By Brian Pasch

David Barkholz, a popular reporter from Automotive News, is once again breaking a very critical story that is impacting dealers.  A number of dealers, who have been critical of TrueCar on automotive blogs, have received letters from the FTC. 

According to Barkholz story:

"In a letter to dealers, the FTC said it is investigating whether some companies in the "retail automobile industry" committed anticompetitive acts "by agreeing to refuse to deal with TrueCar." 

I caught wind of the FTC action because one of my clients received a letter from the FTC.  He was a vocal critic of TrueCar on automotive community blogs. 

I will allow David to continue to cover the story but is there another story related to this action. Will website such as DrivingSales see less managers and executives of automotive dealerships share their opinions about vendors on blogs, forums, and comment areas?

The Golden Age Of Blogging

Is the golden age of automotive blogging over?  Will more dealership groups be writing polices THIS WEEK, forbidding their managers from participating on automotive forums that are open for the FTC to read?

To me, this looks like a ominous black cloud on the horizon.  This is the warning shot over the bow.   Is the FTC gunning for automotive retailers? Are their franchise laws, that have been in place for a hundred years, a subtext in this action?

​What do you have to say about this recent FTC action? 

Is your dealership considering limiting your actions on behalf of the dealership?  Do you have a policy in place today that prohibits executives from blogging about OEM's or vendor partners?

I would also like to hear from the compliance companies that are part of DrivingSales.  Has your phone been ringing as a result of the FTC's recent actions?

Brian

Brian Pasch, CEO
PCG Consulting
732.672.2356
Google

By Brian Pasch

David Barkholz, a popular reporter from Automotive News, is once again breaking a very critical story that is impacting dealers.  A number of dealers, who have been critical of TrueCar on automotive blogs, have received letters from the FTC. 

According to Barkholz story:

"In a letter to dealers, the FTC said it is investigating whether some companies in the "retail automobile industry" committed anticompetitive acts "by agreeing to refuse to deal with TrueCar." 

I caught wind of the FTC action because one of my clients received a letter from the FTC.  He was a vocal critic of TrueCar on automotive community blogs. 

I will allow David to continue to cover the story but is there another story related to this action. Will website such as DrivingSales see less managers and executives of automotive dealerships share their opinions about vendors on blogs, forums, and comment areas?

The Golden Age Of Blogging

Is the golden age of automotive blogging over?  Will more dealership groups be writing polices THIS WEEK, forbidding their managers from participating on automotive forums that are open for the FTC to read?

To me, this looks like a ominous black cloud on the horizon.  This is the warning shot over the bow.   Is the FTC gunning for automotive retailers? Are their franchise laws, that have been in place for a hundred years, a subtext in this action?

​What do you have to say about this recent FTC action? 

Is your dealership considering limiting your actions on behalf of the dealership?  Do you have a policy in place today that prohibits executives from blogging about OEM's or vendor partners?

I would also like to hear from the compliance companies that are part of DrivingSales.  Has your phone been ringing as a result of the FTC's recent actions?

Brian

Brian Pasch, CEO
PCG Consulting
732.672.2356
Google

The final keynote speaker at the 2012 Automotive Boot Camp was Patrick Kelly, President and COO of CAR-Research.  Prior to this event, I never had the pleasure to see Patrick speak. I've attended many conferences and it is an understatement that I was blown away with his passion and knowledge of the car business.

I was already familiar with the CAR-Research CRM product called "XRM", which won the Dealer Satisfaction Award for CRM software presented by DrivingSales.  

What I did not know is that CAR-Research has a full-time call center and research center that dealers can leverage to ensure that sales and customer service processes are being followed.

Handling Current Opportunities

We all have read statistics on how poorly leads, phone-ups, and existing customer follow-up is handled in the automotive industry.  If you haven't seen the stats, take a peek at this study published by Dealix.

Every dealership employee knows that there are times when too many leads, calls, or ups flood the dealership and processes go out the window.  

Do you work at a dealership? Are staffing and training levels at your dealership insufficient  to handle the current lead volume? 

What inspired me about Patrick's presentation is that he showed the "lift" is sales and service performance when dealers recognized their human resource weakness and leveraged a process "backstop" service like CAR-Research.  

The improvements in net profits was so impressive that I was compelled to share my excitement here on DrivingSales.

