I have the great pleasure of being surrounded by brilliant and passionate people in my network. My inner circle overflows with incredible people and high-performers.
But this week, as I was introduced to someone who would like my help, I was awestruck by their vast achievements.
In fairness, you would also be blown away by their story.
Suddenly, as we sat on our Zoom call, I was overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy. In no way do my accomplishments measure up to his.
That's not self-deprecation. It's a fact.
The truth is, precious few would hold a candle to his wide array of experiences and globally recognized partners.
But there I sat. Awash in those awful feelings.
And I had to think...and remember.
They called me.
As accomplished as they are, they are wanting my help. I have a unique and interesting set of skills he spotted and are important to THEM.
I chose to step away from what 'I'm not' in my mind and solidly into what 'I am' to those who need my help.
I chose to celebrate how I can support their efforts and the opportunity to be close to someone I can learn so much from.
I'm grateful.
Be your best self. It's more than enough.
I encourage others daily, but today, I needed the reminder.
After all, we are #BetterTogether.
-L
On Payrolls As Your Guide:
How rapidly are we closing the gender gap in Automotive Retail?
Straight from our research desk:
While women now hold a record 21% of the positions at a dealership, merely 8 cents of each dealerships' dollar of payroll lands in their paycheck.
Frankly, it is difficult to believe the facts.
We are entering 2021 with women barely taking in 8% of automotive retail payroll.
It may be more clear or perhaps even worse to view it this way:
$1,000,000 of payroll, distributed like this:
$920,000 to male employees
$80,000 to female employees
If your jaw didn't drop, are you contributing to the problem?
If you want to look away, are you complicit?
If you don't want to believe it, but do want to fix it you can call us.
$80,000 out of One Million Dollars.
Money = Influence.
Their lack of influence shows when important decisions are made.
If you're interested in closing gender gaps at your organization, increasing overall employee performance and building leaders and leadership into your company's culture, visit https://lnkd.in/drWghYE to start.
What are you waiting for?
We are here and we will help.
#AutoNews
#AutoRemarketing
#DealerMagazine
#DigitalDealer
#Automotive#LeadershipMatters
#BetterTogether
On Excellent BDC Results.
5-7x increased results are now possible.
If you're spending more than ever, yet still under 15% close rates, you are missing out on Sales and Service customers.
Even the very best operators are still challenged to get the results they desire out of their BDCs. They are often a cost center with a financial burden not outweighing the massive investment.
Training alone will not get you there.
Plus, we see only a short term lift most often with most training efforts, regardless of the price tag.
There is now technology available to make even the most sluggish departments effective, efficient and profitable.
Each BDC Rep becomes more successful and more likely to stay with you, saving you thousands every week.
We can meet and crush your goals...and right-size your headcount, saving and generating 100s of thousands.
The testimonials are pouring in from the most recognized and respected dealer groups and leaders across the country.
For quick access and to learn more,
https://lnkd.in/eW-i5EQ or pm me today.
BDC Success Solutions are possible and integrate with ease in less than a week.
5x Faster, 5x the Results. Reduce Headcount.
#Sales and #Service
#MakingADifference
#elevatingautomotivepartnerships
On the High Cost of Training.
An important question for those bold enough to check, who also know where to find the answers. In every department, all rolled up, how much did your company spend on training last year? The actual dollars, plus the real cost of people away from their desks or productivity.
👉Manufacturer training paid or cost included
👉Field Trainers
👉Paid Trainers
👉Online Subscription Training
👉Leadership Training
👉Travel costs
👉Every personnel hour
What was your massive investment and what was your return?
Most organizations we support report these dollars end up as a sunk cost with little to no movement correlated to the bottom line.
The money and hours are gone.
We help companies leverage you people + training to make all your well-intended efforts pay off.
By supporting the entire automotive retail space, dealerships, vendors and suppliers, we can lift the industry, one person, one leader, one transaction at a time.
You can calculate the multiples.
Enormous.
Invest in a Strategy partner. It will make your bottom line noteworthy.
Let's put you on the map.
Foster Strategies.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Premier Success Partner
#LeadershipMatters
#Training
#Consulting #StrategicPartner
#BusinessStrategy
#GrowthMindset
#EOS
#Performance
#ResultsMatter
On Attracting, not Chasing.
Who is on your wish list of people you'd like to meet, and why? What if I told you there were better results available if you attracted their attention, rather than hunting them down?
Trust me, people know when you have them targeted.
Why be the hunter, be the hunted.
Set yourself up as a professional friend who can offer them opportunities to excel, through conversations that capture their interest and make them want to hear more, learn more.
It's as old as time, but you win more by giving than taking. There are universal laws that will support your efforts if you slow down, recalibrate and focus on not what you will get from a connection, but what you will give others.
