't know than I did for myself.
And now, schooling?
Women, imagine if you can a scenario where you had a complete at-home support team. I know a few who do, but it's not the norm.
Makes it a lot easier to qualify for and get the next promotion.
Clear the path and watch her run and fly!
Those of us who do it all on our own need to reward ourselves for doing it all without a net. Kudos.
Ensuring women's careers grow isn't only the job of the employer.
This duty begins at home.
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#WomenInBusiness
#UnpaidWork
On All of the Partnerships Affecting Your Outcomes
Quite often, when people inquire about our 'Power of Partnerships' solutions, they assume this is only for Client and Vendor relationships.
While this is very often the case, the most important work we do first is button up the partnerships inside your organization. If everyone is not in alignment, your external efforts will suffer.
We bring your internal verticals and leaders together for proactive, productive and honest conversations and planning sessions to generate or re-ignite trust, purpose and expectations.
The best companies seek a tune up before it's due, not after a breakdown. I'm glad to share how we can ensure your team is operating at peak performance so we can take on monumental wins in the market.
I'm proud of the work we do and the results you will experience.
Foster Strategies. We Drive Excellence In Automotive.
#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters #PowerOfPartnerships #HighPerformanceNetwork
On How We're Helping GMs and Dealers Understand Their Single Most Important and Least Understood Department.
1st question.
Do you know what department I am referring to?
Boy did we open up a can of stuff! What do our Dealers and GMs need to know and what don't they? How do we help them?
Running a successful multimillion dollar a month operation takes a vast array of skills. We cannot assume that everyone is keeping up at all times. Most GMs have not had much in the way of recent formal education or certification, nor are they required to.
In the meantime, our employee retention rates still suffer, we are still giving away money on deals, not maximizing opportunity or spend in our Marketing, our Service/Parts, in our BDCs and so on.
It takes action and a special set of skills to do all of this successfully.
Take a look at the word 'AIDE' I used in another webcast recently.
A Awareness
I Intention
D Discovery
E Expectations
There are a series of steps to take and we can help you do it. Let's make our GM roles much more meaningful and profitable. Most GM seats pay upwards of $200 to well over $500,000 a year.
If you're not willing to do the work, at these prices I promise you I can find plenty of great talent in corporate America willing to make the leap to automotive.
Commit to continuous improvement...and stay tuned for Part 3.
#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters
#PowerOfPartnerships
On One Reason Why Your Sales Team Retention is So Low
On One Reason Why Your Sales Team Retention is So Low- Plus...How About Your GM?
When will we create an environment that legitimizes Sales as a career skill with requirements and expectations? The reason we have greater stability, employee retention and profitability in Service is partially due to the fact that it is a recognized skill with the expectation of ongoing education, certification and positive outcomes.
Interesting also to layer this on: How many of our GMs have the skills and certifications required to excel at their jobs today? You have hundreds of people counting on them, but do not measure their effectiveness (other than by old metrics) nor do you require education to keep them current.
How long has your GM, who came up through the Sales vertical, been in their role as GM? If it's more than a year, they already need further, provable education.
Retention and performance suffer without clear guidelines, expectations and continuous improvement. For all roles.
If you're not growing...
#AutomotiveStrategies #PerformanceConsulting #LeadershipMatters #EmployeeRetention #Workplace #Sales #AutomotiveRetail
On Appreciation To All Who Have Joined My Journey
As I prepare to launch more exciting new solutions for you, I am reminded daily of how far we have come. When I started my company, I had a vision of the value I could provide and a clear mission on why I choose to serve the automotive industry and its great people everywhere.
Now as I approach my 23rd year in the business, I realize how the opportunities for all of us are infinite. Everywhere I look there is something, someone, new, interesting, enriching. It's a pleasure and a privilege to help others reach greater levels of performance than they thought possible.
Thank you all, today and every day. For your interest, your business, your conversations, your referrals. For your belief in the Power of Partnerships like never before.
Watch here as I seek to deliver Inspiration, Education, Motivation with endless enthusiasm for your success.
You are my rocket fuel.
To our continued success-
Laurie
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#LeadershipMatters
#Gratitude
#InfiniteOpportunities
#Automotive
On Saying Out Loud What is on Your Mind
On Saying Out Loud What is on Your Mind:
The People Edition.
