ActivEngage, the most trusted brand in automotive live chat brings the top ten blogs and 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition -- Shark Week, Ford CEO, and consumer science.

10. Shark Week’s Guerilla Marketing

It happens every year during August, no I’m not talking about back to school shopping. I’m talking about Shark Week!

9. Don’t Like Political Rumors in Thailand or You’ll Go to Jail!

The Washington Post reports that Thai police are investigating four people, including a public TV channel journalist, for “causing panic” by posting Facebook updates suggesting that people in capital city Bangkok should prepare for a military coup.

8. This Ad Exec Quit His Job in Disgust Over Oreo’s Super Bowl Tweet

All 13 Ad executives involved in the Oreo tweet won a Clio award for that tweet. That’s when Andre Teman, a VP of social media/digital strategy and then a VP of experience planning at Hill Holliday, tweeted that if Oreo's simple tweet won, he was quitting.

7. Customer Satisfaction is Dead.

Another word for satisfaction is: mediocre. How would you like to win an award for mediocrity? "We are the highest rated mediocre company in the universe!" What a joke - and not a funny one.

6. Customer Science in Motor Retail: 5 Actionable Insights that Every Dealer Should Have

This series of keynote articles explores how the coming together of mobile computing, innovations in customer science and advances in big data analysis are creating the perfect storm for marketers in motor retail.

5. The Discovery Channel is Really Upset about that Dead Shark on a NY Subway

When a dead shark was discovered in a New York City subway train Wednesday, some were quick to cry "marketing stunt."

4. Ford CEO Alan Mulally Explains Why Chinese Communism is ‘Fantastic’

In a Q&A with Keith Naughton and Craig Trudell for Bloomberg Businessweek's interview issue, Mulally is effusive in his praise for the party and the government in China, where Ford's sales are up massively.

3. Automakers Refuse to Give Up on Millennials Who Don’t Buy

Young people are buying cars at a slower rate than their parents, restrained by mounting student loan debt, the rising cost of driving and an increasing reliance on biking and public transportation.

2. Store’s Sales Pitch: ‘We Speak your Language’

The dealership group’s employees should reflect their communities.

1.Why Did the Chicken Cross the Kitchen?

You’ll have to watch this video to find out! TGIF!

_

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 and @kettyc on Twitter for daily updates on auto industry news!

ActivEngage, the most trusted brand in automotive live chat brings the top ten blogs and 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition -- Shark Week, Ford CEO, and consumer science.

10. Shark Week’s Guerilla Marketing

It happens every year during August, no I’m not talking about back to school shopping. I’m talking about Shark Week!

9. Don’t Like Political Rumors in Thailand or You’ll Go to Jail!

The Washington Post reports that Thai police are investigating four people, including a public TV channel journalist, for “causing panic” by posting Facebook updates suggesting that people in capital city Bangkok should prepare for a military coup.

8. This Ad Exec Quit His Job in Disgust Over Oreo’s Super Bowl Tweet

All 13 Ad executives involved in the Oreo tweet won a Clio award for that tweet. That’s when Andre Teman, a VP of social media/digital strategy and then a VP of experience planning at Hill Holliday, tweeted that if Oreo's simple tweet won, he was quitting.

7. Customer Satisfaction is Dead.

Another word for satisfaction is: mediocre. How would you like to win an award for mediocrity? "We are the highest rated mediocre company in the universe!" What a joke - and not a funny one.

6. Customer Science in Motor Retail: 5 Actionable Insights that Every Dealer Should Have

This series of keynote articles explores how the coming together of mobile computing, innovations in customer science and advances in big data analysis are creating the perfect storm for marketers in motor retail.

5. The Discovery Channel is Really Upset about that Dead Shark on a NY Subway

When a dead shark was discovered in a New York City subway train Wednesday, some were quick to cry "marketing stunt."

4. Ford CEO Alan Mulally Explains Why Chinese Communism is ‘Fantastic’

In a Q&A with Keith Naughton and Craig Trudell for Bloomberg Businessweek's interview issue, Mulally is effusive in his praise for the party and the government in China, where Ford's sales are up massively.

3. Automakers Refuse to Give Up on Millennials Who Don’t Buy

Young people are buying cars at a slower rate than their parents, restrained by mounting student loan debt, the rising cost of driving and an increasing reliance on biking and public transportation.

2. Store’s Sales Pitch: ‘We Speak your Language’

The dealership group’s employees should reflect their communities.