My favorite consultant to the 'rich and famous', globally recognized author and leader David A. Fields calls this 'Right Side Up Thinking'.
Be 'attractive' and send the right signals to gain interested customers. It's less exhausting than chasing and it's so much more rewarding.
By the way, if there is still a connection you would like to make, let me know. If it makes sense, I'll do my best to introduce you.
Be inspiring, be helpful, be a leader.
Watch what happens next.
#FosterStrategies
#Sales
#BetterTogether
#WhatIsPossible
#elevatingautomotivepartnerships
On My Birthday.
I'm already overwhelmed with gratitude by the hundreds of your messages...and it's only 10 am. I have a full schedule today, but I'm trying to respond to each of you- because you and your wishes are valued. Thank you!
#BetterTogether isn't just a cute catch phrase for me. It's a personal and professional choice to fully live out all of those things we learned, but rarely see applied past a Hallmark card or meme.
If I had one wish, it would be for you to think about any single scenario in your world today with a #BetterTogether mindset.
⭐Who else is here to help?
⭐How can my team be more productive and powerful?
⭐What am I already buying that I need to understand more completely?
⭐Who needs me...and who do I need?
⭐Am I available to others?
⭐What else should I consider prior to entering another partnership?
⭐Who are my true alliances- and who am I contributing to?
My new year begins today.
I am 100% committed to our industry learning and living #BetterTogether as an OS.
The people I serve deserve to know this concept, this truth.
I thank you all for a simply amazing year and am grateful for your encouragement, your appreciation and your commitment to a better, more rewarding path for all.
Thank you again and again.
Now where's the cake?!🎈
❤Laurie
On Innovation in Consumer Engagement.
The window on our dependence and limitations of email in CRMs is closing. Quickly.
Begin now to overcome your own mindset that everything must go into or originate from the CRM. Emails are losing their grip and privacy concerns are now prohibiting their use.
So much is lost, including time and actual connection to those you would like to contact via typical email efforts.
Stay on top of what's next. Join me and watch whats happening with Salesforce.
Always remember, just because we did it a certain way doesn't mean it's how we will do it in the future.
#AutomotiveLeadership
On Cadillac Rooftops Closing.
This only makes sense when you look at the amount of legacy Cadillac dealerships operating as a boutique adjunct to the franchises of the business creating the profit.
At some point, the cost of keeping the business open just to keep the luxury brand name doesn't make sense any longer.
Cadillac is making it less painful for some dealers who could/should have cut the Caddy cord years ago.
Now for the bigger questions. Since most of these Cadillac organizations were not owned by larger groups due to their size, how many dealers will funnel these dollars into automotive retail in their communities? And for how many will this be the beginning steps end of the road for not only this franchise, but the start of the end of the road for the organization?
Dealers, you would do well to start strengthening your organization instead of letting it whimper off.
You will gather more attention and gain higher prices if you keep the structure and integrity of your dealership and its people held high.
We can help.
Foster Strategies.
Automotive's Leading Consulting Agency
On Sharing Career Opportunities.
Try this today.
💡When you see a post with 'Career Opportunities' in it, take 4-9 seconds and follow these quick, easy steps:
⭐1. Click 'Share' Yes, just click the word 'Share'. It's at the bottom right of almost every post.
⭐2. Click 'Share in a Post'. This pops up as a top selection.
⭐3. Type a few letters, or don't.
A. Type "Here's a career opp for anyone looking for work in my network." (see, you don't even have to spell out 'opportunity'!)
B. Don't type anything, but still share. No spell check req'd!
⭐4. Press 'Post'
Congrats, that's all! You did it!👏
The power of these few seconds could make a lifetime of change for one person and one company. There are people out there who need our help. 'Our' includes you.
You probably won't be able to slide past another one of these now without at least THINKING about sharing!
And you just might start or end your day by #MakingADifference.
Thanks in advance. Share anything I post with your colleagues and network. If you recommend a friend to connect with me, I will accept.
Now on with our busy Tuesday mornings!
(Please be kind and remember to share 😊)
-L
#CareerOpportunities
#PeopleMatter
#JobOfALifetimeOrLifeline
#BetterTogether
#FosterStrategiesCareerConnections
#EasyToShare
On People Aren't Interruptions.
Take time...no, changing that to Make Time, for people. Keep your eye on the clock, I know you and I are both busy, but make time to truly listen when people reach out to you for help. It's a privilege and honor to be considered a trusted resource.
You will always learn from the conversation. Slow down. Dial in your mindset to 'What can I do to help' and 'Let them know I hear them' as you start each new conversation. And be sure to extend encouragement.
It's not that hard. Then quickly refocus on where you left off!