It Is OK To Ask For Help 

I don't sell CAR-Research products or services. I am sharing my excitement based on a simple observation.  The more I visit dealerships across the US and Canada, everyone is struggling with finding good people to work at their dealership.  Most every GM admits to having leaks in process and procedure. They recognize that they are losing sales each day and are working hard to improve sales however the 30-day sales clock is ticking.

Leveraging a call-center and research center ensures that Dealer Principals and General Managers can know if their processes are being followed.  They can leverage on-demand resources to pick-up leads, calls, or follow-up when the dealership staff drops the ball.  

I recently visited a dealership that was so overwhelmed with sales leads that they admitted that they NEVER call back existing customers for service or to "data mine" in equity owners for new sales opportunities.  Imagine if this dealership hired a call center as a back-stop until more staff could be hired and while their new facility was being completed.

This is a no-brainer to me, but each dealership has to come to that realization on their own. While each dealership works toward building stronger processes and investing in staff training, why not get some help; on demand. 

Meet Patrick Kelly

Here is a video that Patrick recorded at Boot Camp that I thought would connect with members of DrivingSales.  It is clear that he is passionate for our industry and wants to help car dealers succeed.  If you have an opportunity to meet Patrick or hear him speak, don't miss it!

The final keynote speaker at the 2012 Automotive Boot Camp was Patrick Kelly, President and COO of CAR-Research.  Prior to this event, I never had the pleasure to see Patrick speak. I've attended many conferences and it is an understatement that I was blown away with his passion and knowledge of the car business.

I was already familiar with the CAR-Research CRM product called "XRM", which won the Dealer Satisfaction Award for CRM software presented by DrivingSales.  

What I did not know is that CAR-Research has a full-time call center and research center that dealers can leverage to ensure that sales and customer service processes are being followed.

Handling Current Opportunities

We all have read statistics on how poorly leads, phone-ups, and existing customer follow-up is handled in the automotive industry.  If you haven't seen the stats, take a peek at this study published by Dealix.

Every dealership employee knows that there are times when too many leads, calls, or ups flood the dealership and processes go out the window.  

Do you work at a dealership? Are staffing and training levels at your dealership insufficient  to handle the current lead volume? 

What inspired me about Patrick's presentation is that he showed the "lift" is sales and service performance when dealers recognized their human resource weakness and leveraged a process "backstop" service like CAR-Research.  

The improvements in net profits was so impressive that I was compelled to share my excitement here on DrivingSales.

It Is OK To Ask For Help 

I don't sell CAR-Research products or services. I am sharing my excitement based on a simple observation.  The more I visit dealerships across the US and Canada, everyone is struggling with finding good people to work at their dealership.  Most every GM admits to having leaks in process and procedure. They recognize that they are losing sales each day and are working hard to improve sales however the 30-day sales clock is ticking.

Leveraging a call-center and research center ensures that Dealer Principals and General Managers can know if their processes are being followed.  They can leverage on-demand resources to pick-up leads, calls, or follow-up when the dealership staff drops the ball.  

I recently visited a dealership that was so overwhelmed with sales leads that they admitted that they NEVER call back existing customers for service or to "data mine" in equity owners for new sales opportunities.  Imagine if this dealership hired a call center as a back-stop until more staff could be hired and while their new facility was being completed.

This is a no-brainer to me, but each dealership has to come to that realization on their own. While each dealership works toward building stronger processes and investing in staff training, why not get some help; on demand. 

Meet Patrick Kelly

Here is a video that Patrick recorded at Boot Camp that I thought would connect with members of DrivingSales.  It is clear that he is passionate for our industry and wants to help car dealers succeed.  If you have an opportunity to meet Patrick or hear him speak, don't miss it!

Lexus compliance has been reminding dealers that they may only use their factory approved URL for marketing if the word "Lexus" is in the URL.  

This is not new in regards to their prohibition on microsites with the word "Lexus" in the domain name but recently I saw another variation on domain compliance.

Social Media & Online Directory Compliance

Dealers need to make sure that their primary OEM approved domain is the only website used to register business profiles on review sites like Google Places, DealerRater, Yelp, etc.  This also applies to any social media profiles that are setup with the dealership name.

