1367

Meet My Colleagues: Another Women In Leadership Win!
While much of my time is clearly grounded in #Automotive, my efforts supporting Women cross all industries.

No matter the sector, Women have historically faced similar challenges on their career climb.

It is my special privilege to open their eyes fully to their:

🎯 Value- Not just as a human, but in the Marketplace.
🎯 Communication- These are skills every professional should constantly improve upon.
🎯 Executive Presence- How to capture and hold the attention and minds of the other Leaders at the table.
🎯 Leadership- Being the Leader people will follow anywhere.
🎯 Decision-Making with greater Confidence and Clarity.

We join you in celebrating your accomplishments and are here to help others create moments to celebrate as well.

Make it your mission to recognize, reward and celebrate the Women in your world throughout International Women's Month and every day.

Special thanks to Aubrey Amatelli, Katie Jewell and colleagues for sharing this picture of their latest celebration together.

#WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveStrategy #PowerOfPartnerships #Careers #Leadership
#Finance #Payments #ElectronicTransactions
#BetterTogether #internationalwomensday2022

1365

On Perspective From a Busy Conference: Who else is still catching up from the tsunami of activity from National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)?

What a terrific 'problem' to have!

While I am buried with opportunities, there are other conversations happening, and I wonder if we were at the same event.

I have talked to a few too many who in a post-conference haze are lamenting these-
👉 There Were Not Enough Dealers
👉 Not Enough Traffic
👉 Not enough Appointments
👉 People Didn't Keep Their Appointments
👉 Not enough Sales
👉 Missed Our Sales Targets
👉 Our Booth Was In a Terrible Location

I am here to tell you, it wasn't the conference.

It was you.

But what part of it was controllable- even foreseeable?

❓ Your Lack of Preparation
❓ Your Assumptions that your Leaders had a Good Strategy
❓ Your Failure to Communicate Your Vision
❓ Your Team's Preparedness, Education, Expectations and Enthusiasm
❓ Your Product!
❓ Your Choice of Participants
❓ Too Many People/Too Few Manning Your Booth
❓ Too Few Breakfast, Coffee, Lunch Meetings
❓ Your Follow Through with Pre-Set Appointments
❓ Leading with a Party Instead of a Plan
❓ Your Marketing Strategy for Before, During and After the Conference
❓ Your Budget
❓ Your Unrealistic Expectations
❓❓❓ What Else?

My concern is this and you've heard me address it before:
The chances for better outcomes are not in your favor if any of these occurred unless you commit to making changes.

You need help- and it's okay, it's time, to ask for it.

🎯 I will gladly support your team with a strategy for your upcoming events before you even book them.

🎯I can also help you recover from and capitalize on an event where you failed to meet your hopes and expectations.

I'm busy- but for those who know me or are about to know me, I will always find time to help those seeking to make a difference- and do the work.

My company's middle name is 'Strategies'. Let's put the power of our strategies to work before you invest in another event.

#BetterTogether #PowerOfPartnerships #StartWithWhy #Planning #Strategies #Solutions #Conferences #Speaking #Events #NADA #AIS #DigitalDealer #Opportunities #Sales #LeadershipMatters

1364

On The Real Cost of SEM and Brilliant Sales Pitches:
Since when did everyone buy into the 'cheap' Cost-Per-Impressions and Clicks story and not evaluate the total cost per interaction and transaction?

After hearing one more, "but it's only...x per click or impression" it's clear we need to hit the brakes.

Someone has to do the math.
I'll go first.

Your 'low-cost'
💲$3 per Impression
becomes
💲💲$10 per VDP
which suddenly becomes
💲💲$100 per Lead which now costs your Dealership
💲💲💲$800-$1000 per Transaction💲💲💲

If you don't like that, like our old friend Joe Verde would say, cut it in half! 😂

This still fails to factor in the time and effort of your team to interact with the prospect, set an appointment, follow up, meet with them and still only close a small percentage.

Take a run at your own math and show us the real cost and what you would rather pay.

SEM had its moment, but it cost you more than you want to believe.

Perpetual Search is up and running now.
And it's a fraction of the cost and 10x more effective.

