Jonathan Dawson

🔥🚙 Leaders, Managers, Dealer Principals, and Automotive Professionals 🔥🚙 Why are our departments out of alignment? Positive Joe Leonard knows—and tells. Mark your calendar for David Long’s All Things Used Cars…Every Friday starting at 9AM EST/6AM PST. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership today to improve your bottom line. 💰🤑💲💵 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of Progressive Discipline. #automotive #autodealers #dealership #management #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #leadership #newcarsales #usedcarsales

15

6 Comments

Every automotive sales manager works their butt off to build a top-selling team, right? Yet no one is teaching dealership managers how to train their salespeople to perfection...  That's why you need to attend the Train The Trainer workshop in Dallas, TX on September 16-17th! Do training meetings with your salespeople feel unproductive? Maybe your outline, preparation, and motivation strategies could be better? At this 2-day interactive, powerhouse workshop, you'll learn: ✅How to evaluate your sales team's training needs ✅Important training mistakes to avoid ✅Activities to track for results ✅Accurate goals and measurements  ✅Best practices to prepare, motivate, and coach your team ✅So. Much. More. Attend this workshop to get fired up and be the best trainer for your dealership! Click the link or text us at (817) 479-5312 to reserve your spot. 🔥 https://lnkd.in/gFVbQPDu

10

🚙Used Car Managers🔥 🔥General Managers🚗 🚘Dealer Principals🔥 🔥Automotive Professionals🚖 If you’re not looking at customers this way you are losing money hand over fist!✋✊🤯 Larry Feldman of Career Changers USA shares this simple yet brilliant mindset on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Every Friday morning at 9AM EST/6AM PST… Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of Non-negotiables For Success.. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales #cardealership

9

4 Comments

I wanted to dedicate this post to one of our newest partners Dealer Strategies. https://lnkd.in/efuG4mSB This organization is run by Marc Wagoner, who for most of his career ran dealerships and then decided he wanted to help dealers with new effective solutions, because he knows precisely what dealers need. Although he only signed up with us a few weeks ago they are already bringing us business at Gather. (We are not even on their website yet). What struck me during our presentations was just how close he is with his clients and even more important, how much he really cares about their success. Much like most dealers, the checking of identity and insurance, was woefully lacking in the stores we have spoken with. Simply taking the insurance card at face value and running the drivers license through scanners was leaving his dealers seriously exposed. The close relationship was clearly there as we discussed why they needed a solution like Gather that would protect them. It was really refreshing as quite frankly, without someone like Marc who they trust, they may or may not fathom the depth of their exposure. If you are an organization like Dealer Strategies, that actually is concerned about their dealer clients, I would like to speak with you. Bringing a solution to the industry that is so badly needed, whether dealers realize it or not, makes our jobs just that more rewarding. I can be reached at ken@gather.technology or text me at 321 262 6464 (I am always on the phone so calling might be an issue). #identityverification #insuranceverification #policytransfer #automotive #dealerships https://lnkd.in/efuG4mSB

2

What's the most ironic thing in automotive? Dealer marketing agencies that struggle to generate dealer leads. Think about this... Selling to consumers is a completely different game than selling to dealers. Dealers see through the flashy promotions that work with consumers. They want to go directly to the bottom line: Profits, ROI, Process Improvement, and Proven Results. Back in the day, you could offer a free digital-audit, They felt exclusive, insightful and valuable, Point out all the things the current agencies is doing wrong, And that was good enough to drive sales. Today most agencies provide audits and it's no longer a high-value offer. What's the solution? Agencies must offer their own tech-enabled solutions. Not reselling a white-label of someone's else's tech, dealers recognize this. Tech-enabled tools that go beyond advice and provide results, that's the future. Developing proprietary tech requires investments and the best agencies already are doing this. But sadly, dealers don't care about tech, they care about results. If your tech can’t prove it works—then it’s just noise. And selling will always be a struggle.

7

1 Comment

The automotive hiring landscape is evolving, and traditional job postings no longer deliver the results dealerships need. Why? ✅ Job Market Saturation: Too many listings compete for the same talent, making it hard to stand out. ✅ Passive Candidates: Many top professionals aren’t actively job hunting but might be open to the right opportunity. ✅ Uninspiring Job Descriptions: Generic listings fail to capture attention or highlight growth opportunities. ✅ Limited Reach of Job Boards: Broad platforms often attract unqualified candidates, wasting valuable time. What’s the solution? 🔹 Leverage employee referrals to access trusted networks. 🔹 Tap into professional communities to engage passive candidates. 🔹 Partner with recruitment specialists like Autopeople to connect with top-tier talent aligned with your culture and goals. Let’s adapt and thrive in this competitive hiring landscape. Ready to transform your hiring approach? Call me today @ 619.701.6550! #Autopeople #AutoIndustry #Dealerships #Recruitment #TalentStrategy #AutomotiveRecruiters #AutomotiveJobs

