The most trusted name in live chat brings the top ten blogs and auto news stories right to you! We monitor industry trends, current events, and the auto dealer community every week to bring you the top ten blogs and automotive stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition – a Ken doll comes to life, Newsweek announces the end of its print edition, and we release the Ultimate Social Media eBook!

10. Real Life Ken Doll 
In lieu of working out, this walking Ken doll elected to have 90 plastic surgeries.

9. Disney’s First Latina Princess
Disney finally debuted their first Latina Princess which drew some criticism from some Hispanics. One Latina tweeted, “Is it me, or does Disney’s first Latina princess look… white?” Others say that all Hispanics come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

8. Twitter Blocks Neo-Nazi Group
Twitter said late Wednesday it has blocked a German group’s account to users in that country at the request of police — the first time the company has implemented its targeted censorship policy.

7. TomTom Publishes List of Most Congested Cities
Since 2007, Dutch manufacturer of automotive navigation systems TomTom has initiated a program to better understand the traffic flow of more than 80 major cities in all continents to improve its guidance systems.

6. Newsweek To End Print Edition In 2013
Newsweek announced that it would be ending its long reign as one of America’s most notable weekly publications. This move to a digital format seems to signify the end of the print age.

5. The Ultimate Social Media eBook For Auto Dealers
Finally, a comprehensive social media guide for auto dealers. Our very own Ketty Colom  invested a lot of time in researching the best practices that converts a dealership’s facebook fans into profitable leads and customers. Download your free copy today!

4. Google Accidentally Leaks Q3 Financial Information
Google’s earnings were mistakenly published months in advance – and they showed that the Internet company was far below expected revenues. As a result of panicked investors, Google’s stock plummeted on Thursday.

3. 10 Spooky Cyber Attacks of 2012
Halloween is just around the corner and the team at cybercrime prevention company ThreatMetrixhas put together an infographic detailing the top 10 spookiest cyberattacks of the year so far.

2. The Most Abused Statistic In Automotive Internet Marketing
According to J.D. Rucker’s latest blog post, “conversion rate” is a misleading statistic. Check out this illuminating blog post about how the best marketers actually have lower conversion rates.

1. Google And Youtube Make Algorithm Updates
Hubspot published some top marketing stories of the week, including a detailed overview of the search changes coming to Youtube and Google. Stay on top of these changes!
_
Did we miss anything important? Like our top ten blogs this week? Leave us a comment below! Or if you really can’t wait for your automotive fix, follow @activengage on Twitter for daily updates on auto industry news!

The most trusted name in live chat brings the top ten blogs and auto news stories right to you! We monitor industry trends, current events, and the auto dealer community every week to bring you the top ten blogs and automotive stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition – a Ken doll comes to life, Newsweek announces the end of its print edition, and we release the Ultimate Social Media eBook!

10. Real Life Ken Doll 
In lieu of working out, this walking Ken doll elected to have 90 plastic surgeries.

9. Disney’s First Latina Princess
Disney finally debuted their first Latina Princess which drew some criticism from some Hispanics. One Latina tweeted, “Is it me, or does Disney’s first Latina princess look… white?” Others say that all Hispanics come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

8. Twitter Blocks Neo-Nazi Group
Twitter said late Wednesday it has blocked a German group’s account to users in that country at the request of police — the first time the company has implemented its targeted censorship policy.

7. TomTom Publishes List of Most Congested Cities
Since 2007, Dutch manufacturer of automotive navigation systems TomTom has initiated a program to better understand the traffic flow of more than 80 major cities in all continents to improve its guidance systems.

6. Newsweek To End Print Edition In 2013
Newsweek announced that it would be ending its long reign as one of America’s most notable weekly publications. This move to a digital format seems to signify the end of the print age.

5. The Ultimate Social Media eBook For Auto Dealers
Finally, a comprehensive social media guide for auto dealers. Our very own Ketty Colom  invested a lot of time in researching the best practices that converts a dealership’s facebook fans into profitable leads and customers. Download your free copy today!