Lexus is intent on making sure that all public directories or social media sites that have a website URL are all directing to the approved domain. So before you get a compliance "strike" for your dealership, make sure you check all your business and social media assets carefully.

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO
PCG Consulting Services

Lexus compliance has been reminding dealers that they may only use their factory approved URL for marketing if the word "Lexus" is in the URL.  

This is not new in regards to their prohibition on microsites with the word "Lexus" in the domain name but recently I saw another variation on domain compliance.

Social Media & Online Directory Compliance

Dealers need to make sure that their primary OEM approved domain is the only website used to register business profiles on review sites like Google Places, DealerRater, Yelp, etc.  This also applies to any social media profiles that are setup with the dealership name.

Lexus is intent on making sure that all public directories or social media sites that have a website URL are all directing to the approved domain. So before you get a compliance "strike" for your dealership, make sure you check all your business and social media assets carefully.

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO
PCG Consulting Services

I've made a commitment to read 70 books a year and one of my latest finds is "Great by Choice" written by Jim Collins.

I actually received the book as a gift from Jane Berentson, Editor in Chief at Inc., to whom I am very grateful for the introduction of this book.

Great by Choice  grabbed my attention in the second chapter as Collins tells readers about the two adventurers who set out to be the first people in modern history to reach the South Pole.

The contrast between the two leaders of the expedition parties is what immediately made me stop an think about my business strategy.

Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott both set a bold goal, just like many entrepreneurs.  One achieved his goal and the other one was frozen to death.

Want To Create 10X Results?

Jim Collins documents business leaders that achieved what he calls "10X" results.  Collins entices readers early in chapter two with this statement: "Let's first look at what we did not find about 10Xers relative to their less successful comparisons.

• They're not more creative.
• They're not more visionary.
• They're not more charismatic.
• They're not more ambitious.
• They're not more blessed by luck.
• They're not more risk seeking.
• They're not more heroic.
• They're not more prone to making, big, bold moves."

Did this list get your attention like it did mine.  

How many times have you read about a successful entrepreneur and believed one of these statement applied to their reason for success?

When you read what are the shared characteristic 10Xers have, I am confident that you will be inspired to read on and complete this outstanding book in short order.

Do you want 10X results from your business?

Are you looking to greatly exceed your goals in 2012 or will you be one that perishes in the cold?  

Start by taking action and order a copy today.

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

Text PCGedu to 75674 get information on our upcoming conferences

Brian Pasch

I've made a commitment to read 70 books a year and one of my latest finds is "Great by Choice" written by Jim Collins.

I actually received the book as a gift from Jane Berentson, Editor in Chief at Inc., to whom I am very grateful for the introduction of this book.

Great by Choice  grabbed my attention in the second chapter as Collins tells readers about the two adventurers who set out to be the first people in modern history to reach the South Pole.

The contrast between the two leaders of the expedition parties is what immediately made me stop an think about my business strategy.

Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott both set a bold goal, just like many entrepreneurs.  One achieved his goal and the other one was frozen to death.

Want To Create 10X Results?

Jim Collins documents business leaders that achieved what he calls "10X" results.  Collins entices readers early in chapter two with this statement: "Let's first look at what we did not find about 10Xers relative to their less successful comparisons.

• They're not more creative.
• They're not more visionary.
• They're not more charismatic.
• They're not more ambitious.
• They're not more blessed by luck.
• They're not more risk seeking.
• They're not more heroic.
• They're not more prone to making, big, bold moves."

Did this list get your attention like it did mine.  

How many times have you read about a successful entrepreneur and believed one of these statement applied to their reason for success?

When you read what are the shared characteristic 10Xers have, I am confident that you will be inspired to read on and complete this outstanding book in short order.

Do you want 10X results from your business?

Are you looking to greatly exceed your goals in 2012 or will you be one that perishes in the cold?  

Start by taking action and order a copy today.

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

Text PCGedu to 75674 get information on our upcoming conferences

Brian Pasch

With just a few days before 2012 arrives and I celebrate my 50th birthday in January, I wanted to know if you have made any special New Years Resolutions?

Personally, I don't wait till New Years to make changes or new commitments in my life but traditionally this time of year we talk about change.  

So what do you want to change?

Making a Shift in 2012

I love to write and most of my writings are about marketing, advertising, and strategy for the car business but today I wanted to shift to something more important.  Your health and success in 2012.