⭐Who has been on your mind recently?
⭐Who is someone who contributed to you and would love an update on the success they helped you create?
⭐ Who on your team is showing signs they need extra guidance?
⭐ Who accomplished something remarkable you forgot to share with others...yet?
⭐Who do you think could use a boost o encouragement?
⭐ Who have you thought about collaborating with but didn't have the courage to step up and say so?
⭐Who would you like to know but thought they might not be interested in knowing you?
⭐ Who is someone whose conversations you enjoy and you learn from every time?
The only thing standing between you and them right now is a simple phone call. Maybe a text to start it off but a quick phone call can change everything including your day.
And quite possibly theirs!
When someone is on your mind or a call needs to or could easily take place, don't let any time come between you and making it happen.
Be the Instigator and make it happen.
You'll never know how bright a fire can burn until you light the match.
Have a great week, friends.
Light it up!
#MakingADifference
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#LeadershipMatters
#OneCall
#Courage
#ConversationsAndConnection
On Getting a Vaccination
Woohoo!
I was able to receive a walk-in vaccination!
As I say in this video I'm incredibly impressed and proud of the collaboration and kindness and thoughtfulness that has resulted from this pandemic.
Stay strong in your mind, your heart and in your physical body. We can get this done and come out stronger together.
I am so grateful I took a chance for the third time. Third time's the charm! I guess they say that for a reason!
Go ahead and take a chance yourself for your health. You're worth it and we need you.♡
#BetterTogether
#PfizerNo1
#VacciNation
#LeadershipMatters
On Meeting Terrific New Players in Automotive Marketing
Take a minute and watch or listen in as I share about a conversation I just had today with Justin Searle and Evelyn Kelly.
I've made it known that I am interested in hearing about your companies and helping them grow.
All you have to do is reach out.
Evelyn reached out and asked if we could set up a zoom call. I'm the lucky one that got to participate and learn more about Think Ad Group, Inc.
I am excited to see what this married power team is making happen for their dealers...and what they'll do next.
Always remember we are #BetterTogether.
The #PowerOfPartnerships is real...and really exciting.
Go ahead, ask me more.
#FosterStrategies
#marketing #Automotive
#LeadershipMatters #BDC #Sales
On Building A Future To Be Proud Of
Do you want to know my secret to a better future?
TODAY.
I treat today as if it is already a better, brighter future. Because nothing is magical.
It takes work. Work you want to do, will do, wake up ready to do, with people and for people you care about, deeply.
Does that mean you are already 'there'?
No.
But the best way to get 'there' is by doing all of the activities daily, weekly it takes to fulfill your imagined future.
My goals include to continuously expand my long-held vision of a stronger, collaborative, inclusive, more enjoyable and wildly profitable automotive future for all who want to participate.
So every day, I'm adding to not just my future, but yours. Seeing this future getting closer every day adds jet fuel to my internal engine.
Plan, prepare and be prepared for success unfolding.
Don't be shocked when it happens. Use the energy to create greater momentum.
The more work I put into it, I'm starting to see that the future is even better than I envisioned.
This is due in large part to the incredible people who have now joined my journey.
There is a better way. By helping people get to their better futures, I'm cruising to mine.
There is no better time than today to get started.
#Inspiration
#BetterTogether
On using AIDE
It's a fantastic Friday!
Listen in for a little bit of end of the week inspiration plus my quick tool 'AIDE' to help you start focusing on adding women leaders in your organization.
Hopefully you'll never know from this video that I just broke my toe yesterday!
Yes, I sure did.
Have a great weekend, LinkedIn friends.
Awareness
Intentionality
Discovery
Education & Expectations
On a Sneak Peek Into a #F&I and #FixedOps Roundtable
On a Sneak Peek Into a #F&I and #FixedOps Roundtable I spoke at a few years ago.
This message of the evony department getting more involved earlier is more important today than ever. Don't just rely on your online and digital tools... pick up the phone!
Call me to find out more on the outstanding results dealers receive from my programs for your teams and entire organizations.
Thank you again, Rebecca (Becky) Chernek and Ted Ings for the surprise filming.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Earlier!!!