4. Google Accidentally Leaks Q3 Financial Information
Google’s earnings were mistakenly published months in advance – and they showed that the Internet company was far below expected revenues. As a result of panicked investors, Google’s stock plummeted on Thursday.

3. 10 Spooky Cyber Attacks of 2012
Halloween is just around the corner and the team at cybercrime prevention company ThreatMetrixhas put together an infographic detailing the top 10 spookiest cyberattacks of the year so far.

2. The Most Abused Statistic In Automotive Internet Marketing
According to J.D. Rucker’s latest blog post, “conversion rate” is a misleading statistic. Check out this illuminating blog post about how the best marketers actually have lower conversion rates.

1. Google And Youtube Make Algorithm Updates
Hubspot published some top marketing stories of the week, including a detailed overview of the search changes coming to Youtube and Google. Stay on top of these changes!
_
Did we miss anything important? Like our top ten blogs this week? Leave us a comment below! Or if you really can’t wait for your automotive fix, follow @activengage on Twitter for daily updates on auto industry news!

Social media seems like such an pleasant, magical journey for a business to embark on. Ask a mundane question on Facebook, tweet a photo of your lunch, and the world will love you (and ultimately buy whatever you’re selling). But social media occasionally causes instant public relations disasters – and these crises can rarely be controlled or contained.

Take Progressive Insurance, for instance. The insurance company is currently embroiled in a social media scandal that accuses them ofdefending killers to avoid honoring an insurance policy. The story set the Internet on fire, and Progressive’s Facebook page was flooded with pledges from customers to cancel their service. Here are some excerpts – just from the past hour:

“Your company sucks!”

“I will NEVER do business with this company because of their actions.”

“I am a customer – but not anymore.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, Progressive responded to the crisis with automated robo-tweets that stated, “We feel we’ve handled the claim within our contractual obligations.” Ouch – that one will cost you. The company is now under hot scrutiny that has caused many clients to terminate their coverage. Maybe Matt Damon’s character in The Rainmaker should have taken his legal insurance fight to the social media battleground.

If you think this can’t happen to auto dealerships, I’ll direct you to Timothy Martell’s recent Wikimotive post about Clay Nissan, which came under its own social media fire after terminating an employee just three weeks after she returned from brain radiation treatment. Now her relatives have started a boycott against the dealership using social media, which (as Martell puts it) “can make or break a business with equal aptitude.”

Realize that your actions can become an instant PR nightmare when broadcast over the internet, and make sure you monitor your social media and adequately respond to complaints and mentions.

Social media seems like such an pleasant, magical journey for a business to embark on. Ask a mundane question on Facebook, tweet a photo of your lunch, and the world will love you (and ultimately buy whatever you’re selling). But social media occasionally causes instant public relations disasters – and these crises can rarely be controlled or contained.

Take Progressive Insurance, for instance. The insurance company is currently embroiled in a social media scandal that accuses them ofdefending killers to avoid honoring an insurance policy. The story set the Internet on fire, and Progressive’s Facebook page was flooded with pledges from customers to cancel their service. Here are some excerpts – just from the past hour:

“Your company sucks!”

“I will NEVER do business with this company because of their actions.”

“I am a customer – but not anymore.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, Progressive responded to the crisis with automated robo-tweets that stated, “We feel we’ve handled the claim within our contractual obligations.” Ouch – that one will cost you. The company is now under hot scrutiny that has caused many clients to terminate their coverage. Maybe Matt Damon’s character in The Rainmaker should have taken his legal insurance fight to the social media battleground.

If you think this can’t happen to auto dealerships, I’ll direct you to Timothy Martell’s recent Wikimotive post about Clay Nissan, which came under its own social media fire after terminating an employee just three weeks after she returned from brain radiation treatment. Now her relatives have started a boycott against the dealership using social media, which (as Martell puts it) “can make or break a business with equal aptitude.”

Realize that your actions can become an instant PR nightmare when broadcast over the internet, and make sure you monitor your social media and adequately respond to complaints and mentions.

