Archive for July, 2018
Ralph Paglia shared an Instagram photo with you
Posted by Ralph Paglia in Automotive Digital Marketing on July 24, 2018
Ralph Paglia just shared an Instagram photo with you:
“#TravelLikeRalph driving a Ford Taurus SEL in Albuquerque… http://ADM.fm ”
(taken at Hertz Car Rental)
Thanks,
The Instagram Team
Russians Infiltrate American Democracy
Posted by Ralph Paglia in Automotive Digital Marketing on July 20, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department will crack down on agents who are working to advance foreign agendas in the United States, Rod J. Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, said on Thursday as he warned of a growing Russian threat to the United States.
Written by Katie Benner
Influence operations undertaken by foreign governments “are a form of information warfare,” Mr. Rosenstein said in a speech at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. “The Russian effort to influence the 2016 presidential election is just one tree in a growing forest.”
Mr. Rosenstein, whose remarks came as he delivered a report from the Justice Department’s cyberdigital task force, said that the government would step up enforcement of laws governing foreign agents and inform victims when they had been targeted in influence schemes.
His speech followed a week in which Russian influence was once again shown to have a transformative impact on modern American political life.
(via Ralph’s iPhone 7+)
Ralph Paglia
www.RalphPaglia.com
http://LinkedIn.com/in/RPaglia
http://twitter.com/RalphPaglia
http://Facebook.com/RPaglia
3,000+ Car Dealer Mystery Shops Reveal Several Surprises
Posted by Ralph Paglia in Automotive Digital Marketing on July 19, 2018
It’s unusual for someone to show up at a dealership and say, ‘I don’t know what I want,’” O’Hagan notes.
CAR DEALERS
Auto Dealership Mystery Shopping Indicates Which Brands Rock
For the first time, Audi dealers top the Pied Piper Satisfaction Index. In the cellar is Tesla.
Written by Steven Finlay
A by-brand mystery-shopping study of how well auto dealerships deliver customer satisfaction indicates top scorers had something in common: They helped customers more.
“‘Helpful’ is one word that determines how dealerships did,” says Fran O’Hagan, president and CEO of Pied Piper Management, a consultancy that sent secret shoppers to 3,466 dealerships nationwide.
“And fact-finding is essential to being helpful,” he says, referring to a point in a sales process when the car salesperson asks questions about customers’ mobility needs to help them select the right vehicle.
O’Hagan contends such factfinding remains relevant today, even though many customers extensively shop and research online. Many of them know exactly what they want when they arrive at the dealership. Others aren’t so sure. That said, “It’s unusual for someone to show up at a dealership and say, ‘I don’t know what I want,’” O’Hagan notes.
“The customer may have done the research but came to the wrong conclusion,” he tells WardsAuto. “That’s especially true if they are moving into a new brand. For example, someone buying a BMW for the first time might not be entirely sure which one is right for them.”
That’s where it is helpful when the salesperson asks customers questions, such as how they primarily will use the vehicle and how many miles they typically drive in a year.
For the first time, Audi dealers top the Pied Piper Satisfaction Index, followed by Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti. In the cellar is Tesla, a brand that has never scored well on the Pied Piper test.
Mystery shoppers found some Tesla salespeople were outstandingly effective, but too many of them weren’t, basically because they just answered customer questions. O’Hagan likens them to museum curators.
(A graph showing how all major brands ranked is at the top of this story.)
Some people may disdain small talk, but the Pied Piper study says it helps when dealership salespeople first meet customers.
The 12th annual study indicates salespeople compared with past years do a better job of connecting early on with potential car buyers, yet that still occurs only half the time.
“Usually, it’s just, ‘May I help you?’ vs. small talk that builds rapport,” O’Hagan says, adding it is essential that dealerships create a selling process and get staffers to follow it.
“If left to their own devices, salespeople (especially veterans) tend to size up customers and go for the hottest prospects,” he says. “Dealerships that are most successful say, ‘These are the things you are going to do; it’s not up to you.’”
Here are some of his tips for effective car selling:
· “Ask if the customer visited the dealer’s website. The most effective salespeople determine what a customer already has learned about vehicles in the dealership’s inventory.”
· When given a choice, customers prefer to work with a single person at a dealership, rather than obvious back-and-forth negotiation with an unknown manager. “But the fact is, the salesperson doesn’t set the price,” O’Hagan says. “Introduce the manager early on, so if there is back and forth, at least the customer knows who the salesperson is going to.”
· Involve the customer with visual aids. A test drive is the ultimate way to engage a customer, but showing multimedia material or a product cutaway are good ways to demonstrate unique features and benefits.
· Give reasons to buy. A customer’s time is a valuable commodity, and smart manufacturers and dealers are using service convenience solutions (such as mobile “come-to-you” service or service pick-up and delivery) as a reason to purchase.
· Suggest going through the numbers or writing up a deal, rather than outright asking if the customer will buy the vehicle. “At some point, move from talking about the product to talking about buying the product,” O’Hagan says. “It can be the softest of closes, such as ‘Would you like to sit down at the desk?’ We consider that asking for the sale.”
