Dealer friends, again today in a professional women's chat group in greater Charlotte the conversation emerged about a woman who had a difficult time this week at a local dealership. Oh boy.
She's spending $27,000 on a used car. Her money, her decision.
The negative outpouring as others shared recent, similar stories was sadly overwhelming.
We must do better.
I'm going to finally do what many have asked for years. I've started a chat group to empower women in their car shopping and ongoing ownership experience.
'CLT Women's Empowered Car Shopping and Ownership' is the new group.
When fear is high and trust is low buying decisions take longer and sales are even lost completely.
My work demonstrates my lifelong advocacy of progressive minded leaders and #dealers in automotive.
I'll provide needed education, clarity on pricing, how we structure deals, leasing/buying, trading/selling, choosing the right vehicle, having necessary paperwork ready, total cost of ownership, maintenance and more.
Educated buyers transact more quickly and show greater loyalty.
I'm going to do my part.
Will you do yours?
Let's help these great customers and stop running them off.
Women shoppers, ask to join today.
#BetterTogether
#Empowered
On Meeting Up With Great Candidates.
We often hear 'The best jobs are never posted'.
That may be true.
Do you want to know what else is true?
You'll rarely get the opportunity to hear about The Best Candidates for your open leadership position. They get picked up and your search lingers on.
We are changing all of this.
Our research shows even these terrific leaders often 'settle' for a referral position rather than starting a public search as they don't wish to jeopardize their current position.
The second factor?
The perceived time + difficulty of putting together a resume, interviewing, etc. It's personal, it's a project, it's a daunting task.
We're changing all of this. Cracking open more opportunities for great candidates +deserving companies.
I spoke to yet another highly qualified, bright GM candidate yesterday and all of these things mentioned applied.
Let's step away from the braggadocio of "I've never had to have a resume" to
"By choosing to have an outstanding resume, role clarification and interview upskilling, I landed a better position with higher pay at a better company"
We bear the standard for premier connections.
And most important for your timelines:
We Will Connect You Faster.
Foster Strategies. We drive #ExcellenceInAutomotive.
#CareerOpp
On Saying You Have Great Culture and Living It.
Walk out of your busy office.
Listen to the language. Watch the behaviors.
Look at the faces.
Listen, listen, listen to what and how your managers talk.
Who is setting the tone for your organization?
Look around at the workplace.
Look at your customers.
Besides your HR teams, who is saying, "Join our Family. It's a great place. We have great upward mobility."
Is this real or just an eerily similar boilerplate ad?
Why are you hiring all of the time?
What does this cost? Everyone, everywhere.
Why are people staying? Lack of options or loyalty?
Do you really know why people leave?
Culture isn't a program, it's a choice.
If you're committed to #ExcellenceInAutomotive like we are, it will take a partner to get it done and achieve remarkable results.
Reach out now and start towards greater profitability via greater culture for all.
To have the best teams and outcomes, and the best candidates waiting to get into your organization, you must be the best.
Not from your elevated position and your beautiful office, from their view.
It requires a brutally honest assessment, but so much opportunity exists when you listen and ensure that great culture is alive in every hidden corner, with every single person.
Foster Strategies. Courage.
On Being An Automotive 'Go-To'.
It is What you know.
It is Who you know.
And Why you know them. What they are capable of. Who they know and should know.
It is What you see currently and beyond the headlights.
It is not pointing out What Is Wrong but How We Can Fix it.
It means Seeing Opportunities Everywhere.
It also means having the Courage to know Challenges and Landmines exist and pressing ahead.
It means living out a People and Partnership Mindset.
It means it's not about Me, it's about knowing, listening and helping You.
It is Why I Do What I Do. Why I seek every opportunity to lift others in a challenging industry.
It means People Believe You Care.
It is a responsibility, yet a humbling, exciting privilege.
My Why.
I see our industry as having innumerable, ongoing struggles with Leadership, People and Culture, Public Perception and missing Profitable Partnerships. I am committed to flip this to be an industry which attracts the best, the brightest. Develop and retain lifelong loyal employees and create unimaginable loyalty and advocacy from our customers in every part of our business.