A new study shows that a new breed of “digital test drivers” are completely skipping the dealership sales process. More than 10% of new-car shoppers are buying vehicles without even seeing them in person. To me, this seems like buying a pair of pants without trying them on – except a thousand times more expensive. But for some consumers, online research and previous experience are enough to make a purchase decision.

This is a rather disturbing trend for dealership sales – test drives are a favorite sales technique for committing a buyer to a vehicle or converting a customer from a competitor. The Maritz Research study, which surveyed 80,219 buyers of 2012 model-year vehicles, found that 11.4% didn’t take a test-drive. It’s the first year the study has asked the question. It also found that 8 out of 10 buyers use the Internet to research vehicles before setting foot in the dealership.

But why aren’t buyers coming into dealerships anymore? The Maritz study reports that some are intimidated by the cutthroat, pushy nature of dealership sales. Some just aren’t very interested in cars, and they’re not willing to invest much time in the purchasing process. But the Internet remains the biggest reason: the wealth of information found through online research is worth more to consumers than any “new car smell.”

When customers aren’t visiting stores to purchase their next cars, what can auto dealers do to clinch dealership sales? Consider adding a virtual test drive to your website or live chat service – a short video tour of a vehicle that offers the same rush of a test drive through your dealership website.

The only way to preserve your dealership sales is to adapt to the rising trends of Internet commerce and research. Implement a progressive solution for your website – as the data indicates, an online dealership may someday be just as important as a physical one.

A new study shows that a new breed of “digital test drivers” are completely skipping the dealership sales process. More than 10% of new-car shoppers are buying vehicles without even seeing them in person. To me, this seems like buying a pair of pants without trying them on – except a thousand times more expensive. But for some consumers, online research and previous experience are enough to make a purchase decision.

This is a rather disturbing trend for dealership sales – test drives are a favorite sales technique for committing a buyer to a vehicle or converting a customer from a competitor. The Maritz Research study, which surveyed 80,219 buyers of 2012 model-year vehicles, found that 11.4% didn’t take a test-drive. It’s the first year the study has asked the question. It also found that 8 out of 10 buyers use the Internet to research vehicles before setting foot in the dealership.

But why aren’t buyers coming into dealerships anymore? The Maritz study reports that some are intimidated by the cutthroat, pushy nature of dealership sales. Some just aren’t very interested in cars, and they’re not willing to invest much time in the purchasing process. But the Internet remains the biggest reason: the wealth of information found through online research is worth more to consumers than any “new car smell.”

When customers aren’t visiting stores to purchase their next cars, what can auto dealers do to clinch dealership sales? Consider adding a virtual test drive to your website or live chat service – a short video tour of a vehicle that offers the same rush of a test drive through your dealership website.

The only way to preserve your dealership sales is to adapt to the rising trends of Internet commerce and research. Implement a progressive solution for your website – as the data indicates, an online dealership may someday be just as important as a physical one.

Need a good reason to get away from the dealership? How about visiting one of 5 great American cities? Or the chance for the automotive industry’s top minds analyze your digital strategy? What about a trip filled with inspiring keynote addresses and workshops to prepare you to dominate the digital landscape? Of course, we’re speaking about the GM eSummit, and the conference tour kicks off in just a few months.

Sign up today to reserve your spot at the 2012 GM eSummit, where you can find quality content and refine your digital strategies.

While you are enjoying the company of thousands of innovative car dealers and previewing the latest emerging technologies, make sure to see keynote speaker and ActivEngage CEO Todd Smith. One of the top-rated speakers at past eSummit conferences, Todd is excited to present workshops entitled Cutting-Edge Behavorial Marketing and Enhance Your Digital Marketing Impact at the 2012 GM event.

eSummit 2012, the GM Digital Marketing Conference, brings together industry experts for an inspiring new experience. Dynamic speakers, enlightening panels, hands-on workshops and expanded Expo combine to provide you with real-world tactics you can immediately implement to dominate the digital landscape…winning new customers and sales.

