There’s a chance that not many have heard of the new "Six Strikes" copyright alert system, a new program that is being rolled out soon to crack down on illegal web piracy — downloads from Mega, BitTorrent, etc.

The big Internet Service Providers (Verizon and Comcast) are behind the push to stop the downloads, which according to a report in New York Magazine, costs the economy about $58 billion annually.

How does this Six Strikes rule work?

Ars Technica earlier this month reported some details on exactly how the oft-delayed six strikes policy will work in practice. Basically, there are three “stages” Internet Service Providers will go through before taking action: a “notice” phase that “involves letting users know they’ve been tracked on copyright-infringing sites”; an “acknowledgement” phase in which “the customer will have to actually acknowledge having received those notices”; and finally, the “mitigation” phase where “users who have traded copyrighted files are actually punished” through either having their speeds throttled or blocking access to certain sites.

How does this affect my dealership?

This may sound like it doesn’t pertain to dealerships, but it does to those who offer free Wi-Fi in your waiting areas.  If your customers are regularly downloading or distributing pirated content from your establishment, you could be liable.

The solution?

This rule applies to residential internet connections, so it may be time to upgrade to a business level-internet connection.

If you would like to learn more about this rule, click here to read a FAQ about this rule.

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What do you think of this new rule? Is it fair?

There’s a chance that not many have heard of the new "Six Strikes" copyright alert system, a new program that is being rolled out soon to crack down on illegal web piracy — downloads from Mega, BitTorrent, etc.

The big Internet Service Providers (Verizon and Comcast) are behind the push to stop the downloads, which according to a report in New York Magazine, costs the economy about $58 billion annually.

How does this Six Strikes rule work?

Ars Technica earlier this month reported some details on exactly how the oft-delayed six strikes policy will work in practice. Basically, there are three “stages” Internet Service Providers will go through before taking action: a “notice” phase that “involves letting users know they’ve been tracked on copyright-infringing sites”; an “acknowledgement” phase in which “the customer will have to actually acknowledge having received those notices”; and finally, the “mitigation” phase where “users who have traded copyrighted files are actually punished” through either having their speeds throttled or blocking access to certain sites.

How does this affect my dealership?

This may sound like it doesn’t pertain to dealerships, but it does to those who offer free Wi-Fi in your waiting areas.  If your customers are regularly downloading or distributing pirated content from your establishment, you could be liable.

The solution?

This rule applies to residential internet connections, so it may be time to upgrade to a business level-internet connection.

If you would like to learn more about this rule, click here to read a FAQ about this rule.

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What do you think of this new rule? Is it fair?

No matter the size of your company, people will always find a way to distance themselves from one another and form cliques; or in this case--fiefdoms. Some may say that they don’t like the people in the front of the office because they play their music too loud or they some may feel that people in the back of the office receive better treatment from the boss because they are located closer to his office. In essence, these people are separating themselves and creating fiefdoms.

Derek Irvine, vice president at Globoforce, a provider of employee recognition and reward programs, says these “fiefdoms”—groups that exist not for a valid business reason, but to support their leader—destroy companies. “Little Napoleons” run things, without concern for the larger goals of the company.

Believe it or not, recognition programs can create fiefdoms. If you let your employees decide their own recognition program, fiefdoms will pop up very quickly. Irvine states, “If a company decides to pursue one culture of appreciation through a single, universal (or global) strategic recognition program for all employees, then executives must step up and clearly, firmly inform divisional leaders (especially fiefdom lords) that local recognition programs will no longer be funded or encouraged. The expectation is for all units to join into a One Company culture and engage with each other through the single recognition solution.”

Fiefdoms will always erode any company culture. If people are to work together effectively as a team, they must accept these differences. They don’t have to like everyone at work, but need to respect and contribute to one driving company culture.

How do you recognize your employees? Do you feel there are fiefdoms in your workplace? 


 

No matter the size of your company, people will always find a way to distance themselves from one another and form cliques; or in this case--fiefdoms. Some may say that they don’t like the people in the front of the office because they play their music too loud or they some may feel that people in the back of the office receive better treatment from the boss because they are located closer to his office. In essence, these people are separating themselves and creating fiefdoms.

Derek Irvine, vice president at Globoforce, a provider of employee recognition and reward programs, says these “fiefdoms”—groups that exist not for a valid business reason, but to support their leader—destroy companies. “Little Napoleons” run things, without concern for the larger goals of the company.

Believe it or not, recognition programs can create fiefdoms. If you let your employees decide their own recognition program, fiefdoms will pop up very quickly. Irvine states, “If a company decides to pursue one culture of appreciation through a single, universal (or global) strategic recognition program for all employees, then executives must step up and clearly, firmly inform divisional leaders (especially fiefdom lords) that local recognition programs will no longer be funded or encouraged. The expectation is for all units to join into a One Company culture and engage with each other through the single recognition solution.”

Fiefdoms will always erode any company culture. If people are to work together effectively as a team, they must accept these differences. They don’t have to like everyone at work, but need to respect and contribute to one driving company culture.