1.Why Did the Chicken Cross the Kitchen?

You’ll have to watch this video to find out! TGIF!

_

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 and @kettyc on Twitter for daily updates on auto industry news!

ActivEngage, the most trusted brand in automotive live chat brings the top ten blogs and 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition-- a DoS attack, checklist for closing, and myths about self driving cars.

10. A Checklist for Closing

Remember your first days in a dealership and the fundamentals the sales manager drilled into your head? That was good advice. We tend to forget a lot of it over time and as experience adds up.

9. Google+ Ditches Zagat Ratings

In May of 2012, Google implemented their Zagat rating system which was confusing for both businesses and consumers. Now you can see they changed back to the 5-star rating system.

8. The Three Stages of Social Media--Part 1

This is part 1 in a 4 part series about automotive social media strategies that are emerging to help car dealers get true benefit. It’s not just about branding. It’s not about auto-feeding marketing content. With the right strategies in place, dealers can drive foot traffic and website visitors in a way that can help them sell more vehicles and drive more service customers.

7. Is Your Dealership on a Treadmill?

The dealership sales process has the ability to evolve into a more sophisticated, frictionless business if only it weren’t for our collective hesitation. One theme I see playing over and over at dealerships is the constant impasses that occur from one owner or manager being unwilling to make a decision.

6. Cobalt Hit with DoS Attack

Cobalt suffered a DoS attack yesterday morning that was the result of a massive surge in external traffic to the network. This affected both the main Cobalt company website and their network of dealer websites - including the US network of 4,400 General Motors websites.

5. What Does it Mean to Reboot Your Life?

Scott Monty sits down with Mitch Joel, author of  Ctrl Alt Delete: Reboot Your Business. Reboot Your Life. Your Future Depends On It. This new book is not your standard marketing book. It's certainly not a social media book. It's a book about life and practical matters with respect to business, marketing and how we all fit into the picture.

4. 3 Myths about Self-Driving Cars

There’s a lot of hype surrounding them. But where are they?

3. A Dead Man Wins Mexico Mayor Race

It's been said that to get elected to public office all you need is a pulse, but prosecutors Mexico are investigating how a man certified as dead got elected mayor of a village in southern Mexico.

2. Pig Beach, Bahamas.

On the Bahamian archipelago of Exuma sits Big Major Cay (also known as Pig Island and Major Cay). Legend has it that sailors dropped the pigs off on the island with the intention of coming back to eat them, but never returned. Now the pigs rule the island. Locals and tourists alike feed the pigs who have been known to swim up to incoming boats.

1. Helmet-Wearing Fool Challenges a Ram.

This epic video was originally posted last fall, but it's trending again because watching a ram show this kid who's boss is too good to pass up.

_

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!

ActivEngage, the most trusted brand in automotive live chat brings the top ten blogs and 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition-- a DoS attack, checklist for closing, and myths about self driving cars.

10. A Checklist for Closing

Remember your first days in a dealership and the fundamentals the sales manager drilled into your head? That was good advice. We tend to forget a lot of it over time and as experience adds up.

9. Google+ Ditches Zagat Ratings

In May of 2012, Google implemented their Zagat rating system which was confusing for both businesses and consumers. Now you can see they changed back to the 5-star rating system.

8. The Three Stages of Social Media--Part 1

This is part 1 in a 4 part series about automotive social media strategies that are emerging to help car dealers get true benefit. It’s not just about branding. It’s not about auto-feeding marketing content. With the right strategies in place, dealers can drive foot traffic and website visitors in a way that can help them sell more vehicles and drive more service customers.

7. Is Your Dealership on a Treadmill?

The dealership sales process has the ability to evolve into a more sophisticated, frictionless business if only it weren’t for our collective hesitation. One theme I see playing over and over at dealerships is the constant impasses that occur from one owner or manager being unwilling to make a decision.

6. Cobalt Hit with DoS Attack

Cobalt suffered a DoS attack yesterday morning that was the result of a massive surge in external traffic to the network. This affected both the main Cobalt company website and their network of dealer websites - including the US network of 4,400 General Motors websites.

5. What Does it Mean to Reboot Your Life?

Scott Monty sits down with Mitch Joel, author of  Ctrl Alt Delete: Reboot Your Business. Reboot Your Life. Your Future Depends On It. This new book is not your standard marketing book. It's certainly not a social media book. It's a book about life and practical matters with respect to business, marketing and how we all fit into the picture.