We help build stronger, wiser, more effective leaders, more productive and engaged teams and change the landscape of Automotive Partnerships.
That's how I got here.
Foster Strategies.
On BDCs. Business Development Centers.
If you become frightened and immediately turn away when you see those three letters, we can help you understand what's going on 'over there'.
But for today, I want to talk to the hard-working people who run, direct, manage, oversee or own #BDCs.
You have a few common challenges.
Let's throw them out there.
I want to hear directly from those who own or manage BDCs and are responsible for their results.
I have solutions, oh yes. But first, let's air that dirty laundry.
I'll start it up- 'INFLUENCE'
Do you have the right amount of Influence and Decision-making power for the job you have been asked to do and the results you want to achieve?
Your turn. Your challenges, your conversations, your goals...
You have the mic.
If you want to share your thoughts, but don't want to attach your name, pm me and I'll post on your behalf.
-L
#BetterTogether
#LeadershipMatters
#BDCDirector #SalesManager #BDR #BDCManager #BusinessDevelopmentCenter #Challenges
Robin Wilson
Marija Nikolic-Cvetkovska Wendy Reeves
On Innovative Ways to Advance Your Career. Quick post with some quick questions.
We see a tremendous amount of very talented Senior Managers or #GSMs that have not had the chance for a variety of circumstances to go to the next level the very big next step of becoming a #General Manager, #GM.
Quite frequently, we see this is because they are in an opportunity desert. They have a ton of talent but the opportunity at their location with their brand or in their region is not going to happen.
To take that next step, we have developed a path where we can match your talent to a dealership that is in a talent desert. Not enough people with the right skills and attributes for the job in their geographic region.
Does this sound familiar to you? Whether you are a dealer or a job seeker, reach out to me today and I will explain more to you.
You both have a lot to offer each other yet you will probably never meet without a connection likeYou both have a lot to offer each other yet you will probably never meet without a connection and a plan like we can provide from Foster Strategies.
Reach me today... if you text, please leave your name and email address also.
https://lnkd.in/eRDK9MT
Foster Strategies Career Connections.
We connect the best to the best in automotive.
On Conferences Past and Future.
NADA 2019. I had rushed back from Paris to hit my 1st #NADA as the owner of my own company.
How fortunate I am to have industry contacts and colleagues that are truly my friends as well.
Starting out on your own can be a daunting task, But when you are surrounded by the most talented and most generous people in the industry, the journey is easier and infinitely more enjoyable and rewarding.
Here's a picture of Joe Webb of DealerKnows Consulting, George Nenni, maestro of all things Google at his company, Generations Digital and myself. I'm the one with the long hair and back turned to the camera for those who don't know us all...yet!
While it can easily look like fun and games and sometimes it is, the conversations and the collegiality we have found at these conferences is a playground to sharpen all of our tools, a workshop to lay out the best ideas and perfect them with people who care.
It's hard to duplicate this environment on Zoom calls although we are trying.
Thank you to Diane Massie for this photo. I only wish you were in it as well.
I love our #Automotive industry and the many great people in it. I can't wait to see you all safely, soon.
Foster Strategies Group
#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters
#ExcellenceInAutomotive
#Travel
On the High Cost of Operating Your Own Automotive Sales and Service BDC. Quiz of the Day.
Which most closely matches your current situation?
1) The overhead and oversight don't warrant the expense.
2) We're doing OK but would like to get a much greater return on our investment.
3) We'd love to have someone take it off of our hands especially if it costs less and nets more sales and happy customers.
4) Our leadership team is supposed to manage and operate our BDC but needs coaching to do so profitably and effectively.
There are no wrong answers.
In fact, we have a solution for every one of these very common challenges.
Wherever you are, we can help quickly.
Bookings now start March 1st for our next wave of in-store implementations and training.
Our omnichannel platform gives Dealerships 5x more throughput in their BDCs.