I'll share more later.
Call me for faster updates or to sign up now.
What do you have to lose...literally?

Moving forward means moving to the next revolution of SEM.
Perpetual Search.

We heard it all over the floor at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Dealers, Agencies and outside industries are mobilizing their budgets to what's next.

#PerpetualSearch
#10X #LifeBeyondSEM #Automotive #Marketing2022 #Performance #MarketingStrategy #Conversion #Connection #Sales #Budget

1363

I'm allowed to have my goals for my customers, my colleagues, my industry.

So here goes on a Thursday night.
I want to see 35% of all Leadership seats in Automotive and Automotive Adjacent businesses by 2025.

Not simply 35% Females in seats.

👉 35% of Leadership as Females.
💲 35% of Payroll in the hands of Females.

Leadership + Pay
= Influence and Decision Making Abilities.

This is one way Automotive Retail can strategically survive threats facing them currently from multiple fronts. These pressures will only increase, making this the best time to take a closer look at the current situation and what we will be operating against soon.

These are my thoughts:

✔ Business: This would benefit the profitability of the business as new ideas, insights and processes would be injected into an industry suffering from malaise.

✔ People: This would benefit the employees in our industry who still routinely give low marks to the environments and ongoing opportunities in our businesses.

✔ Customers: This would benefit our customers by offering them more of what they have been seeking in regard to transparency, customer experience and confidence. This would drive loyalty and more additional inhouse sales of all of the products and services our dealerships offer.

✔ Communities: Strong, well-led Dealerships consistently prove their good citizenry to their communities and are an asset to the economic base.

Feel free to share why you believe it's not a good idea or why it's not feasible...or what efforts and timelines you have in place.

Between 2022-2025, I think we can do this. If we want. If we are intentional. If we want to grow with the times.
#BetterTogether

1362

On a Photo Teaser from Our GROW! Women in Leadership Luncheon:
I'm rapidly (?!) sorting through and tagging nearly 500 digital pictures sent from our professional photographer.

This is just one. Brace yourself for many, many more.

I hope you can feel the joy, see the talent, hear the collaborative communications among new connections. I hope you don't see me wiping tears in the background.

From L-R we have Chanteya Lawrence of Chase
Kerri Wise of AutoFi and WOCAN
Sandy Zannino, SPHR, SHRM-SCP of @IAHR
Helen Moss of Clarivoy

If they thought they were #BetterTogether before they arrived, they knew it when they left this remarkable meeting of minds last Saturday!

1361

On The Real Cost of SEM and Curious Sales Pitches:
Since when did everyone buy into the 'cheap' Cost-Per-Impressions and Clicks story and not evaluate the total cost per interaction and transaction?

After hearing one more, "but it's only...x per click or impression" it's clear we need to hit the brakes. Dealers have now spent hundreds of millions of dollars on SEO but to what end?

Someone has to do the math.
I'll go first.

Your 'low-cost'
💲$3 per Impression
becomes
💲💲$10 per VDP
which suddenly becomes
💲💲$100 per Lead which now costs your Dealership
💲💲💲$800-$1000 per Transaction💲💲💲

If you don't like that, like our old friend Joe Verde would say, cut it in half! 😂

This still fails to factor in the time and effort of your team to interact with the prospect, set an appointment, follow up, meet with them and still only close a small percentage.

Take a run at your own math and show us the real cost and what you would rather pay.

SEM had its moment, but it cost you more than you want to believe.

Perpetual Search is up and running now.
And it's a fraction of the cost and 10x more effective.

I'll share more later.
Call me for faster updates or to sign up now.
What do you have to lose...literally?

Moving forward means moving to the next revolution of SEM.

Perpetual Search.

We heard it all over the floor at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Dealers, Agencies and outside industries are mobilizing their budgets to what's next.

Tell us about your budget.
Let's look at the math together!

#PerpetualSearch
#10X #LifeBeyondSEM #Automotive #Marketing2022 #Performance #MarketingStrategy #Conversion #Connection #Sales #Budget

1360

On Showing Your Support for Ukraine: An opportunity to contribute.