4. 3 Myths about Self-Driving Cars

There’s a lot of hype surrounding them. But where are they?

3. A Dead Man Wins Mexico Mayor Race

It's been said that to get elected to public office all you need is a pulse, but prosecutors Mexico are investigating how a man certified as dead got elected mayor of a village in southern Mexico.

2. Pig Beach, Bahamas.

On the Bahamian archipelago of Exuma sits Big Major Cay (also known as Pig Island and Major Cay). Legend has it that sailors dropped the pigs off on the island with the intention of coming back to eat them, but never returned. Now the pigs rule the island. Locals and tourists alike feed the pigs who have been known to swim up to incoming boats.

1. Helmet-Wearing Fool Challenges a Ram.

This epic video was originally posted last fall, but it's trending again because watching a ram show this kid who's boss is too good to pass up.

_

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!

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!

Great weather, fun things to do and see, (you can meet Mickey Mouse!) - why wouldn’t you want to attend the 2013 NADA Conference in Orlando? From February 8th - 11th you’ll enjoy great workshop sessions and keynote speakers like our very own Todd Smith.

Below is what Todd will be presenting, along with the schedule of presentations:

Your Digital Showroom: Conversion Tools and Tactics

Today's competitive dealerships need to think of their website as an extension of their showroom. Learn powerful techniques that help you keep consumers interested and engaged as they shop your website for their next vehicle. Uncover conversion optimization techniques that top retailers use to empower shoppers to take the next step in the shopping funnel, and learn how to effectively integrate the four most powerful lead-capture tools for your website.

Presenter: Todd Smith, ActivEngage, Inc., Orlando, FL
Schedule:

Here are some other sessions that I think are worth attending:
 

Double Your Internet Sales and Profits This Year!

Internet-sales success is actually easy to achieve when you follow a proven path. In the last 15 years, countless dealers have achieved success, and this workshop will cover ten proven practices you can adopt for immediate and long-term success. Imagine doubling your Internet sales and profits in 2013. What could that do for your bottom line? This workshop will provide specific details on what you can and must do to take your Internet operation to the highest possible level.
Presenter: David Kain, Kain Automotive, Lexington, KY
Schedule:

Mystery Phone-Shop Challenge

Three volunteers from the audience will be selected to mystery-shop their dealership or a competitor live. After each call, the speaker will evaluate the performance and offer suggestions for how that salesperson can improve. The dealership performing the best as voted by the audience, will win a Kindle touch.
Presenter: Jerry Thibeau, Phone Ninjas, Charlotte, NC
Schedule:

Are you going to the NADA Conference and want to visit the ActivEngage office ? Let us know in the comment section below!

Great weather, fun things to do and see, (you can meet Mickey Mouse!) - why wouldn’t you want to attend the 2013 NADA Conference in Orlando? From February 8th - 11th you’ll enjoy great workshop sessions and keynote speakers like our very own Todd Smith.

Below is what Todd will be presenting, along with the schedule of presentations:

Your Digital Showroom: Conversion Tools and Tactics

Today's competitive dealerships need to think of their website as an extension of their showroom. Learn powerful techniques that help you keep consumers interested and engaged as they shop your website for their next vehicle. Uncover conversion optimization techniques that top retailers use to empower shoppers to take the next step in the shopping funnel, and learn how to effectively integrate the four most powerful lead-capture tools for your website.

Presenter: Todd Smith, ActivEngage, Inc., Orlando, FL
Schedule:

Here are some other sessions that I think are worth attending:
 

Double Your Internet Sales and Profits This Year!

Internet-sales success is actually easy to achieve when you follow a proven path. In the last 15 years, countless dealers have achieved success, and this workshop will cover ten proven practices you can adopt for immediate and long-term success. Imagine doubling your Internet sales and profits in 2013. What could that do for your bottom line? This workshop will provide specific details on what you can and must do to take your Internet operation to the highest possible level.
Presenter: David Kain, Kain Automotive, Lexington, KY
Schedule:

Mystery Phone-Shop Challenge

Three volunteers from the audience will be selected to mystery-shop their dealership or a competitor live. After each call, the speaker will evaluate the performance and offer suggestions for how that salesperson can improve. The dealership performing the best as voted by the audience, will win a Kindle touch.
Presenter: Jerry Thibeau, Phone Ninjas, Charlotte, NC
Schedule:

Are you going to the NADA Conference and want to visit the ActivEngage office ? Let us know in the comment section below!