We are faster, more rewarding, more effective. We can help Sell more Cars and Service Appointments than any #BDC technology in the industry.
#AutomotiveBDC #Sales #Service #Recall #LeaseManifest #Customers #FixedOperations #CallCenter #ResponseRate
#SweetRelish
https://lnkd.in/drWghYE
PM to skip the line
On Friday Night Musings on Most Career Posts.
When it comes to dollar amounts for a job opportunity, companies need to be more straightforward and share the real opportunity.
For now, here are 'Laurie's Two Cents on Opportunities'.
Cent One: When I read a post reading this is a 'Six-figure opportunity' it sounds like this to most:
If you're lucky, you might make it into the low, low 100s but most people never do. In fact, they grew disillusioned and left. Hence, this FanTaStiC opportunity!
---
Cent Two: You're trying to offer me an incredible opportunity. Once again I hear the familiar, "It pays in the 6 figures!"
My response, "You go ahead and pick the last four, I'll pick the first two."
Thanks, where do I sign?
You like that? I laugh out loud every single time...all in good fun.
But seriously. There is a chasm of difference between a job paying barely $100000 if you scrape your way to it and 7 $950000. Those are 2 or 3 complete lifestyle jumps if not more.
I hope my Friday night humor helps you and your team rethink how you position your opportunities and how to attract the talent you really need.
Great talent is passing you by due to unclear pay opportunities in advance.
Be clear, be transparent. Attract the best.
Foster Strategies Friday Night Lites.
On 'Those Cars Aren't Going to Sell Themselves'.
Dealer Friends: As you close out your January, what numbers stand out most that need correcting, asap?
We are hearing already that #BDC numbers aren't moving, yet spend has increased again and headcount remains high and costly.
'Business Development Center' is the name for this vertical at your store, yet most are still operating merely as a response team or Call Center, neither of which are 'Business Development'.
If you'd like to get your BDC at or over 15%, we can help. For many dealerships, this is a 50%+ increase.
For GMs and Dealers who aren't sure 'What Good Looks Like' in a BDC, we'll help and bring you the most important info to know on BDCs in 2021.
You can get started for as little as you pay for one BDC sales rep for a month, and we'll help you sell at least 25% more vehicles. If you want to sell more vehicles, and faster, that is.
If your #inventory is averaging over 35 days, this is another indicator your #BDC needs professional help.
Let's Develop some Business together. There is a better way.
Those cars aren't going to sell themselves!
Foster Strategies. #ExcellenceInAutomotive
#BDCSolutions #SalesStrategy #SellMoreCars #BusinessDevelopment
On Connecting You to Outstanding Career Opportunities: Connecting the best to the best!
Since we launched our careers page just 2 weeks ago, we've had thousands of hits for these companies who stepped up to share their openings.
We are pleased to hear things are moving forward nicely with so many companies and so many terrific candidates.
Over 40 companies saw my post and decided to join in to get our colleagues working again.
Many thanks to my assistant Alison and to all of you. We couldn't have done it without you. Go check out the page right now don't wait!
Due to the early success of this jobs board, we are going to continue to take your material for your open positions.
Check out our new Careers tab right here:
https://lnkd.in/eRDK9MT
#BetterTogether starts here.
#Automotive #career #jobopenings #careeropportunities #hiring
On talking with Automotive News recently on the F&I Department.
So glad we could include our partner, Doug Fusco in the conversation. Check out Dealer Safeguard Solutions to see how they help progressive Dealers. F&I and Sales Management teams streamline their activities and ensure compliance at every step.
To learn more on how we support your internal departments and increase performance at your dealership, click here for a complimentary introductory call: https://lnkd.in/drWghYE
or DM me below.
#Automotive #Finance #PerformanceStrategies #Sales #PowerOfPartnerships #BetterTogether
On The Highest Compliment.
Being thanked at the end of an interview for bringing far more value than what was anticipated.
I am always prepared And do my homework in advanced. I make sure to talk to the person that's going to interview me in advanced so I make sure I also understand their objectives and that we help accomplish those.