What’s New at eSummit 2012:

• New format, including an inspiring general session with keynote speakers, and 12 hands-on workshops covering important topics such as converting leads, digital marketing, social media and reputation management.

• New Dealer/Executive track, where management can work closely with top industry experts to analyze the dealership’s digital strategy.

• New dynamic speakers, as well as returning favorites!

• New vendors at an expanded Expo, previewing emerging technologies and offering exciting prizes.

• New destinations, including stops in five desirable destinations across the U.S.

eSummit 2012 also features an expanded Vendor Expo where you can preview emerging technology, and test the latest digital products and services from the nation’s top automotive digital companies. You might also win exciting prizes like an iPad!
Bringing you the “best-of-the-best,” eSummit 2012 delivers an excellent value by providing quality content and one-on-one interaction in a format you won’t find at other digital events.

Don’t miss your chance to join the best and the brightest in the automotive industry. Click here to learn how you can get a seat at the 2012 GM eSummit!

Need a good reason to get away from the dealership? How about visiting one of 5 great American cities? Or the chance for the automotive industry’s top minds analyze your digital strategy? What about a trip filled with inspiring keynote addresses and workshops to prepare you to dominate the digital landscape? Of course, we’re speaking about the GM eSummit, and the conference tour kicks off in just a few months.

Sign up today to reserve your spot at the 2012 GM eSummit, where you can find quality content and refine your digital strategies.

While you are enjoying the company of thousands of innovative car dealers and previewing the latest emerging technologies, make sure to see keynote speaker and ActivEngage CEO Todd Smith. One of the top-rated speakers at past eSummit conferences, Todd is excited to present workshops entitled Cutting-Edge Behavorial Marketing and Enhance Your Digital Marketing Impact at the 2012 GM event.

eSummit 2012, the GM Digital Marketing Conference, brings together industry experts for an inspiring new experience. Dynamic speakers, enlightening panels, hands-on workshops and expanded Expo combine to provide you with real-world tactics you can immediately implement to dominate the digital landscape…winning new customers and sales.

What’s New at eSummit 2012:

• New format, including an inspiring general session with keynote speakers, and 12 hands-on workshops covering important topics such as converting leads, digital marketing, social media and reputation management.

• New Dealer/Executive track, where management can work closely with top industry experts to analyze the dealership’s digital strategy.

• New dynamic speakers, as well as returning favorites!

• New vendors at an expanded Expo, previewing emerging technologies and offering exciting prizes.

• New destinations, including stops in five desirable destinations across the U.S.

eSummit 2012 also features an expanded Vendor Expo where you can preview emerging technology, and test the latest digital products and services from the nation’s top automotive digital companies. You might also win exciting prizes like an iPad!
Bringing you the “best-of-the-best,” eSummit 2012 delivers an excellent value by providing quality content and one-on-one interaction in a format you won’t find at other digital events.

Don’t miss your chance to join the best and the brightest in the automotive industry. Click here to learn how you can get a seat at the 2012 GM eSummit!

If you’ve seen AMC’s Breaking Bad, you already know about the radical transformation of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who turned into a drug kingpin when he found out about his terminal cancer. You already know about last season’s epic chess match between Walt and Gus Fring, a respected restauranteur who used his business savvy to front an extremely successful methamphetamine distribution network.You already know that the new season premieres Sunday, July 15th at 10:00 EST, and you’ve already told your friends and loved ones not to disturb you for any reason during that time.

And if you (for some reason) haven’t  seen Breaking Bad – what the $#@! is wrong with you? What, are you too busy selling cars? Get your priorities straight. We’re talking about the greatest television show ever. It’s visually stunning, masterfully suspenseful, hilariously clever – and it has beenuniversally acclaimed as an unprecedented feat of acting and cinematography for four years in a row. If you’re missing out on this, take a few moments to seriously re-evaluate your life choices.