That's all for the moment...such a busy day. So grateful for the work projects and wonderful people you are all sending my way!
One more coffee...let's go.
I'm here to make a powerful, meaningful difference in the lives of people in Automotive.
Tell me, what about you?
#BetterTogether
#LeadershipMatters
#LeadingTheWay
#elevatingautomotiveperformance
#AutomotiveExcellence
On Mystery Shops.
What if I told you your store was just Mystery Shopped?
Be totally, completely candid: What was your first reaction?
Panic, fear, embarrassment?
Why?
How could you possibly accept anything but excellence in communication from your teams no matter how your customers choose to connect with you?
Look at the money you've spent! It's the end of 2020...you must not tolerate this.
How customer-friendly and business-forward do you think the call would be rated?
You know how upset or frustrated you get when trying to conduct personal business. But it's happening In. Your. House.
Why haven't you fixed it? I I know...it is embarrassing.
But it doesn't have to be. We just need to get to work and fix it once and for all.
2021 will give us Zero Breaks. We must excel in all communication platforms.
We'll help you build a mindset and clarity around Customer Communication that will propel your team's results to unseen heights.
Let's move from embarrassment to pride within weeks.
All you have to do is...call.
269.217.0414
laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com
https://lnkd.in/drWghYE
Foster Strategies. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automotive's Leading Communication Strategists
#MysteryShop
#Automotive#Training#Consulting#Strategy#Sales#Service
On Massive Growth.
Watch in real life what happens when my #BetterTogetherconnections light up and make something bigger, the sum is greater than the parts.
You can laugh at my hashtag. I see you, lol. It's okay.
#BetterTogether makes you chuckle, does it?
These businesses I'm connecting + their people are doing incredible things.
In the meantime, why are you settling for so much less than you should or could be contributing?
Why aren't you building up others?
Why aren't you creating something, anything, especially with the madness this year has brought on?
Why are you so uninspired and uninspiring?
Silly hashtag?
The Better Together OS is a stick of dynamite. Be ready.
You've spent millions going it alone.
We create explosive results.
Forget those old playbooks. I employ thoughtful, innovative, right-side up, people first business strategy.
And we are winning.
Silly girl with ideas of making people's lives better, making leaders stronger, lifting the perception of the #automotive business, creating greater partnerships where everyone wins.
Silly me.
Thinking I could create something because you didn't even think of it and don't think it's possible because it sounds so simple. It is simple, for me. Not you.
Go on back to the golf course. I'm busy, changing lives.
On A Less Than Stellar November.
We know by the data November wasn't outstanding.
Also, by the lack of public jubilation.
What if, what if instead of living out Automotive succcesses and shortcomings in an erratic EKG of heart-stopping rhythms, we slowed down and took a much clearer, more strategic look at our progress and opportunities through at least a 90 day lens?
Here's what we know.
Due to overexuberance in recent months, GMs and Managerial staff have put themselves squarely under a laser-like microscope reading 'FAILED'.
Some of you are sitting in upstairs offices today, explaining your 'what went wrong' and 'we'll pull it off this month, boss' conversations.
This is not strategy.
Don't rely on a 'good month' and stop the panic over a bad 30 days. Far too much, good or bad, is not in your control.
Having a good December is seriously vanilla these days- boring. Everyone does. OEMs push incentives, everyone works at a feverish pace, driving dollars per hour into the ground.
What if there were another way?
There is.
Get strategic on #People, on #Planning, on #Performance, on #Profitability and extract your business from the old EKG and its accompanying hiring / firings.
Do #Automotive Brilliantly.
Foster Strategies.
Let's get down to business.
#Success
On A Winning Sales Strategy.
Sometimes, we just have to get back to basics. As much as I support businesses and dealerships with strategy, quite often the most important strategy we need is the blocking and tackling at the customer entry point.
If you would like to hear how we lift BDC performance and sales for most dealerships by over 50% within one month, contact us today. I've helped dealers of every size, of every brand, in every corner of the country for over 20 years now.
We diagnose, correct and heal your systems and performance.
Quickly, efficiently and sustainably.
For most dealerships, this results in at least 35 additional sales per month from their BDC efforts alone, with zero added cost.
For as little as $2900, you can leap your 2021 #AutomotiveSales performance, before it even begins.
You want to solve this, you don't have time. We can help.
Before you spend $30,000 plus again next month in Digital Marketing dollars, ensure your team knows why and how to talk to your prospects and make them customers...for life.
Foster Strategies. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Proudly Training, Motivating and Inspiring Automotive Leaders Since 2001.
#ElevatingAutomotivePerformance
#AutomotiveMasterclass#Training#SalesMotivation#CustomerJourney#PsychologyOfSelling #BehavioralTraining
On Nailing the Success Formula.