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#Performance
#LeadershipMatters
#FixedOps #Finance #Sales
On the Cost, Productivity and ROI of Your BDC Efforts
We get it. Most Dealers and GMs don't fully understand the innerworkings, challenges and opportunities and expectations they need to provide proper oversight of today's BDCs.
We understand.
But you can't let this continue.
If you hear yourself or someone else saying things like "Congrats, you're at a 10% close" you should call us.
We will help you understand how to really read, understand and take massive positive managerial action off of your reporting and dashboards.
Your 'trainers' aren't going deep enough. They are training 'at' your people instead of strategizing with you.
Don't feel badly if you have some catching up to do. Most people do, they just don't know or care.
Step 1- Care
Step 2- Call us
Step 3- We'll listen to what you know, need to know and dive into your team's current performance.
Step 4- We'll show you clear, easy opportunities to increase sales!
Step 5-We'll help you get better at this without us!
In the meantime, think about a solution we have that helps your team make 5x as many calls every single hour!
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bringing Innovative and Proven Solutions to Automotive.
#BDC Specialists since 2001.
#Performance #AutoSales #IncreaseSales #Strategy #Solutions
Power of Partnerships
My new videographer visited my office a few weeks ago as we began designing the new Foster Strategies studio. We will be creating, filming and producing video for all types of content for our clients and providing greater Thought Leadership for our industry.
This will also allow us to offer a more professional, consistent presence for all of your requests for video podcasts, panels and speaking events.
While Johny was here, he started snapping the camera and a bunch of pics happened. Some portray a more professional look, but if you know me well, this photo probably captures the real me best.
Happy, helpful, fearless and ready to make a difference.
For as serious as the project may be as we comb through data, metrics, solutions and all, when we partner, we will have a good time working together and ensuring you succeed.
Why not?!
The #PowerOfPartnerships starts right here. I rolled up over 20 years of experience when I chose to offer you solutions built to perform with my own company.
We are #BetterTogether.
If you like winning, that is.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Driving Excellence For Men and Women in Automotive
#LeadershipMatters #Automotive #WFH #Consult #Performance #IndustryInsights #Sales #Talent #InterviewInsider #Podcast #Webinar #Presentation #Keynote #Panel
On Better Together
On #BetterTogether
Ready to do it?
Ready to know more?
Ready to know why?
I take partnerships to a level unheard of in our industry.
I listen.
I know the people, the companies, the dealer groups.
I look for exponential reward by connecting you, plugging you in to greater power and possibility through new partnerships.
If you asked 22 year ago Me if I could have envisioned this, I wouldn't have dreamed this.
But here we are. Here I am.
Insightful, Curious, Committed, Strategic.
Poised and prepared to help you succeed.
Knowing there is a formula to help you do so faster, more profitably and more enjoyably.
And now I call this program, this methodology, these strategic connections and introductions, 'Power Of Partnerships'.
We are #BetterTogether. Let's get you the results you couldn't have dreamed possible.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your Performance, People, Profitability and Partnership Champions in Automotive.
On the Increased Importance of Your Phone Calls
Uh oh.
A customer just called your store.
Gut reaction: Are you nervous about what took place, how it went, or are you 100% confident your team got it right?
Guess what happened?
Not telling you yet.
Can you please explain to me why you are paying money to companies to LISTEN TO YOUR INBOUND PHONE CALLS?
And then, after they finally get in touch with you, you yell at your associate, nothing changes.
So you pay them to listen to bad calls so you get their bad calls so you have an unpleasant meeting with your team and NOTHING CHANGES?!!!!
My phone training...is not like anything you are seeing out there.
Why?
Because I know what works and what clearly isn't working.
We apply behavioral theory and adult thinking and bag 99% of the scripts.
We teach WHY, HOW, Curiosity, Conversational technique and demonstrate its long term effectiveness.
Setting an appointment in front of a group? Anyone can do this. Did they show?
Oh, your highly paid trainer was gone and can't help?
Now what?
Are you ready to stop worrying and have confidence in your calls?
Call now to stop this extremely expensive madness that's not selling cars or winning future customers.
269.217.0414
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solutions that yield outstanding results.