Whether you’re a fan of the show or one of the unlucky, misguided few who isn’t, Breaking Bad has tons to teach viewers about business and management. Gustavo Fring isn’t just an elusive crime lord with a multi-million dollar drug ring – he’s also an adaptable, super-competent businessman. What can Gus teach auto dealers about managing their dealerships?

• Never make the same mistake twice.

Walter White makes a deal to cook meth for $15 million a year. As he struggles to wrap his head around his newfound wealth, Walt receives an invitation from Mr. Fring to dine together. Over a meal of Chilean paella, Gus tells Walt he wishes to help him – that anyone can be poor, but one must learn to be rich.

Walt asks, “And what advice do you have for me?”

“Never make the same mistake twice,” Gus replies.

“You can never make the same mistake twice, because the second time you make it, it becomes a choice.” Are you making the same disastrous decisions over and over? Failure is not necessarily a bad thing if you learn from each of them. Treat each of your shortcomings like a business lesson – and never repeat them.

• Become an expert in both negotiation and mediation.

When tensions rise between employees, a good leader will listen to both sides and find a solution where everyone wins. When Walt’s partner Jesse takes issue with the methods of operation of two of Gus’s subordinates, the meth distributor calls a meeting with both sides. Gus mediates the dispute, offering a compromise that keeps the peace between both sides. He then asks that both parties shake hands. 

This dispute will be settled right here, right now.

How have you handled workplace conflicts in the past? Listening is the most important part of conflict resolution – so make sure to give your attention to both sides equally. Gus never loses his cool in a negotiating situation, and neither should you. Remain disciplined and composed – even in the face of hostility.

• Be respected, not feared.

After his enterprise almost destroyed his entire family, Walt refused to go back to work for Gus’s drug ring. The kingpin tries everything to employ Walt’s expert meth-cooking skills – he even offers 3 million dollars for a 3-month contract, just to be turned down. At the same time, drug cartel assassins have marked Walt for death, and Gus is the only thing stopping them. Confused by Walter’s refusal, Gus’s right-hand man Mike asks:

“If you want this guy to produce again, why not just tell him? You’re the only thing that stands between him and an axe to the head.”

“I believe fear to be an ineffective motivator. I want investment.”

What makes your employees perform? Are they walking on eggshells around you for fear that they’ll get chewed out or fired? Gus knows that fear does not inspire loyalty, creativity, or genuine commitment. Instead, ensure that your employees are invested in your business. They’ll work harder when they feel that there’s something for them to work for.

When respect fails to motivate, you can always resort to the box cutter.

• Forge ties between your business and your community.

When Gus isn’t orchestrating the largest drug operation in the southwest or running his legitimate fast-food front, he donates his time to the community. A philanthropist and generous donor to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Gus is well-respected within the Albuquerque police community. Of course, he uses his good standing with the community to hide in plain sight, but we can also look at Gus’s maneuvering as an example of a man leveraging his political capital to the advantage of his business.

Gus is a highly visible community leader, whether he’s glad-handing with the DEA…

…or providing food for the entire Albuquerque police department.

Gus Fring used philanthropy to his advantage – and you can too. By working on a city board or becoming involved with a charity of your choice, you can increase your visibility and strengthen your relationships with future clients. Become involved with your community, and you’ll bring awareness to your charitable work in the form of “cause marketing.” Others in the community will evangelize your brand for you!

_

I hope you guys are as excited about Sunday’s premiere as I am! The new season promises to be darker than ever before, and as Walt builds his empire as the new meth king, we can expect more examples of better business practices. That, or a lot of violence.

Follow Stephen and the rest of Team ActivEngage by subscribing to our blog! 

If you’ve seen AMC’s Breaking Bad, you already know about the radical transformation of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who turned into a drug kingpin when he found out about his terminal cancer. You already know about last season’s epic chess match between Walt and Gus Fring, a respected restauranteur who used his business savvy to front an extremely successful methamphetamine distribution network.You already know that the new season premieres Sunday, July 15th at 10:00 EST, and you’ve already told your friends and loved ones not to disturb you for any reason during that time.