Thank you to all who continue to request me to be a guest on your Podcasts, webinars or company meetings.
It is truly a privilege to be a part of the important conversations we are having in the industry. Make no mistake, my #BetterTogether philosophy is gaining steam.
With much appreciation and much excitement for what lies ahead… thanks again everyone we've got work to do! And you've got a partner who will help you do it.
---
10pm
Thrilled with the feedback from my raw, unedited, unscripted video. I'm just so appreciative of such a great network of friends and colleagues that just grows more every day. Thank you all for your constant encouragement and appreciation of my work also.
#BetterTogether and Better and Better...
On What it Takes to Become an Influential, Professional Woman in the Automotive Industry.
1) Desire. And know your 'Why'
2) Commitment. There are no short cuts. It takes time, effort and work when no one is looking.
3) Mentors. You may have to skip that. But do find communities. We now have the luxury of 'others' we didn't have 20 years ago.
4) Education. Add daily to your knowledge, assimilate it into your work, test it with others and share.
5) Community. Join a group of others like you.
We now have 2 available.
#1 is for Women In Automotive Leadership
https://lnkd.in/dwJzQ77
#2 Women of Fixed Operations 'WoFO' https://lnkd.in/dSyDYPx
6) Goals! Dreams, wishes and hope won't cut it.
Set goals, know why, track your progress and stay focused.
7) Opportunities. They are everywhere! But you have to know where, how and who to look with. We now offer our unique Career Services to help you stand out in the crowds of candidates.
8) Share. Your time, your resources, your insights, everything.
9) Do the work.
10) Don't stop!
Overnight success and luck typically follow a lot of effort. But if you're up for it, the payoff can be incredible.
And you'll meet and work with the best of the best.
I hope this nudges you to get going!
#BetterTogether
On 5 Things Telling You It's Time To Ask Me to Speak to and Inspire Your Teams.
I know how crazy it makes you when a #Speaker or #Trainer drops in from Out Of Nowhere and your team is all fired up over the exact same thing you've been sharing with them.
Listen to their laughter, the engagement. ..wait, what?!
Ouch.
I understand.
But here's the deal.
It's happening and you're not alone.
Here are 5 reasons why you should call.
#1 Our people tend to tune out the voices they hear every day.
#2 Never underestimate the power of 'MORE' voices reinforcing your messages.
#3 It's not personal. You do the exact.same.thing!
#4 You have important goals, targets, objectives, focus on 'WHO' can help drive it home to help you achieve and even crush your biggest goals! (hint- we can!)
#5 You and your leadership team can always benefit from an extra dose of inspiration, motivation and insight from outside also.
I've spoken to tens of thousands and inspired or motivated at least 96% of them.😉
I'll even offer 5 businesses One Complimentary Meeting to get you moving. I will prepare with you and we can celebrate the results.
You keep doing your thing, allow me to do mine.
#BetterTogether- it's great for business.
Foster Strategies. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
#Keynote
On How to Be More Proud of the Decisions We Make.
I heard this on a podcast recently and had to hit PAUSE, REWIND, PAUSE again to write down these 8 powerful words...and studied it for a few minutes.
I have it on a sticky note on my desk as a reminder of how to help others...and myself, frankly.
The context was having a Growth Mindset, but the challenges even for those who fancy themselves progressive and open-minded.
I welcome your feedback- or even an 'aha' or 'curious' response.
Could this, should this approach be part of a company's core principles, rather than hoping others might stumble into this mindset?
Here are the 8 words that could make a difference:
👉More Humility
👉Less Overconfidence
👉More Curiosity
👉Less Conviction
This will lead to making decisions at work we can be more proud of.
Thoughts, feedback?
#BetterTogether
#DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive
#BusinessStrategy
#Solutions #DecisionMaking #Influencer #LeadershipMatters
#Automotive #FollowTheLeaders
On Hearing Someone Got the Job.
