Gary Vaynerchuk's photo here speaks to our Foster Strategies' Principle of Five Es.
Is what you do Effective?
Is this the most Efficient way or solution?
Are you sure it is Easy?
Do people internally and externally say it's Enjoyable/Engaging?
Are you and those around you always Evolving?
My perspective is always sound.
But this is also why we customize for every customer and their teams, their solutions, their clients, their objectives.
You can hire someone to tell you what's not working.
Or you can hire someone who can make it work quickly and long-term.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We help all sectors of Automotive in their drive for excellence.
Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists.
#BetterTogether
#PowerOfPartnerships
#FollowTheLeaders
On Giving Back, Paying It Forward and All of Those Things: Sunday morning thoughts.
An interesting thing happened this week.
We worked quickly and we worked hard to create a special automotive and related companies career opportunity page.
We also worked here locally to support a very worthy cause for children and families in need.
The first was for people recently looking for work. Our friends, our colleagues.
The second was for kids in the Foster care system and the Foster parents that help.
When you get involved in something you feel needs your effort, you only see more opportunities to contribute, never less. There's notva point where you ever step back and say, "Okay, that's it."
There's nothing wrong, it's actually a great thing to say 'we did great work', but the more you do, the more you realize what's undone, not what is already done. And you decide to do more
And then I had some internal thoughts show up.
After looking at everyone else to see what I needed to offer them, the thoughts entered my mind of what I needed to offer myself.
Where was I holding back with my own self?
What did I need to focus on to boost my own efforts and opportunities?
Am I being as benevolent, understanding, generous to myself as I am so freely to others?
It's so easy to be kind to others.
But we rarely step back, flip the narrative and ask ourselves "what do we need, what do we want?"
What permissions aren't we giving ourselves?
What are our limiting beliefs or language from the past that makes us feel small and keeps us from being as fantastic as we were put here to be?
What are we afraid of asking for?
What do we think we do or don't deserve?
Doubly interesting, because when I'm faced with helping others...none of those things come to mind.
I want them to be their full amazing self with every possible opportunity. Meet their basic needs, help them achieve their highest potential and their hopes and dreams.
Am I my own best advocate while helping advocate for everyone in my path?
So I'm going to work on that a little bit. I think I actually have to have some intentional thinking about it first.
A quiet walk is in order even in this heat.
I do know this. whenever I hit the pause button and take a few to take the deep breaths and feel my soul with oxygen I am reignited even more powerfully than before. The next step is always a leap.
You're only stuck if you don't know you're stuck.
I'm urging you to unleash yourself to go after everything you know you're supposed to have, supposed to do, supposed to be.
We are then by some stroke of fortune able to give even more.
This life is yours to choose at this point. the clock is ticking, don't let anything slow you down.
I'm glad you're reading this. I'm thinking you needed this too.
Charity begins at home.❤️
Make it a great Sunday and I hope your week includes some moments to put yourself first for a few.
❤️Laurie
#BetterTogether
#GivingBack
#Transparency
#PayingItForward
On Late Night Updates of Our New Careers Page: Now Over 40 Companies are Listed, Many with Multiple Openings!
Go check out our work-in-progress-but-already-awesome all-new Special Careers page. We went into overdrive when our industry friends were surprised with layoffs, but there is always a silver lining.
Our partners stepped up, stepped out and instantly shared their open positions. There is literally something for everyone with a wide array of careers and locations- even several remote/WFH openings.
Please visit the site we built for you, share with your friends and like, comment or share our posts to spread the word.
If you are a company with openings and you would like to be included, please send your info. Alison will start adding new openings on Monday.
Like I said- there are already 40+ companies here. Check it out, share and send us your info if you are interested in learning more.
We are wishing you the best and we are hoping these outstanding companies are able to add terrific candidates to their workforce.
#BetterTogether is in full effect.
On Meeting Interesting People Intentionally- and Instantly Going Into 'Coach Mode'
Earlier today I had the pleasure of connecting with an incredible CEO who I have been watching for a while. I reached out and suggested an official intro call. She welcomed the offer.
Even as we began to speak, she was concerned that she was speaking too fast, talking too much about her accomplishments and her company.