Two years ago this week I made a commitment to change my lifestyle so I am talking from experience.    After two years of success it is time to lead others to a better life in the years ahead.

Two years ago I was sitting in fromt of a computer for 12-15 hours a day building my business and ignoring my health.  I belived that I did not have time to exercise or eat better.  I was convinced that diving into my career was the best thing I could do with my time.

In the afternoon my energy levels crashed and I often felt the need to take a nap during the day. I was also gaining a few pounds each year and in 2009 reached 211 pounds.  I looked in the mirror in December 2009 and I finally was disgusted with how I looked.   I didn't know then how important that day really was for my personal life or my business.

30 pounds lighter and with renewable energy, I thought it was time to challenge my friends in the industry to rethink how they are taking care of their bodies.

Investing The First Hour Of The Day

I was blessed to find a trainer and personal coach that changed my life.  Rick Ivone helped me to achieve so much in the last 2 years that I will be forever grateful.  He unlocked my potential that I had bured with the activity of my work.

The end result of this change was not less time for work but actually more!  I had more energy, focus, and a new vision for my business.  

If I had not change my life I would NOT have been able to keep the pace of my growing business.  If you have been following my travels, you can understand what I mean.

I would have been a diabetic if I had not changed by lifestyle. Anyone who has diabetes knows how that disease changes your life!

Do you have dreams, goals, and desires that may or may not be realized yet?  If you are truly looking to acheive greatest in your life, you have to invest in yourself first.  That's before your wife, family, kids, or your boss. 

I take the first hour of most days for myself in the gym, running, or just walking.  It has been the best investment I have made in my first 50 years of living.  This investment has enabled me to serve my family, friends, and co-workers with more passion, energy, and creativity.

Do You Feel Like Crap?

I can't tell you how many people I meet as I travel that are lethargic, overweight, exhausted, and some even admit to feeling like shit on a regular basis.  

Many of these friends are just not taking care of their bodies yet they wonder why they can't "keep up" with life.  They wonder why they have moved to the "next level" of success.  

Do you realize that with exercise and the proper fuel (food), we can think clearer, radiate more positive energy, and engage life with power.  Limping through each day is not the trademark of a winner.

Are you just getting through the day?

Tired of feeling tired?  Unhappy with your current energy levels?  Need to get started on that "big" idea?  How about investing in a personal makeover in 2012.  Are you ready?

Getting Started?

Start by making a commitment to read a book a month in 2012.  That will start to shift your mental state.  If you email me I will send you a list of some great books that have helped to change my life.

One powerful inspirational book is Grant Cardone's "The 10X Rule".  If you are a manager of teams of people, I would recommend "Multipliers: How The Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter". If you want to learn how to better serve your family, friends, and business associates I recommend "The Go-Giver". 

Readers can suggest a few titles as well in the comments area below.

Then make a commitment to move your body each day.  Invest the first hour of each day for yourself.  In the automotive industry we tend to have jobs that place us behind a desk or standing in a limited area with little movement.  That will never change so you have to change by getting your investment completed BEFORE you get in the office.  Once you get sucked into the demands of the day, it is very HARD to leave on a set schedule each day.

Getting The Right Motivation

If you are attending the 2012 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference you will also have the opportunity to get some fitness advice from two people that I admire.  

Todd Durkin, who trains top athletes, like NFL star Drew Breeze, will be speaking to the conference on February 1st and also conducting a morning training program on February 2nd.  Todd lives by three words: Passion, Purpose, & Impact.

My trainer and coach Rick Ivone will also be in attendance to run a fitness program each morning.    Both of these men will be there to help attendees with a new focus for their physical and mental health for 2012.

Is investing in your mental and physical health in 2012 that important?  After two years of change I would have to firmly say YES.  

Ask anyone who has lost their health or their ability to have a clear mind if they regret not taking care of themselves.  Don't live a life of regrets.  Make the change now.

And if you already invest in your health, bravo!  Share you turn around story or how your investment has paid you back over time.  

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing
Text PCGedu to 75674 get information on our upcoming conferences
Brian Pasch

With just a few days before 2012 arrives and I celebrate my 50th birthday in January, I wanted to know if you have made any special New Years Resolutions?

Personally, I don't wait till New Years to make changes or new commitments in my life but traditionally this time of year we talk about change.  