"I wanted you to know I just took the GM position!"- What wonderful words to hear as the day closed out.
When you are in Career Transition, you can benefit greatly from the conversations and strategies I offer. I don't give glib advice. I offer strategic thinking about your very specific situation after listening closely to your entire situation.
Very often, I help people choose to stay in their current roles, albeit more powerfully, with greater vision and confidence and a plan to up their pay.
Other times, I provide necessary insight + coaching to help a candidate first increase their belief of their value in the marketplace, help them go after the 'right' opportunities and guide them through the process.
You don't want to pay for this?
Seems like you should be able to do this for yourself, right?
Here is why you should call:
I routinely help my clients earn 50% more than they imagined- or were ready to concede.
There are lower cost consultants. But you and your career deserve more.
Introductory calls are complimentary.
Custom Career packages starting at 249.
Put that against a $50-100,000 pay bump and you see how smart it would be to call.
Stop settling.
Make a great decision and call today.
You deserve it.
#YoureHired
On Being Ready For Anything.
Some Days Are Even More Exciting.
💡What conversations are you ready for today?
💡What are you studying?
💡What are you putting into your head intentionally?
💡How are you improving your perspective...and your practices?
If you want to be the obvious choice when people are looking for solutions, you need to first of all be prepared with the knowledge, the right intention and excellent communication skills.
When it comes time for the big game, your preparedness, ability and teamwork will all help you win.
We jump right behind the wheel to help you achieve even your most outlandish goals!
To our shared success! We are always #BetterTogether, after all.
Foster Strategies. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prepared, capable and enthusiastic to lift Automotive partners to new heights.
#BetterTogether
#LeadershipMatters
#automotive
#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships
On the Takeaways People Working With Me Have- and the Titles they Assign Me.
Oh boy- are you ready?
"You're our..."
Chief Operating Officer- probably very accurate
Fractional General Manager- Clever
CEO Whisperer- really love the intrigue around this one!
Industry Strategist- Check.
Automotive Category Expert. Well...I'm pretty good, but that's an incredible broad umbrella.
Training Guru- guilty- and love this as it's at the core of everything I do and how I do it.
Exec Coach- Yep-and this is so rewarding.
LinkedIn Expert- no, but I make it work to make a difference.
People Specialist- yep. Not HR, but all the rest. The care and insights required to give people the opportunity to rise to almost any situation and succeed. Preparing people shows you care.
Marketing- I'm good, and while this is not my specific specialty- I advise on the best moves to make AND how to execute on them.
BDC Expert- Big yes.
GTM Strategist. Yes, yes, yes.
Partnership Creator- YES!
So which do you need the most today?
The highest value you receive from my work is my broad scope of knowledge, insights and the ability to wrap it all 360 into successful solutions.
When do you want to begin?
#BetterTogether (Secret Sauce)
On The Dollar Value of Your Recall Lists
There are 100s of open Recall Campaigns, covering virtually every brand for a wide variety of issues.
They range from:
🚫Safety concerns
🚫Oil consumption #JeepRecall
🚫Nuisance items
🚫Critical, major recalls
Many of you reading this are #DealerPrincipals, #GeneralManagers, #FixedOperations, #ServiceDirectors and #Managers.
Most dealerships know these recalls exist, few are taking full advantage of them.
When was the last time you monetized a Recall?
Here is the range of what we hear in #Automotive:
👍We're proactive, have great process and get 98% of our customers in!
👉We try to be proactive, we have a team to do it. But our entire lists are rarely contacted.
👉We have a team, hand out the lists, they don't bring desired results. Little oversight or expectation.
😳We are reactive, relying solely on the OEM bulletin to customers, hoping they show up.🤞
😱We don't have time to pay attention to any of this. No one has any idea where we stand, how many are available, revenue $$$ opportunity is unknown.
We break down your 'TRO' Total Recall Opportunity in dollars+hours.
High-performing dealers: Our software generates 5x calls per day.
All others, we can call for you!
Let's create Revenue from Recalls.
Curious?
#RecallPerformance