But...
That was exactly why I reached out.
She is a successful CEO.
I wanted to know more...all of it.
Her story, how/why she did it, new milestones.
I was genuinely interested and will be a customer. And you know me, I'll most likely promote/share her business 'just because'. One of my favorite things to do is promote people, ideas and companies I find fascinating.
So I asked her what I had to ask her...
❓Why give away your power?
I love to talk to successful people and hear how they did it.
❓Why apologize for answering a question?
I asked the question. Take all the time you want!
❓ Why be self-deprecating about the way and the speed with which you speak?
Be your genuine self and I'm even more interested and so is everyone else.
❓Why limit your powerful start up story if we are still listening?
I'm clinging to every word here, your story is fascinating!
❓ Why do you think talking about your successes is bragging?
I find it inspiring and appreciate you sharing what you learned along the way through your brilliant moves and your mistakes.
Many of us, yes, 'us', have been conditioned since childhood to say less, be quiet, don't talk about your successes, your dreams...
🌟And I'm calling Nonsense!⚡⚡⚡
For those that know me, if I want to talk to you, I want to hear it ALL!
The better I know you, understand your business, your 'Why', your clients, your vision, your mission...the better I can share you and your exciting company to others who will want to know you also.
So yes, I went into a minute of my Exec Coach mode and gave her full permission and a million reasons why she can and should speak with authority, no apologies!
Smart people like her get it quickly-she did and she thanked me. My pleasure... and then I think I did that thing where I said I'm sorry if I'm saying too much and we had to laugh about that.
And then she opened up and I learned so much more.
Friends, I implore you to:
💪Flex your strengths.
That's not arrogance, it's confidence.
And confidence builds trust in others, it's interesting, it adds value, and it's a great way to gain customers and followers.
Trust me, talking and thinking fast are part of my super powers. I get more done, in less time and we are all better for it. So if that's a bad thing boy am I in trouble!
Thank you, 'A' for making time for me out of your very busy day. I appreciate you, your time and I can't wait to learn even more.
We are #BetterTogether.
And the better we know each other, the more we care, respect and can contribute powerfully to each other.
With much respect
-Laurie
On Companies Merging and Acquisitions Going More Smoothly and More Successfully with Faster Revenues
We are watching an unprecedented time of mergers and acquisitions in Automotive Vendorship.
When you begin to approach a purchase or a merger, call us first to ensure your best possible outcomes.
There are multiple relationships to navigate, many things to train and clients will be concerned as well as your employees of course.
We are Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists.
We trust you know what you're doing when you spend millions on your acquisitions. We trust you'll quickly appreciate the value of spending merely thousands when you bring us in to capably ensure your results.
Let us help you stay focused on the business as we manage the change at hand through our enhanced communications, strengthening your people and your clients, all while accelerating positive outcomes.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Proven Leadership in Automotive
#PowerOfPartnerships
On Echoing a Powerful Message of Partnership, Care and Support
My heart goes out to those at Dealer Socket but my hat goes off to our friends like Aaron Schinke.
It's difficult to believe that something is important as releasing people who helped your company over a phone call can happen.
What does this do to the morale of those who are left at the company? I can promise you this they'll be looking for jobs quickly if they're smart.
For those affected, you have lots of resources myself included.
I'm also asking everyone that has open jobs to please share and post here. I will be curating them from the last few weeks of items that I have seen.
Great job with great companies. Luckily the job market is good right now.
First things first:
Do your best to shake this off find the positive and what happened with the company and the connections that you made and what you learned.
Entering the job market with a grudge will not help you.
Get positive about yourself and look forward to fresh opportunities.
To all of my friends who think a successful exit for you is a great thing, look at what happens to your people when they're left in the hands of ruthless owners.
Consider what happens when they got the reputation and performance your company formerly delivered... your name is still attached to this.
My heart aches and breaks for all of you but I know this there are lots of people stepping up.
Even as I am writing this out I'm getting a message from yet another colleague who wants to help. No kidding.
So friends please feel free to post your own picture if you need a job and if you have a job for someone or have seen a post post it here also.