6

🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

8

5 Comments

🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

6

9 Comments

Leadership Skills in Automotive Dealerships So you think you have what it takes to steer the ship in the wild world of automotive dealerships? Buckle up, folks, because the road to successful leadership in this industry is not always a smooth ride. Here are some key skills you'll need to navigate those twists and turns like a pro: - Communication is key, folks! Whether you're chatting with customers, guiding your team, or negotiating with suppliers, clear and effective communication is essential. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Pro tip: a little charm never hurt anyone! - Adaptability is the name of the game in this fast-paced environment. Trends change, technologies evolve, and customer preferences shift faster than you can say new car smell. Stay agile, stay ahead, and most importantly, stay cool under pressure. It's all part of the thrill of the automotive industry rollercoaster! - Empathy might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of leading a dealership, but trust me, it's a game-changer. Understanding your team's needs, hearing out your customers' concerns, and putting yourself in their shoes can make all the difference. A little empathy goes a long way, my friends. - Innovation is the fuel that drives success in the automotive world. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, try new strategies, and embrace technology to stay ahead of the curve. Remember, it's not about reinventing the wheel, but giving it a shiny new coat of paint. - And last but not least, resilience is the secret sauce that separates the leaders from the followers. In the high-octane world of automotive dealerships, you'll face challenges, setbacks, and unexpected detours. But remember, it's not about the obstacles, it's about how you overcome them and keep moving forward! Ready to rev up your leadership skills and take your dealership to the next level? Check out my latest blog post for more tips and tricks: https://lnkd.in/gPym9ByJ

2

🔍 Unlocking the Hidden Value of Your Dealership Database for Higher ROI! In today’s competitive automotive landscape, every dealership has a goldmine right at its fingertips – its database. A well-maintained, effectively utilized database isn’t just a list of past customers and leads; it’s a powerful asset driving measurable ROI and long-term success. Here’s how leveraging your dealership’s database can make all the difference: 1️⃣ Enhanced Customer Retention: With insights from the database, we can stay connected with customers long after the initial sale. Personalized follow-ups, timely service reminders, and targeted campaigns keep customers engaged, ensuring they return to us for their next vehicle or service need. 2️⃣ Improved Lead Conversion: Our database tells us who our high-intent shoppers are. By tailoring our messaging to these leads, we nurture their journey from inquiry to purchase more efficiently, increasing our chances of closing the sale. 3️⃣ Data-Driven Decision Making: Your database isn’t just a record of past interactions – it’s a roadmap to better business decisions. By analyzing customer preferences and behaviors, we can adjust our inventory, pricing, and promotions to meet real-time market demand, ultimately boosting profitability. 4️⃣ Targeted Marketing: Using our data, we can segment audiences by purchase history, preferences, and engagement, enabling us to deliver tailored marketing campaigns that resonate. This approach maximizes marketing ROI by focusing on customers most likely to respond. 5️⃣ Predictive Insights for Service Revenue: A robust database helps us predict maintenance needs, allowing proactive outreach for service appointments. This keeps vehicles running smoothly and builds customer loyalty, while driving consistent revenue to our service department. Investing in and utilizing our dealership’s database isn’t just about improving customer experience—it’s about fueling long-term growth and maximizing ROI. Let’s turn data into our dealership’s competitive edge! 🚀 If you got this far in the post and feel that I can be of assistance reach out I am here to help. #AutomotiveROI #DealershipSuccess #CustomerRetention #DataDrivenMarketing #AutomotiveIndustry #DealershipDatabase #BusinessDevelopment

3

The Challenge Of Selling To Car Dealers (Especially Now) So you want to sell some sort of technology solution to car dealers? I have been doing just that for decades (not saying how many) but it can be challenging. The important thing is to approach dealers from their perspective. I have attached all the various vendors that might be approaching dealers at any given time. Also, right now, CDK dealers might have something else on their minds. I know we all think we have a solution that dealers really need. We totally believe that at Gather of course. Protecting dealers in the world of insurance & identity is important. Most dealers we talk to really like what we have and of course many are signing up. But we also realize they do not go to sleep at night wondering what Gather will be doing for them. They have so many other issues to worry about that we know we are very fortunate to just be part of the overall conversation. So fellow vendors I suggest we all take a breath and appreciate what being a dealer is like right now and patiently understand that at any given time, we may not be foremost on their mind. But dealers, if you do have a spare moment, Gather is right here www.gather.technology for you. #insuranceverification #identityverification #insurancetransfer #Gather #automotive #dealerships

26

10 Comments

Which dealership do you think will sell more cars? In 2025, you can either: 1. Keep spending to create interest with outdated methods like Predictive, In-Market, and Equity Mining lists. (80% THOSE PROSPECTS HAVE ZERO INTEREST OR INTENT) 2. Speak directly, one-to-one, with real customers who have immediate needs with Virtual Showroom. (100% OF THESE IDENTFIIED CUSTOMERS ARE ACTUALLY SHOPPING NOW) Consider this another way. Who's the better "up" the person at the supermarket in produce or the one on your lot? Who would you demand your salesperson greet? Why?