Brian Miller, my friend and colleague is creating these meaningful works, beautiful stained glass pieces, donating his time and skills.

I love that the beauty of these pieces only grow in the light. It's when we shine our light that we can begin to bring us together and drive away the dark that would overtake us.

Thank you, Brian.

If you would like a piece of your own, the order instructions are in his post.

When we generate a good buzz through your comments and shares, Foster Strategies will give away a handful of these meaningful reminders.

Blue and Gold meant 'Go Blue' for U of M when I lived in Michigan.

Today, it takes on new meaning as i say 'Go U', for Ukraine and its people.

#BetterTogether #StandWithUkraine #LetsGoU

1359

On My Request to Secure a #Ukrainian Website Designer and Developer.
Since I am looking for a Website Designer for a few projects, if at all possible, I would like to hire someone from #Ukraine who can speak English enough to do work together.

I am asking for you to please help me and share this post with your networks. It occurred to me last night this was an opportunity for me to do a little more to support the hard-working people there.

In our ongoing work, I am also looking to bring on an Executive Assistant who can support Communications, Content Strategy and Biz Dev. This is a role where I would like to see the candidate grow with us.

Job 1 though for today is my quest for a #Ukraine #WebDesign or #WebDeveloper. Please let me know your thoughts or connect me to your network.

Many thanks- and here's to courage in the face of unspeakable adversity.
#BetterTogether #CareerOpportunity #WebDesign #Strategy #Solutions #CreativeTrespassing #SupportUkraine #LiveYourValues #PowerOfPartnerships

1357

On Taking A Moment to Intentionally Do Whatever You Can to Help: Since I need to bring in additional resources, it hit me to reach out to our friends in the Ukraine.

I am already hearing that many companies around the world are deploying efforts to employ those who remain in or have fled #Ukraine.

Hard-working, highly skilled people have lost everything.

What is one thing you can do today as they rebuild their lives with dignity?

Please let me know any other ideas you have.
#CareerOpportunities #Automotive #Marketing #WebDesign #Content #Jobs #TalentAcquisition

1355

On Securing the Best in Class for Your Financial Ventures: The Proactive Dealer Edition. Meet Steve Jones, CPA and Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC .

Automotive Dealers and Leaders deserve professionals who understand and care about their entire financial portfolio.

Buy/Sells are an increasingly critical topic of conversation across our industry today.

But how do you strategically set yourself up for success when considering:
👉Buying
or
👉Selling
and
👉What other options are available for Dealers and Automotive Business Owners today?

Only someone with a deep financial background and a culmination of 100s of transactions will listen carefully, ask you the best questions, and provide their clients with a variety of sound options for your needs today and for generations to come.

Your family, your business, your community and your financial strength are all part of your legacy. Audientis will consider your entire organization and your objectives as they bring solutions to ensure your mitigate risk and capitalize on every opportunity.

We encourage you to reach out today, before you make your next move, to Steve for a complimentary introductory call.
You will know in minutes why we are proud to highly recommend him and the Audientis Automotive Advisors, LLC team.

#PowerOfPartnerships #Automotive #FInance #Mergers #Acquisitions #BuySell #Strategy #Dealerships #SuccessionPlanning #TaxPlanning #InvestmentDiversification

1354

On Financial Planning and Tax Planning Structured to Strengthen the Value of Your Automotive Business:
Ask Steve Jones, CPA your most pressing questions!

✔ What challenges are you currently facing as Automotive continues to evolve post-pandemic?

✔ What risks have you taken on in regard to your Succession plans?

✔ Are you confident your current advisors are helping you with the greatest level of Tax Planning?

✔ When was the last time you had someone new review your organization's Financial Strategies and Plans?

Contact me if you would like to confidentially discuss your current opportunities or challenges in Automotive and Automotive Adjacent companies.

This is a terrific opportunity to take time for what matters most in your business.

#Automotive #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #FutureProof #AutomotiveAdjacent #Dealers #Leadership #AudientisAutomotiveAdvisors #FosterStrategiesGroup #Consulting #Advisory

1353

On Highlighting and Celebrating Another Outstanding Colleague and Partner:
Meet David Blum.