There's no shame and letting this tremendous world of colleagues and partners know that you're available or that you have a job available... let's go.
The Power of Partnerships is real. Let's all be great Partners today and lean on our Partners today.
#PowerOfPartnerships
#BetterTogether
On Harnessing the Full Power of Your Products and People
As I read of another company letting far too many people go in the midst of this historically bullish market, you have to wonder why on earth they didn't call Foster Strategies first.
If you're facing challenges, call me @ 269.217.0414. I will help starting with a complimentary introductory call, valued at over $500.
It's my small investment to helping you slow down and make decisions you can be proud of and have confidence in. We help you make more money without simply cutting headcount. There are better ways.
⭐⭐⭐ Performance Strategist for hire here!
Let's work together to keep your people working and keep you making lots of money.
#FosterStrategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists
#PowerOfPartnerships
On Making Simple Things Beautiful
During a new Branding Session, even our business cards were in the spotlight.
Love to hear how you approach a Branding Session, who is included and how it went for you.
If you're thinking it's time, we'll share our tips.
https://lnkd.in/drWghYE
On Starting Any Day Well
Coffee ✔
Attitude ✔
Daily Review & Preview ✔
Automotive News✔
Inspiring Words to Hear and Share ✔
Ready to Make it Happen ✔✔✔
Start you day right- and if you don't, start fresh at any hour. Don't wait!
Foster Strategies Group ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Built to make you stronger.
#FosterStrategiesGroup https://lnkd.in/eRDK9MT
#PowerOfPartnerships #PerformanceStrategists
#BetterTogether #Training #AutoNews
On So Much Flex These Days
Such a curious thing.
What crosses your mind when you see all of this flex-ation?
Yes, I just made up a word.
That was my vocabulary flex of the day!
On A Few Late-Breaking General Manager Opportunities
We have two Dealer Groups who would prefer to bring on a #FemaleGM this time as they are looking to improve their opportunities.
Stand by for more information.
Where: Florida and Midwest locations.
Who: Women who are currently GMs seeking a new career opportunity or those prepared (with credentials) for the next step with these great organizations are welcome to
Reach out directly to: Foster Strategies www.fosterstrategiesgroup.com to learn about how we help companies and individual professionals.
We are 100% committed to elevating the attributes, skills and leadership of those in middle and upper management roles in Automotive. This is how the 'traditional dealer model' can beat competitive threats such as Carvana, CarMax and other emerging mobility solutions.
Dealers: For those of you have 'tolerated or accepted' managers whose skills with current technologies, today's customers and employees are less than desirable, reach out today. We work with the best to find and attract the best in automotive.
Question for the Day:
Why assume men are the only gender equipped to run your business, and accept lackluster results too often?
Demand more from yourself and your GMs.
Not hours, long-lasting results you'll be proud of.
Foster Strategies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Leading Performance Strategists
People⭐ Profitability ⭐Partnerships ⭐Careers ⭐Leadership Coaching ⭐Keynote Presentations
www.fosterstrategiesgroup.com
#DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
#PerformanceStrategies #WomenInLeadership
#LeadershipMatters #AutomotiveCareers #PowerOfPartnerships #IGetTo #BetterTogether
#AbundantOpportunities #WhatIsPossible
On Another Topic Completely: Are there any other Airbnb hosts out here?
Are there any other Airbnb hosts out here? I'm concerned they are becoming the craigslist of the 2020s. Sadly, this is not a compliment.
I recall when Craigslist was a fun, engaging, respectful community.
The fun ended with the barely veiled crimes, drugs, prostitution and, let's not forget the armed robberies and murders.
Dramatic? Not at all when you look at the roots of where this began.
As one of their 'SuperHosts' (their criterion are difficult to meet) I am witnessing critical breakdowns in their service and the caliber of their users/guests. After successfully and enjoyably hosting 100s, yes, hundreds of guests, with a 4.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with rave reviews and kind comments, there has been a rather unpleasan shift recently.
PM me if you're interested in the conversation and the microtrends I'm seeing that are concerning. I know a lot of you have homes or places you have rented out on this platform and others.
Airbnb is now a publicly traded company, so I urge caution prior to purchasing stock based on my findings.