5

1 Comment

Good leaders retain people, bad leaders manage turnover. Experiencing turnover in automotive? Whose fault might that be?… 🤔 Maybe we can blame the industry!? After all it’s a difficult one and unlike any other. Who else works on flat rate and commissions as often as automotive professionals? 🤔 Maybe we can blame this younger generation!? I mean come on, they have it so easy. Maybe if they got off their phones and worked there wouldn’t be an issue. ☝️🧐 Or just maybe… we could take a look at leadership?… After all, leaders are the stewards of the automotive industry. They hold the power and authority to make change at least for their people. And hey, those leaders were the “lazy next generation” once but they made it. Maybe the generation before them effectively led them to that outcome? When an employee leaves a dealership or a shop to go work for another dealership or shop to do the exact same job—that’s not an industry problem, nor is it a generational one. It’s a LEADERSHIP problem. They’re off to another location to do the SAME job for a DIFFERENT boss. So what did that professional really walk away from? The industry?—no. Work?—no. Their leader?—you tell me. There are no bad teams, only bad leaders. Our industry craves leadership. ✅ Good leaders retain people, bad leaders manage turnover. 📘 My book “Becoming a Better Service Professional” will be available later this month! (January 2025) It’s the ultimate resource for ANYONE in automotive service and will truly guide you to take charge of your career and orient it toward success! —— I’m Christopher Craig. I create daily educational and coaching content to help automotive professionals and leaders become better. TikTok: https://lnkd.in/eMMVEWpC YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eTmW3WPS #serviceadvisor #technician #servicemanager #fixedops #learninganddevelopment #teambuilding #leadership #technicianshortage

5

Here’s another book for the Ted Ings' Fixed Ops Roundtable®: Sarah’s Summer List! What should I read next? Share your favorites with us in the comments! #fixedopsroundtable #fixedops #summerpalooza #gotrego #automotive

23

2 Comments

🚖🚗 Used Car Managers, General Managers, Dealer Principals, & Automotive Professionals 🚘🚙 When everyone rows in different directions the boat goes nowhere—and worse, it starts taking on water. The same is true In business. Misalignment can sink your time, money, and opportunities. 🚣🚣🚣 Join automotive industry superstars John Ellis, Brian Miller, David Long, Brian Kramer, Diego Vargas, and Paul Brobson as they reveal how alignment across teams ensures seamless execution, maximized results, and a smoother path to success. 🚀🧨💥 Black Friday, November 29th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. P.S. From everyone at All Things Used Cars… Happy Thanksgiving! 🍗🦃❤️ #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales #davidlong #episode183

10

4 Comments

Leadership Skills in Automotive Dealerships In the fast-paced world of automotive dealerships, strong leadership skills are crucial for driving success and fostering a culture of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned dealership manager or a rising star in the industry, honing your leadership abilities can make all the difference in achieving your business goals. Here are some key insights to consider on this exciting journey: • **Lead by Example:** Show your team what dedication and hard work look like by being the role model they can aspire to. • **Effective Communication:** Clear and open communication is essential for building trust and fostering a collaborative environment. • **Embrace Change:** The automotive industry is constantly evolving, so being adaptable and open to change is vital for staying ahead of the curve. • **Empower Your Team:** Encourage autonomy and innovation among your team members to unlock their full potential and drive exceptional results. • **Customer-Centric Mindset:** Putting the customer at the center of your business decisions is key to building lasting relationships and ensuring repeat business. • **Strategic Thinking:** Develop a long-term vision for your dealership and set clear goals to guide your team towards success. By continuously enhancing your leadership skills, you can inspire your team, engage customers, and propel your automotive dealership to new heights. Visit my website at https://lnkd.in/gGQmTMZy for more valuable insights and resources to accelerate your leadership journey. Let's drive towards excellence together!

2

Is the phone call still relevant in car sales? In a text-centric sales environment dominated by millennial car salespeople, the role of phone calls is being questioned. Many are avoiding phone calls. The debate over the importance of phone calls in the automotive sales industry continues among the new generation of sales professionals.

19

9 Comments