So what do you want to change?

Making a Shift in 2012

I love to write and most of my writings are about marketing, advertising, and strategy for the car business but today I wanted to shift to something more important.  Your health and success in 2012.

Two years ago this week I made a commitment to change my lifestyle so I am talking from experience.    After two years of success it is time to lead others to a better life in the years ahead.

Two years ago I was sitting in fromt of a computer for 12-15 hours a day building my business and ignoring my health.  I belived that I did not have time to exercise or eat better.  I was convinced that diving into my career was the best thing I could do with my time.

In the afternoon my energy levels crashed and I often felt the need to take a nap during the day. I was also gaining a few pounds each year and in 2009 reached 211 pounds.  I looked in the mirror in December 2009 and I finally was disgusted with how I looked.   I didn't know then how important that day really was for my personal life or my business.

30 pounds lighter and with renewable energy, I thought it was time to challenge my friends in the industry to rethink how they are taking care of their bodies.

Investing The First Hour Of The Day

I was blessed to find a trainer and personal coach that changed my life.  Rick Ivone helped me to achieve so much in the last 2 years that I will be forever grateful.  He unlocked my potential that I had bured with the activity of my work.

The end result of this change was not less time for work but actually more!  I had more energy, focus, and a new vision for my business.  

If I had not change my life I would NOT have been able to keep the pace of my growing business.  If you have been following my travels, you can understand what I mean.

I would have been a diabetic if I had not changed by lifestyle. Anyone who has diabetes knows how that disease changes your life!

Do you have dreams, goals, and desires that may or may not be realized yet?  If you are truly looking to acheive greatest in your life, you have to invest in yourself first.  That's before your wife, family, kids, or your boss. 

I take the first hour of most days for myself in the gym, running, or just walking.  It has been the best investment I have made in my first 50 years of living.  This investment has enabled me to serve my family, friends, and co-workers with more passion, energy, and creativity.

Do You Feel Like Crap?

I can't tell you how many people I meet as I travel that are lethargic, overweight, exhausted, and some even admit to feeling like shit on a regular basis.  

Many of these friends are just not taking care of their bodies yet they wonder why they can't "keep up" with life.  They wonder why they have moved to the "next level" of success.  

Do you realize that with exercise and the proper fuel (food), we can think clearer, radiate more positive energy, and engage life with power.  Limping through each day is not the trademark of a winner.

Are you just getting through the day?

Tired of feeling tired?  Unhappy with your current energy levels?  Need to get started on that "big" idea?  How about investing in a personal makeover in 2012.  Are you ready?

Getting Started?

Start by making a commitment to read a book a month in 2012.  That will start to shift your mental state.  If you email me I will send you a list of some great books that have helped to change my life.

One powerful inspirational book is Grant Cardone's "The 10X Rule".  If you are a manager of teams of people, I would recommend "Multipliers: How The Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter". If you want to learn how to better serve your family, friends, and business associates I recommend "The Go-Giver". 

Readers can suggest a few titles as well in the comments area below.

Then make a commitment to move your body each day.  Invest the first hour of each day for yourself.  In the automotive industry we tend to have jobs that place us behind a desk or standing in a limited area with little movement.  That will never change so you have to change by getting your investment completed BEFORE you get in the office.  Once you get sucked into the demands of the day, it is very HARD to leave on a set schedule each day.

Getting The Right Motivation

If you are attending the 2012 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference you will also have the opportunity to get some fitness advice from two people that I admire.  

Todd Durkin, who trains top athletes, like NFL star Drew Breeze, will be speaking to the conference on February 1st and also conducting a morning training program on February 2nd.  Todd lives by three words: Passion, Purpose, & Impact.

My trainer and coach Rick Ivone will also be in attendance to run a fitness program each morning.    Both of these men will be there to help attendees with a new focus for their physical and mental health for 2012.

Is investing in your mental and physical health in 2012 that important?  After two years of change I would have to firmly say YES.  

Ask anyone who has lost their health or their ability to have a clear mind if they regret not taking care of themselves.  Don't live a life of regrets.  Make the change now.

And if you already invest in your health, bravo!  Share you turn around story or how your investment has paid you back over time.  

Brian 

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing
Text PCGedu to 75674 get information on our upcoming conferences
Brian Pasch