Ralph’s iPhone 7+)
Ralph Paglia
www.RalphPaglia.com
http://LinkedIn.com/in/RPaglia
http://twitter.com/RalphPaglia
http://Facebook.com/RPaglia
How To Grow The Fuck Up…
Posted by Ralph Paglia in Automotive Digital Marketing on July 18, 2018
How To Grow The Fuck Up!
In detail… each item is linked to the detailed instructions.
Home
- what the hell is a mortgage?
- first apartment essentials checklist
- how to care for cacti and succulents
- the care and keeping of plants
- Getting an apartment
Money
- earn $50-$100 by taking surveys
- how to coupon
- what to do when you can’t pay your bills
- see if you’re paying too much for your cell phone bill.
- how to save money
- How to Balance a Check Book
- How to do Your Own Taxes
Health
- how to take care of yourself when you’re sick
- things to bring to a doctor’s appointment
- how to get free therapy
- what to expect from your first gynecologist appointment
- how to make a doctor’s appointment
- how to pick a health insurance plan
- how to avoid a hangover
- a list of stress relievers
- how to remove a splinter
Emergency
- what to do if you get pulled over by a cop
- a list of hotlines in a crisis
- things to keep in your car in case of an emergency
- how to do the Heimlich maneuver
Job
- time management
- create a resume
- find the right career
- how to pick a major
- how to avoid a hangover
- how to interview for a job
- how to stop procrastinating
- How to write cover letters
Travel
- ULTIMATE PACKING LIST
- Traveling for Cheap
- Travel Accessories
- The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase
- How To Read A Map
- How to Apply For A Passport
- How to Make A Travel Budget
Better You
- read the news
- leave your childhood traumas behind
- how to quit smoking
- how to knit
- how to stop biting your nails
- how to stop procrastinating
- how to stop skipping breakfast
- how to stop micromanaging
- how to stop avoiding asking for help
- how to stop swearing constantly
- how to stop being a pushover
- learn another language
- how to improve your self-esteem
- how to sew
- learn how to embroider
- how to love yourself
- 100 tips for life
(via Ralph’s iPhone 7+)
Ralph Paglia
505.301.6369
RPaglia
www.RalphPaglia.com
http://LinkedIn.com/in/RPaglia
http://twitter.com/RalphPaglia
http://Facebook.com/RPaglia
Godfather of Auto Digital Marketing
Posted by Ralph Paglia in Automotive Digital Marketing on July 11, 2018
Ralph Paglia
505.301.6369
RPaglia
www.RalphPaglia.com
http://LinkedIn.com/in/RPaglia
http://twitter.com/RalphPaglia
http://Facebook.com/RPaglia
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You are currently browsing the archives for July, 2018
Automotive Marketing Professional Community Blogs- 4 Tips for Keeping Your Car SecureWhen safeguarding your belongings, it’s imperative to consider the valuables you stash in your car as well. Much like home burglaries, motor vehicle thefts run rampant in today’s society, making it all the more important to put a premium on car security. Here are some ways you can thwart intruders. Steering Wheel Lock Much like their name suggests, steering […]Lizzie Weakley
- Auto/Mate Integrates DMS with Dealer360’s Analytics and CompTrackr Reporting SolutionsAlbany, N.Y. – July 22, 2019 – Auto/Mate Dealership Systems announced today it has successfully completed all dealership management system (DMS) integrations with Dealer360’s Analytics and CompTrackr reporting solutions. Real-time integration between the two systems ensures that dealership data being viewed is always current, authentic and precise. "R […]Mike Esposito
- Considering The Other Side Of Business For Startup Bike Rental OpportunitiesGiven the present scenario, the bike rental start-ups are finding new opportunities of the other side of the business. This is primarily due to the logical thinking of the commuters to switch to renting commuter bikes for their daily commuting needs. Most of the bike rental start-ups, however, think that the greater opportunity lies on the intercity commute […]silvia Watosn
- Want More Service Revenue? Make Technician Videos!Would you like to hear a ridiculous, unbelievable ROI statement? Well, one luxury brand dealership integrated technician videos into its service processes and, in only seven days, made +$250K in customer pay recommended work revenue. In fact, 80% of all closed repair orders for the week had a technician video sent to the customer. Why do technician videos wo […]Ujj Nath
- Geo ConquestIn this video blog, Jim Flint, CEO, and Founder of Local Search Group discusses how to approach Geo Conquesting consistently with up-to-date strategies.Jim Flint
- 4 Rules of Thumb to Follow When it Comes to Replacing Your TiresReplacing the tires on your car is a costly proposition. You need to take certain steps to ensure that you’re getting the right tires for your individual needs. Here are some rules of thumb that you should follow when it comes time to replace your tires. Determine Your Needs The wear patterns on your tires makes a difference when it comes to the needs for yo […]Rachelle Wilber
- Affinitiv and AutoLoop Sign Definitive Agreement to MergeCombination creates a leading provider of marketing technology and software solutions exclusively serving automotive manufacturers and dealerships in the U.S. Chicago, IL and Clearwater, FL—July 18, 2019— Affinitiv, Inc. (“Affinitiv”) and Loop LLC (“AutoLoop”), leading providers of data-driven marketing automation and software solutions to the automotive mar […]Scot Eisenfelder