How do you recognize your employees? Do you feel there are fiefdoms in your workplace? 


 

In his new book, To Sell is Human, bestselling author Daniel Pink argues that selling has changed more in the last ten years than it did over the previous 100. Think about it, whether we’re trying to push a product to someone or just trying to convince someone of our point of view, we’re always in selling mode. 
 

Why We’re All in Sales

Pink identifies three crucial elements of macro socioeconomic trends driving the changes in sales and selling. He calls them “the 3 E’s”:

1. Entrepreneurship. The enormous rise of small entrepreneurs in the economy means more of us are in sales. The research firm IDC estimates that 30 percent of American workers now work on their own. Some analysts project that independent entrepreneurs could become the majority of the workforce by 2020.

2. Elasticity. Workers can no longer rely on doing one task at work. The new breadth of skills demanded by companies means that more people are engaging in both selling and non-sales selling. As elasticity of skills becomes more common, the ability to move others becomes crucial.

3. “Ed-Med.” Education and health services are by far the largest job sectors in the U.S. economy, as well as a fast-growing sector in the rest of the world. Education and health care have more in common with selling than ever before—convincing someone to part with resources to leave them better off in the end, whether that means studying for a test, doing physical therapy or adhering to a drug regimen.

The New ABCs of Selling

The old ABCs of sales was “Always Be Closing.” The new ABCs, Pinks writes, are “Attunement, Buoyancy, and Clarity.

• ”Attunement is “the ability to blend one’s actions and outlook into harmony with other people.”

• Buoyancy is “the quality that combines grittiness of spirit and sunniness of outlook.” To be buoyant means to apply three components before, during and after any effort to move others.

• Clarity is “the capacity to make sense of murky situations.”

In the end selling, is about moving others. We can no longer ignore our human nature when we are selling.

In his new book, To Sell is Human, bestselling author Daniel Pink argues that selling has changed more in the last ten years than it did over the previous 100. Think about it, whether we’re trying to push a product to someone or just trying to convince someone of our point of view, we’re always in selling mode. 
 

Why We’re All in Sales

Pink identifies three crucial elements of macro socioeconomic trends driving the changes in sales and selling. He calls them “the 3 E’s”:

1. Entrepreneurship. The enormous rise of small entrepreneurs in the economy means more of us are in sales. The research firm IDC estimates that 30 percent of American workers now work on their own. Some analysts project that independent entrepreneurs could become the majority of the workforce by 2020.

2. Elasticity. Workers can no longer rely on doing one task at work. The new breadth of skills demanded by companies means that more people are engaging in both selling and non-sales selling. As elasticity of skills becomes more common, the ability to move others becomes crucial.

3. “Ed-Med.” Education and health services are by far the largest job sectors in the U.S. economy, as well as a fast-growing sector in the rest of the world. Education and health care have more in common with selling than ever before—convincing someone to part with resources to leave them better off in the end, whether that means studying for a test, doing physical therapy or adhering to a drug regimen.

The New ABCs of Selling

The old ABCs of sales was “Always Be Closing.” The new ABCs, Pinks writes, are “Attunement, Buoyancy, and Clarity.

• ”Attunement is “the ability to blend one’s actions and outlook into harmony with other people.”

• Buoyancy is “the quality that combines grittiness of spirit and sunniness of outlook.” To be buoyant means to apply three components before, during and after any effort to move others.

• Clarity is “the capacity to make sense of murky situations.”

In the end selling, is about moving others. We can no longer ignore our human nature when we are selling.

For the past 40-something years, a German Wolf Researcher named Werner Freund has operated a wolf sanctuary in Saarland, Germany, where he has personally raised more than 70 animals.

In 1972, Freund acquired the land to build his Wolfspark as a loan from the city of Merzig. The reserve currently houses 29 Mongolian and Arctic wolves. Most of the  wolves were acquired from zoos or animal parks as cubs.

Freund, who contentedly describes himself as half wolf, says that unlike dogs, which can be easily domesticated, he had to transform himself into a wolf in order to interact with his animals.

Before stepping into the wolf sanctuary he changes into specific clothes so that the wolves can recognize his scent. The alpha male of the pack approaches him and licks Freund’s lips which is a sign of acknowledgment and a sign of membership of the pack. After this ritual, Freund pulls a deer carcass out of his truck, puts it on the snowy ground and held it in a manner as if it were his prey.

Dealer Takeaway

I’m not writing this blog to entice you to try to become a member of a wolf pack and get your lips licked by an alpha male wolf. I’m writing this blog because there are a couple of lessons we can learn from Freund.

1. In order to FULLY understand your customer/target market, you must BECOME the customer.

   1. I’ve said this in previous blog posts, but creating a buyer persona is a great tool to help you better understand your ideal customer.

2. Do not be afraid to fully commit.

   1. Whether it’s your sales goal, personal fitness goal, or even a fundraising goal for the charity your dealership sponsors, commit to it with every bone in your body! This may mean taking one for the team even when you don’t have the time to. No manager likes to hear the words “It’s not my job”.