It starts with your Dream. Shaped into Reality, fueled by your Determination.
The same applies to your personal life and your professional life. Success has a path, a formula. I always love Ray Dalio's insights.
If you don't already own the book Principles, you should. Grab it today. It's another that I own the book and Audible addition.
Beyond the formula building blocks, ask yourself how can you accelerate your success and minimize any roadblocks.
The next steps past the formula are Strategic Partners, Velocity and Scale.
Cheers to your dreams becoming realities backed with loads of determination!
To your, to our Successful Life!
#BetterTogether
#ExcellenceInAutomotive
#LeadershipMatters
#ExecutiveCoaching
#Training#DealershipStrategy
On Betting On Yourself.
I have a few additional career opportunities that are perfect for those who are willing to bet on themselves and their drive to make a difference for their own financial situation and for the automotive industry. If you want or need the promise of a steady paycheck this is 100% not for you.
If you believe you are not getting paid what you deserve, want to be on the edge of your seat with forward thinking products with the latest technology and software then maybe we should talk.
It does a minute, but within a few months, you can easily be tracking over $150k for the year...blue ocean...no territories. And lots of assistance.
For those in a reselling or agency model whether you're an individual or a natural agency please go free to reach out.
1st step, Visit my website and fill out a brief contact formhttps://lnkd.in/drWghYE
2nd Add a few lines about yourself or your agency.
3rd Add your timezone. I'm ET.
I will prioritize calls based on the information you share.
Foster Strategies Career Services, coming in 2021, but with opportunities available now, we're getting a head start!
#FosterStrategiesCareerServices
#LeadershipMatters
#ExcellenceInAutomotive
#ElevatingAutomotivePartnerships
#Jobs#SalesCareers#Agencies#CareerOpportunities
On instigating Positivity.
Get ready to be the Chief Instigator of Great Things
Take a look around those you are interacting with. What is it that you could say or do to let them know they are important to you?
Here's something I practice
I frequently (and it's not just a saying or a phrase) tell people how great it was to hear from them...because I mean it.
Going next level, when you're really thinking or smiling on a call, before you wrap up, tell them they made my day. You tell someone they 'made your day' by hearing from them and it changes their dynamic...their mood,, their day! You have to mean it of course.
But how often do we not even say the minimums to people? If we've learned one thing this year is that people are the only thing that matters.
Instigate Positivity. Be an Agent of Positive Change, Opportunity and Hope.
Believe in people. You may never know how far the ripples of your kindness will extende, but it's always much more than you can imagine...or could have done on your own.
Instigators of Positivity can create an unstoppable chain of events for good. For zero dollars, just 10 seconds of time and your intention.
As we go into the middle of December, make the decision to contribute with your words.
#BetterTogether
#fosterstrategies
On Helping You, Help Your Clients.
As you begin your week, many of you are facing challenges with clients you can't reach, clients who aren't achieving performance levels you both had hoped for and those who are very demanding as well in automotive.
When this occurs, stop in call me. This is exactly what my business was built for. The reason I get paid well as I'm good at strategizing these intricate relationships in automotive with partners on both sides.
The other reason is that l help you all be more successful and make you more money more profitably. And seamlessly.
What is the current climate costing you and what opportunities are unrealized? We can start to get your teams running smoothly within weeks.
So rather than table these conversations or put people who are ill-equipped to handle these complex situations, call me. Worth every dollar worth every minute.
A small investment that pays huge dividends.
Foster Strategies. We solve your challenges and increase performance.
#BetterTogether, Ray Dalio style.
If you like this math, you'll like ours even more.
Increase your performance, increase your clients' performance and retention.
We are the only firm providing guidance to Automotive retail partners, helping them succeed more rapidly in the industry.
Foster Strategies. We know Automotive.
#elevatingautomotivepartnerships
#elevatingautomotiveperformance
On Investing To Grow.
Everyone wants to grow.
Everyone set targets.
Why are so many companies not hitting their targets or fully capitalizing on the opportunities at hand?
Why do companies stop there?
Although it would be nice and definitely preferred for you, very often you need the insights, innovation and inspiration to make a bigger impact.
That's when you call Foster Strategies.
Will it cost you more than you hoped?
What doesn't?
What is it costing you not to solve and move forward profitably?
The average challenge we address is well into 6, even 7, figures. You read that right.
And once we hit your targets, lots of blue sky and accolades.
Our average solutions are a mere fraction of your outstanding results.
Let's get past this 'money issue', think BIG and tackle your challenges, together.
Foster Strategies.
Value/Cost. Every time.
Your first call is on us. Book it today.
https://lnkd.in/eW-i5EQ
#Automotive#FinTech#SaaS
#SalesGrowt#LeadershipDevelopment