And if you (for some reason) haven’t  seen Breaking Bad – what the $#@! is wrong with you? What, are you too busy selling cars? Get your priorities straight. We’re talking about the greatest television show ever. It’s visually stunning, masterfully suspenseful, hilariously clever – and it has beenuniversally acclaimed as an unprecedented feat of acting and cinematography for four years in a row. If you’re missing out on this, take a few moments to seriously re-evaluate your life choices.

Whether you’re a fan of the show or one of the unlucky, misguided few who isn’t, Breaking Bad has tons to teach viewers about business and management. Gustavo Fring isn’t just an elusive crime lord with a multi-million dollar drug ring – he’s also an adaptable, super-competent businessman. What can Gus teach auto dealers about managing their dealerships?

• Never make the same mistake twice.

Walter White makes a deal to cook meth for $15 million a year. As he struggles to wrap his head around his newfound wealth, Walt receives an invitation from Mr. Fring to dine together. Over a meal of Chilean paella, Gus tells Walt he wishes to help him – that anyone can be poor, but one must learn to be rich.

Walt asks, “And what advice do you have for me?”

“Never make the same mistake twice,” Gus replies.

“You can never make the same mistake twice, because the second time you make it, it becomes a choice.” Are you making the same disastrous decisions over and over? Failure is not necessarily a bad thing if you learn from each of them. Treat each of your shortcomings like a business lesson – and never repeat them.

• Become an expert in both negotiation and mediation.

When tensions rise between employees, a good leader will listen to both sides and find a solution where everyone wins. When Walt’s partner Jesse takes issue with the methods of operation of two of Gus’s subordinates, the meth distributor calls a meeting with both sides. Gus mediates the dispute, offering a compromise that keeps the peace between both sides. He then asks that both parties shake hands. 

This dispute will be settled right here, right now.

How have you handled workplace conflicts in the past? Listening is the most important part of conflict resolution – so make sure to give your attention to both sides equally. Gus never loses his cool in a negotiating situation, and neither should you. Remain disciplined and composed – even in the face of hostility.

• Be respected, not feared.

After his enterprise almost destroyed his entire family, Walt refused to go back to work for Gus’s drug ring. The kingpin tries everything to employ Walt’s expert meth-cooking skills – he even offers 3 million dollars for a 3-month contract, just to be turned down. At the same time, drug cartel assassins have marked Walt for death, and Gus is the only thing stopping them. Confused by Walter’s refusal, Gus’s right-hand man Mike asks:

“If you want this guy to produce again, why not just tell him? You’re the only thing that stands between him and an axe to the head.”

“I believe fear to be an ineffective motivator. I want investment.”

What makes your employees perform? Are they walking on eggshells around you for fear that they’ll get chewed out or fired? Gus knows that fear does not inspire loyalty, creativity, or genuine commitment. Instead, ensure that your employees are invested in your business. They’ll work harder when they feel that there’s something for them to work for.

When respect fails to motivate, you can always resort to the box cutter.

• Forge ties between your business and your community.

When Gus isn’t orchestrating the largest drug operation in the southwest or running his legitimate fast-food front, he donates his time to the community. A philanthropist and generous donor to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Gus is well-respected within the Albuquerque police community. Of course, he uses his good standing with the community to hide in plain sight, but we can also look at Gus’s maneuvering as an example of a man leveraging his political capital to the advantage of his business.

Gus is a highly visible community leader, whether he’s glad-handing with the DEA…

…or providing food for the entire Albuquerque police department.

Gus Fring used philanthropy to his advantage – and you can too. By working on a city board or becoming involved with a charity of your choice, you can increase your visibility and strengthen your relationships with future clients. Become involved with your community, and you’ll bring awareness to your charitable work in the form of “cause marketing.” Others in the community will evangelize your brand for you!

_

I hope you guys are as excited about Sunday’s premiere as I am! The new season promises to be darker than ever before, and as Walt builds his empire as the new meth king, we can expect more examples of better business practices. That, or a lot of violence.

Follow Stephen and the rest of Team ActivEngage by subscribing to our blog!