3. Create a familiar and inviting presence with your customer.

   1. This can be done by dressing appropriately with a clean fresh scent, placing pictures of your family (or pets) around your desk, or even showcasing a hobby of yours.

4. Do something you enjoy.

   1. Freund held many positions before he finally recognized his calling in life. Even in his 80’s he is still working on his wolf reserve! Do what you love!

After reading this blog is there a life lesson to be learned from the Wolfman? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

For the past 40-something years, a German Wolf Researcher named Werner Freund has operated a wolf sanctuary in Saarland, Germany, where he has personally raised more than 70 animals.

In 1972, Freund acquired the land to build his Wolfspark as a loan from the city of Merzig. The reserve currently houses 29 Mongolian and Arctic wolves. Most of the  wolves were acquired from zoos or animal parks as cubs.

Freund, who contentedly describes himself as half wolf, says that unlike dogs, which can be easily domesticated, he had to transform himself into a wolf in order to interact with his animals.

Before stepping into the wolf sanctuary he changes into specific clothes so that the wolves can recognize his scent. The alpha male of the pack approaches him and licks Freund’s lips which is a sign of acknowledgment and a sign of membership of the pack. After this ritual, Freund pulls a deer carcass out of his truck, puts it on the snowy ground and held it in a manner as if it were his prey.

Dealer Takeaway

I’m not writing this blog to entice you to try to become a member of a wolf pack and get your lips licked by an alpha male wolf. I’m writing this blog because there are a couple of lessons we can learn from Freund.

1. In order to FULLY understand your customer/target market, you must BECOME the customer.

   1. I’ve said this in previous blog posts, but creating a buyer persona is a great tool to help you better understand your ideal customer.

2. Do not be afraid to fully commit.

   1. Whether it’s your sales goal, personal fitness goal, or even a fundraising goal for the charity your dealership sponsors, commit to it with every bone in your body! This may mean taking one for the team even when you don’t have the time to. No manager likes to hear the words “It’s not my job”.

3. Create a familiar and inviting presence with your customer.

   1. This can be done by dressing appropriately with a clean fresh scent, placing pictures of your family (or pets) around your desk, or even showcasing a hobby of yours.

4. Do something you enjoy.

   1. Freund held many positions before he finally recognized his calling in life. Even in his 80’s he is still working on his wolf reserve! Do what you love!

After reading this blog is there a life lesson to be learned from the Wolfman? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

In regards to customer service, some phrases have become redundant and out right stupid to say to customers. From working retail to chatting for your dealership, I’ve gathered some phrases that need to be revamped so that your customer service can remain top notch!

Some customer service phrases that needs work:

“How can I help you today?”

What’s wrong with that one you say? It’s not personal enough, everyone and their mother’s say this.  Instead say something like, “How can I make your day better?”

“I don’t know.”

Customer’s don’t expect you to know EVERYTHING, but when it comes to a product inquiry they expect their salesperson to be knowledgeable. If you don’t know the answer try saying, “That’s a good question. Let me find out for you.”

“I can’t do that.”

This phrase should be banned from customer service. Empower your employees or train them to take an issue to the supervisor or a manager. Use a phrase such as “I can check with my manager for you.”

“No problem.”

This implies there was a problem to begin with by helping the customer. This has become the lazy way of saying thank you. Try saying, “You’re welcome [customer name], please come back again,” or “You’re welcome! I look forward to seeing you next time [customer name]!”

“That’s not my department.”

While that may be true, is not something the customer wants to hear. You should know all areas of your dealership and who works in them. Instead say, “I’ll be happy to get you to the person in that department who can assist you better.”
 

Simple words do make a difference! Hopefully these tips will refresh your customer service and if you have any other overused phrases you’d like to be refreshed, comment below!

In regards to customer service, some phrases have become redundant and out right stupid to say to customers. From working retail to chatting for your dealership, I’ve gathered some phrases that need to be revamped so that your customer service can remain top notch!

Some customer service phrases that needs work:

“How can I help you today?”

What’s wrong with that one you say? It’s not personal enough, everyone and their mother’s say this.  Instead say something like, “How can I make your day better?”

“I don’t know.”

Customer’s don’t expect you to know EVERYTHING, but when it comes to a product inquiry they expect their salesperson to be knowledgeable. If you don’t know the answer try saying, “That’s a good question. Let me find out for you.”

“I can’t do that.”

This phrase should be banned from customer service. Empower your employees or train them to take an issue to the supervisor or a manager. Use a phrase such as “I can check with my manager for you.”

“No problem.”

This implies there was a problem to begin with by helping the customer. This has become the lazy way of saying thank you. Try saying, “You’re welcome [customer name], please come back again,” or “You’re welcome! I look forward to seeing you next time [customer name]!”

“That’s not my department.”

While that may be true, is not something the customer wants to hear. You should know all areas of your dealership and who works in them. Instead say, “I’ll be happy to get you to the person in that department who can assist you better.”
 

Simple words do make a difference! Hopefully these tips will refresh your customer service and if you have any other overused phrases you’d like to be refreshed, comment below!