David is a trusted and appreciated Attorney and #CPA out of Akerman LLP's Chicago offices. As a leader, he is known for finding great talent and building long-standing teams as they deliver superior service to their clients.

We had the chance to meet initially at a National Association of Dealer Counsel 'NADC' meeting and were fast friends after an intriguing conversation, including our Midwest/Chicago roots.

It's always a pleasure to see his name pop up as my phone rings-I know I will be more informed and enlightened on the other side of his calls. It's a privilege he picks up my calls as our discussions meander through our respective businesses as we both proudly serve our #Automotive clients.

👉 This week, in addition to his regular stream of articles and insights, there were two key events I had to share with you.

⭐ 1. David was key to an important article by the prestigious Law360 an important case involving Apple and their challenge to Chicago's Streaming Tax. Their are messages sure to define actions many of you will be interested to follow.
Here is more info for you:

⭐ 2. Once again, philanthropic work is an important part of David's life as a Leader in Corporate and Community Citizenry.

Along with his colleague, Kevin Platt of their Fort Lauderdale office, David was recognized as one of the Akerman LLP #ProBono Award recipients for their work on behalf of #GatherFor.👏👏👏

David, it is an ongoing pleasure to know you and call you a friend. I thank you for the talent and wisdom and care you deliver to our industry.

I may never be as gifted professionally as David and his partners, but the gift I can offer to him and all of you is the ability to allow you all to know each other.

We are #BetterTogether and you would do well to connect or follow David Blum today.

Congratulations again, David and keep leading from the front lines!

#Automotive #PowerOfPartneships #LeadershipMatters #DrivingExcellenceInAutomotive #Attorney #Akerman #CPA #Apple #GivingBack #Network

1352

Do you remember the day?
I remember the exact moment.

The moment I was struck by the fact that it was up to ME to make a difference.
For myself.
For others.

To stand up and speak out for WHAT I WANTED to see- and not worry about anyone else- what they were doing or why.

I chose to look forward only.

This was when I began creating my own voice, my language, my style. My authentic self, on full display.

And my vision and mission to empower people throughout #Automotive and beyond to unlock and unleash their full potential.

Has it worked? Am I making the desired impact?
I only ask myself those questions as a way to stay focused on doing more, not resting on any accomplishments.

I remember the moment.
The exact moment where I could have easily felt small.

I chose (uncharacteristically!) to see it not as a moment to sink into sadness or defeat, but to stretch my arms up and out to soar- and bring others with me.

And once this is your mindset, you only look up and out.
Maybe today is your moment.
Let me know how I can help you soar today.

#BetterTogether #LeadershipMatters #Solutions #Strategy #Purpose #StartWithWhy #WomenInLeadership #GROW!

1351

Have I mentioned how thrilled I am to be participating in @Automotive Dealer Day in Europe in May?

Stay tuned as I travel to Milan and Verona, Italy for what promises to be another outstanding event. This conference has been running for 20 years, the creation of our friends at Quintegia.

John Possumato, Esq., I thank you again for introducing me to their entire team- on video calls in the winter, and in person at National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) where we were able to finally sit down with Tommaso Bortolomiol, Alberto Bet.

I only wish Marina Alfier had been there also, but we will meet up in Verona!

John and I are creating a very special set of experiences for an elite group of professionals and owners in Automotive and Automotive Adjacent organizations. We will share much more soon, but for now, wish us luck as we make our final preparations for this exciting trip.

After Italy, I will be off to Germany and France to meet up with more colleagues. I am trying to make Belgium and London fit in also, but those are looking like a quick bounce back will be needed.

I love the life I have built, step by step, day by day, in #Automotive and beyond.

When you help people get what they want...well, you know the rest. ;)

#BlueSky #BlueOcean #AutomotiveLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Conference #IndustryExpert #OEM #Events #KeynoteSpeaker #Presentations #Solutions #Strategies #PowerOfPartnerships #GrowthStrategist #MarketingStrategist
#GlobalIsTheNewBlack
#BetterTogether-always.

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