- Digital Retailing: Let’s Talk About F&IConversations about digital retailing in the automotive industry tend to center around two things: customer experience and an increase in sales volume. But some dealers feel that it just leads to decreased margins on the front-end in the “race to the bottom,|” and that face-to-face interaction will end in more revenue – whether that's in the front or th […]Michia Rohrssen
- Lease Credit Approval Rates Dip To 65% In JuneMore Demand From Consumers Seeking Existing Lease Contracts at Price Points Negotiated When Dealer Incentives Were More Prevalent Swapalease.com, the nation’s largest car lease marketplace, reports car lease credit applicants registered a 65% approval rate entering July, a drop from the 72.4% mark registered in May. Although lease origination activity at dea […]John Sternal
- Do You Know Your Customers’ Service Share of Visits? Here’s Why You ShouldIn the automotive industry, the ability to earn a greater share of a customer’s spend is the key to driving higher customer lifetime value. To that end, many dealers utilize flawed retention strategies designed to achieve a minimum number of service visits rather than maximize the revenue potential from every customer. Unfortunately, today’s automotive ret […]Doug Van Sach
- Automotive Managers: Which Of The 12 Emotional Intelligence Skills Do You Need to Work On?Emotional Intelligence for auto industry managers is hardly a "one-size-fits-all" situation. Here's how to make sure you and your management team stay well-rounded... Esther is the well-liked manager of a dealership's BDC team. Kind and respectful, she is sensitive to the needs of others. She is a problem solver; she tends to see setbacks […]Ralph Paglia
- Selecting the Right DMS is Like a Marriage: 3 Features that Help Avoid a DMS DivorceThis is my second blog in a series about what to look for when choosing a Dealer Management System. In my first blog article, I talked about how to start evaluating the right DMS for your dealership. This blog is a continuation of that topic. A DMS is like a marriage, and the heart and soul of your dealership. Choosing to switch your DMS should not be done l […]Veronica Dunford
- A Tidal Wave of Change May Be on Its Way to DealershipsFederal law currently prohibits dealerships from selling any new vehicle with an open safety recall to consumers. And now, Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat - Connecticut) and Edward Markey (Democrat - Minnesota) have reintroduced legislation that also prohibits the sale of used cars with open safety recalls, according to Automotive News. If […]Dan Beres
- The Best Leads are in Your CRMNew leads are important, and you always want to keep the pipeline full. Yet, it can cost as much as five times more to attract a new customer than to retain an existing one. Doesn’t it make more sense to spend time nurturing the leads you already have? According to research firm Bain & Company, a five percent increase in customer retention can incr […]Bill Wittenmyer
- Inovatec Systems Corp. Partners with ZestFinance to Enhance Lending ProceduresInovatec Systems Corp., a provider of industry-leading, cloud-based software solutions for all financial institutions, and ZestFinance, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) software, today announced their strategic partnership to enhance lending procedures in the financial services industry. Inovatec will integrate Zest Automated Machine Learning softwar […]John Sternal
- A Change That Extends Your Dealership’s Reach on FacebookFacebook recently announced a change to its algorithm that prioritizes posted comments in a manner that can be very beneficial as far as gaining more exposure to your customer’s networks. According to Social Media Today, Facebook has changed how it displays comments in posts. This new “weighting” system prioritizes certain comments over others. I am sure y […]Paul Moran
- Imagine the Future – Five Google Pieces Where the Whole is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts--and the Next DimensionThe future is now. At Local Search Group we pride ourselves on knowing that, “We are the now part of a now business.” So, let’s take a look behind the curtain of where Google’s going Right Now. With the mobile phone at the center of the marketing universe, a key goal of progressive automotive entities would be to integrate Five of Google’s “planets” that o […]Jim Flint
- 4 Things to Consider Before Sitting Behind the WheelDriving is a safe activity, as long as it is taken seriously. Cautious drivers are far less likely to get into trouble. However, cautious drivers aren’t the only ones, and accidents can happen to them even if they are very experienced. This is why being cautious and fully focused is the key to avoiding trouble. There are some things you should think about be […]John Tailor
- SureSale Certified, the Gold Standard for Quality Used Vehicles and Purchase Protection, Expands to LouisvilleSureSale enters the Louisville market with certified used vehicle program that offers consumers peace of mind and auto dealerships a turnkey vehicle certification program, including a free CAReport, 150-point inspection, 5-month, 5,000-mile warranty, and a 5-day exchange guarantee Los Angeles, CA – July 15, 2019 – SureSale Certified, the gold standard for qu […]Crystal Hartwell
- This Tool Converts Leads into Clients: Now Faster and More AffordablyImagine you have a set of videos from your most satisfied clients, talking about how much they love working with you. Imagine you can use these videos, again and again, to win over more clients than you know what to do with. Imagine that by doing this, you build deeper relationships with existing clients, and you save time and money because you outsourced al […]jon nigbor
- 4 Tips for Keeping Your Car Secure