***Absolutely not a Financial Planner, however, as a Performance Strategist, I study data and do my own research, offering unique and proven insights.
I am spotting early signs of legitimate, troubling headwinds.
I will save further conversation for DMs or a private group.
In the meantime, mark my words, use caution, whether hosting, traveling or especially, investing.
#BetterTogether
On Helping Me Help You Most Effectively with Great Outcomes
I absolutely welcome so many calls and requests from my vast (understatement!) network every day to add value, context, connections, discuss business and career opportunities,etc.
Literally, love it!
If I could spend all of my time simply connecting people to other colleagues, offering brilliant solutions off the top of my head, I would be thrilled.
But here are a few things you may not realize and certainly not intend that can happen here.
1) Credit
While I don't seek credit, it's easy, human actually, to let it slip your mind where your support + solutions came from.
2) Value
My value to your organization then is limited to only how one portrays it formally to the group.
Which typically, if you're 100% transparent, doesn't happen.
3) Maximum Results
If the call is too casual, you could take our solutions + strategies this way, not giving them their full respect due to the speed and access to the conversation.
4) My Time
This one is important. Hold on! 🕔
Believe it or not, most people calling receive an income from their employer.
This is my business, my job, my primary source of income. I have to protect my 'giveaway' hours and continue to grow and serve my current (paying) clients.
As much as I want to chat, like you, I only have so many hours in a day, a week, a month. Every hour has a dollar value. Actually every minute does on my spreadsheets!
As a Performance Strategist, I need to track and account for my time, assigning it value and purpose. Time is money. 💲
So yes, your call is valuable.
When I take it, I am consciously choosing to spend the time with you and not on my current or future clients.
I hope you can still hear generosity in my tone.
But these words are true.
Consider also when I chose to invest my time with you, I want to see it made an impact, whether you paid for it or not.
Otherwise, why spend 'our' time, as once we do it is gone forever?
5) Don't Go Quiet
One thing I've noticed is that many have me on speed dial to help at a moment's notice. But when I mention entering a formal (paid) relationship, they go radio silent, suddenly needing a committee...and they'll "get back to me later."
This sends to me a clear message that my time, support and solutions offered were either :
❓ Not shared with others internally
❓ Credit for these solutions or connections was not attributed to my company
❓ Desperation is in effect rather than the strategic planning we offer
and myriad other situations.
So when you reach out and ask for any business owner's time- be fully prepared to respect their time by:
💡Acting on the solutions they offer
💡Share liberally with others how they made a difference and
💡Be ready to pay for their professional services!
I will continue to value your time, take your calls, contribute with a spirit of generosity. I trust these thoughts help you get even more out of our shared investment of...time!
#BetterTogether
Performance Strategies
I am fortunate.
I get to help people in Automotive every single day.
I don't 'have to'...I 'get' to.
I chose this path.
I even launched my own company 2 1/2 years ago so I could do it all the best way I could imagine, without restrictions, on my own dime.
This is exactly what I envisioned over 20 years ago.
Be the change, be the solution, be the Helper.
Choose to lead and the rewards you reap will lift you higher than you could have imagined.
That is all for tonight.
-Laurie
#BetterTogether #Fact #Winning
#PerformanceStrategies
On Unconscious Bias
It can be right there in front of you in a photo and you can still miss it completely.
When you show a picture online publicly of your entire leadership team and there are
Zero Women at a table full of Men,
What does this tell the females on your team currently?
Growth opportunities?
Not so much... don't even bother.
Your customers?
If they want to speak to a manager these are their only choices?
Culture?
We can only make assumptions.
Your employee retention and profitability?
I can imagine they are stagnant other than recent economic influences that none of us created.
Also adding, by not having diversity of perspective, what is missing with your people, your profitability and your clients?
If everyone in the room looks and sounds like you, we can guarantee you're leaving opportunities on the table and settling for less than what could be possible. The data doesn't lie.
I'm curious when the #OEMs will step in. Because...#DEI.
As Ruth Bader Ginsburg so eloquently stated, "Women should be at the table where decisions are being made."
It's July 2021, not 1961...We can, we must do better.