The most trusted name in live chat brings the top ten blogs and 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition – the world doesn't end, Carfax and ActivEngage Partner, and kids reacting to Santa.

10. Dealer Website Best Practice: “Talk to the Dealer”
Paglia has shared best practices regarding dealership’s lead forms and quality assurance.

9. Is Search Engine Marketing a Priority at your Dealership?
J.R Batchelor reminds us that SEM and SEO are important aspects when you want to gain more visibility on the Internet.

8. 7 Ways to Use Humor in Your Online Marketing

Do you like to laugh? Guess what: so do your customers. And because these people face a constant barrage of Facebook posts, tweets, YouTube videos and emails every day, making your marketing fun can go a long way towards capturing their attention.

7. Julian Assange Promises More Leaks
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, promised in a rare speech Thursday evening to release more than a million files in the coming year which would affect "every country in the world."

6. Endangered Florida Panther is Seen for the First Time EVER
For the first time ever, an uncollared Florida panther has been captured on camera moving her kittens to a new den in the 26,000-acre Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge near Naples. 

5. Miss USA is now Miss Universe! 
A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and a self-described "cellist-nerd" brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday.

4.How Kids Would React if they Saw Santa
Kid Snippets asks kids to write short films and "Catching Santa" sees the kids explain how it would all go down as two adults act out this confronting scenario.  

3. Why the World Didn’t End
Jell-o made a sacrifice to the Mayan gods earlier this week. What was it? Chocolate pudding. Anyone would be happy with that!

2. Carfax and ActivEngage Partner
Carfax and ActivEngage, the most trusted provider of automotive live chat, have teamed up to help dealers provide Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ to online shoppers through live chat.

1.Chris Dungan Blogs about ActivEngage
We’re blushing after this blog about us, Chris Dungan states, “But ActivEngage holds a special place in my (personal) heart, because as the guy around the handycars offices that needs to continually communicate with and tweak the ActivEngage process and programming, I've noticed they rank in highest echelon of in the following categories:

(1) Program effectiveness, usability, and stability
(2) Graphics and presentation
(3) Customer service (perhaps the most important factor of my high review of aE's product, staff, and a company overall)”

_
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 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 stories from around the globe. In this weekly edition – the world doesn't end, Carfax and ActivEngage Partner, and kids reacting to Santa.

10. Dealer Website Best Practice: “Talk to the Dealer”
Paglia has shared best practices regarding dealership’s lead forms and quality assurance.

9. Is Search Engine Marketing a Priority at your Dealership?
J.R Batchelor reminds us that SEM and SEO are important aspects when you want to gain more visibility on the Internet.

8. 7 Ways to Use Humor in Your Online Marketing

Do you like to laugh? Guess what: so do your customers. And because these people face a constant barrage of Facebook posts, tweets, YouTube videos and emails every day, making your marketing fun can go a long way towards capturing their attention.

7. Julian Assange Promises More Leaks
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, promised in a rare speech Thursday evening to release more than a million files in the coming year which would affect "every country in the world."

6. Endangered Florida Panther is Seen for the First Time EVER
For the first time ever, an uncollared Florida panther has been captured on camera moving her kittens to a new den in the 26,000-acre Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge near Naples. 

5. Miss USA is now Miss Universe! 
A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and a self-described "cellist-nerd" brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday.

4.How Kids Would React if they Saw Santa
Kid Snippets asks kids to write short films and "Catching Santa" sees the kids explain how it would all go down as two adults act out this confronting scenario.  

3. Why the World Didn’t End
Jell-o made a sacrifice to the Mayan gods earlier this week. What was it? Chocolate pudding. Anyone would be happy with that!

2. Carfax and ActivEngage Partner
Carfax and ActivEngage, the most trusted provider of automotive live chat, have teamed up to help dealers provide Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ to online shoppers through live chat.

1.Chris Dungan Blogs about ActivEngage
We’re blushing after this blog about us, Chris Dungan states, “But ActivEngage holds a special place in my (personal) heart, because as the guy around the handycars offices that needs to continually communicate with and tweak the ActivEngage process and programming, I've noticed they rank in highest echelon of in the following categories:

(1) Program effectiveness, usability, and stability
(2) Graphics and presentation
(3) Customer service (perhaps the most important factor of my high review of aE's product, staff, and a company overall)”

_
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!