Comments on: Social Influence, Not Just For Your Sales Department: A Special Finance Perspective

By: David Johnson

David Johnson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:30:22 +0000

So true! Too many dealers, a lot of different business actually, are taking the wait and see approach before jumping on Social Media full time. This approach, while seemingly safer, really isn't, because the dealer runs into the problem of always trying to play catch-up to the dealership that started first.

That's not to say first is always best but in a business where experience counts the player on the field the longest has the best chance of building a community surrounding their brand.

Those dealers that get it AND want to take action.. WATCH OUT!

By: TLavonLawrence

TLavonLawrence — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:11:25 +0000

AWESOME information, David! Any dealership not rallying all their resources to be the first in their market to capitalize on this dynamic Social Media paradigm is sealing their own fate. Dealerships, Dealer Principles, General Managers, Sales Managers, BDC Managers, and Internet Managers MUST understand that – in their specific market region – whoever gets a proper handle on this FIRST can TOTALLY DOMINATE in that region, because late comers will be pulling up to a closed banquet. The narrow approach of just focusing on Sales is far too limiting – THESE ideas of highlighting F&I, Special Finance Programs, Service, and Parts is leading edge. Dealerships should also put their back-office people up front for everybody to meet, also. It's not just some "dealership" in the Social Media world – it's FAMILY!

By: Joe Gabino

Joe Gabino — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:52:20 +0000

Loved the information about Social influence, not just for your sales dept. Very informative, as all your other information. You don’t withhold information and you really care about the consumer which will ultimately benefit the dealerships as well.

By: David Johnson

David Johnson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:52:19 +0000

Thank you Joe! I live what I teach, I let the information I give be a testament to what I can do for your dealership, I don’t use my posts to pitch.

After-all that’s what social media is all about, building relationships, not the sales pitch.

Thanks for commenting!

By: Marv

Marv — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:45:54 +0000

David, this is an OUTSTANDING piece! Great advice to all of us not just the SP guys. You’ve even got ME thinking about starting my own. Imagine that-the Marvster as a blogger!

Thanks for dropping this onto our FaceBook group.

By: David Johnson

David Johnson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:23:28 +0000

Glad you liked it! If you do plan on starting a blog, let me know I can point you in the right direction.

As far as Marv’s super awesome, secret Facebook discussion group for Ethical Finance Managers, you will have to talk to Marv for inclusion, you can find him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1059227195&ref=ts