Complimentary 1 hour confidential calls to any Dealership group that would like to take the first steps to get started.
#LeadershipMatters #DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive #UnconsciousBias
Sandy Zannino, SPHR, SHRM-SCP "she/her/ella" Kerri Wise Stephen Dietrich David Blum Aja Goldey Fleming Ford Candice Crane Ashlee Church Angela Zepeda
Ford Motor Company General Motors BMW Group BerkeleyMotors.MercedesBenz StellantisNissan Motor Corporation Hyundai Motor America American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Toyota Motor Corporation Subaru of America Subaru of New England AUDI AG
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 Acknowledging Remarkable Professionals, Who Happen To Be Friends
When I think about those taking a bold stance to help shape our industry for today, preparing for our best future, two names consistently come to mind. Michelle Denogean, CMO and Kerri Wise.
The irony that they are both now Vice Presidents of #Marketing isn't lost on me.
These two are not ones who react to the marketplace, checking a box to do their job. They constantly deliver insights + actionable plans to lift people and businesses to new heights.
Every department leader, every department should take a proactive stance following the footsteps of these two powerful women.
In addition, Michelle + Kerri are wonderful, generous and fun to be around. When you see them online or in person, do yourself a favor and introduce yourself or say hello if it's been a while.
You'll always be better for the interaction.
Michelle is VP of Marketing for Roadster. Their exponential growth is due in large part to her diligent work and expertise.
Many of you remember Kerri from Edmunds and more recently TrueCar, Inc. She now takes her skills and determination to make an impact as she joins the terrific team at AutoFi as Marketing VP.
Kudos to both of you.
You're making a difference in #Automotive!
#BetterTogether
On Three Quick Secrets To Drive Current Performance
To the outside observer we are living in a time of plenty.
But are you getting your fair share?
You have to earn your fair share, that's secret #1.
Secret #2
Be brave enough not to measure yourself against your own numbers year over year but against the marketplace currently. Are you really gaining more than your fair share or are you,like everybody else, just beating last year's numbers due to an increase in the marketplace overall?
Secret #3
Are you and your people already preparing for the natural dip to come? or are you really busy just enjoying the bounty from the current marketplace? The most progressive and successful dealers are already shoring themselves up... in fact they never stopped training educating and building their leaders in a continuous mindset loop.
Check out this article from my friend Andrew P. Olemgbe from Foureyes for his added insights and tips.
#LeadershipMatters
#PowerOfPartnerships
#WhatIsPossible
#BetterTogether
#InfiniteGame
#PreparingForAnything
On an Immediate Request for a Client's Friend
Searching for a VW Dealer in greater DC/VA for a client with solid down payment (10k) and great credit. No run around will be accepted in the process. This professional will work well with a hassle free environment.
Please share GM or DPs names only.
To my dear dealer friends...please, please listen first hand to what your customers are saying. Get the unfiltered story, address opportunities to improve and win.
Many thanks.
-L
#PowerOfPartnerships
#BetterTogether
#LetsFIxThis
On 'It Might Be Time For a Chief Strategy Officer'
But you don't have 300k+ in the budget? Read on.
Does this sound familiar?
👉You are intentionally growing, but it only gets harder every day, not easier.
💡 You have a vision for building something incredible, yet your team, even your leaders, don't really get it.
👉You have confidence in your people, but need them in a continuous growth mindset, not looking back at what got them here.
💡 You look at the metrics and wonder why you don't see much change MoM, YoY.
💲 You review your budgets and grow concerned you're paying out more yet not seeing desired outcomes.
💡 You appreciate your dept. leaders, but wish they had better alignment of purpose, action and results. Not merely lip-service in meetings.
💲 You stop to think about the dozens + dozens of vendors you hire to support and drive your business, yet wonder what the true ROI of your investments should be, could be.
🏆 You want to ensure you personally are equipped with the most up to date skills, yet prefer others aren't aware of knowledge gaps.
You don't have to do it all on your own.
And you don't have to hire a person at $300k+.
Choose to work with us as your ongoing or on demand CSO.
We are Strategy. We are Performance.
Proven, reliable and driven by your success.