Random Rant – What I’ve been doing the last few months

by Ryan Thompson on May 19, 2013

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Yup that's not a hairline crack

Yup that’s not a hairline crack

In this first “Random Rant”, I update The Dealer Geek Nation on where I’ve been hiding since March, and what’s on my mind.  I’m trying to make this happen with one large post, and I’m hoping I’m not too all over the place.

Also, I have decided to get more personal on The Dealer Geek and really use this blog as an online journal to reflect what I’m doing in the car biz on the regular.

Don’t worry this won’t turn into a pitch fest for my gig as Head of Sales at Kijiji Autos.  But, I do want to update you with what I’m up to @ Kijiji and add some commentary on products, services, and anything else I think you should know about.  Think of it like a Matt Cutt’s from Google type of blog.  Only I’m about 5% as intelligent.

 

Broken Wing

So as you can see, flipping the bird has became a serious challenge since I broke my middle finger over 6 weeks ago.  This men’s league semi-final playoff game accident really disrupted my work and personal life….. and of course producing content for The Dealer Geek.

For the first 3 weeks my hand was in a full cast, which meant my right hand was officially immobilized.  This was a serious pain in the ass.

So here is a couple things I’ve been involved with.

DealerTalk Conference March 7th

 

Okay, where do I start.  Hmmmm.

Well first off, the DealerTalk conference put on by Kijiji Autos was the highlight of my career to date.

Scott Neil (Head of Verticals, Kijiji…. my boss)  and myself had been talking about throwing an event like this forever.

Finally we took the plunge and made it happen.  DealerTalk is for the dealers.  No hidden agenda.  One day of action packed educational content at a price that everyone could agree was fair ($99 early bird, $149 after).

Originally we had planned host the event at Toronto’s Sony Centre. After realizing it was probably overkill, we moved shop to the brand new Four Seasons Hotel.  Was it a good move ?

BIGTIME!

Dealers are still talking about how gorgeous the conference room was and that they felt like they were in Vegas.

Choosing the line-up was my main responsibility for the event.

It kinda felt like I was putting on a concert and was told to pick my 4 favorite bands.  Except they were Automotive Professionals.  Either way, still Rock Stars!!

Speakers Consisted of:

    • Grant Cardone
    • Paul Potratz
    • Scott Monty
    • John Edlemen

I’m going to share some photos and tweets and save my official review for the DealerTalk website/blog that is being created as we speak.

Follow me on twitter to get more real time updates on #dealertalk2014 – Twitter Handle.

scott neil kijiji

Kijiji’s Scott Neil kicks it off

Paul Potratz starts the day off with a bang

Paul Potratz starts the day off with a bang

scott monty dealertalk

Ford’s Global Head of Social Media, Scott Monty

grant cardone

Hanging out with Grant after his presentation…DOMINATE!

Jay Onrait and the boys. This guy is hilarious

Jay Onrait and the boys. This guy is hilarious

sach autodome

My man Sach from Autodome on the air

Lunch at the Four Seasons was a hit

Lunch at the Four Seasons was a hit

John from Haldimand Motors was the crowd favorite

John from Haldimand Motors was the crowd favorite

 

EVO Summit

 

evo summit lineup

What a line up!

Just 4 days after the accident I had to jump on a plane to deliver my presentation for the EVO Summit in Vancouver.  This turned into a serious stress fest for me.  My fracture clinic exam was on March 28th and it was “non-negotiable” in terms of re-scheduling.  Translation…… I had to get my ass back to Toronto for a 10AM appointment the next day.

Leading up to my trip in Vancouver, I had made some dinner plans with some dealers and was really pumped to get to meet some of our West Coast friends.  It was simply not meant to be.

Immediately after my presentation I had to rush out of the event, jump in a cab, and catch my 4pm flight.

So how was the event?

The New Car Dealers Association of BC were super prepared and everything went off without a hitch.  Word on the street is the next event is this September in Whistler…. I’m in!!

Shaun Raines from Driving Sales brought the house down as usual and delivered a very entertaining presentation.  This was the second time I saw Shaun speak and I consider him one of the most interesting and entertaining auto conference speakers on the circut.

 

My presentation was titled “The 3 Struggles of Classified Advertising” (Tweet me if you want a copy).

Some of the content may have been a little too “101″ but it always receives the same feedback from dealers,

“Ryan, most of what you were talking about I already know.  However, we aren’t doing any of it.  Thanks for the reminder and refreshing our memory”

Of course I referenced my favorite dealership website Mohegan Lake Audi when it comes to my Writing Killer Descriptions examples.  Thanks to Darryl and the boys for bringing me out and to all the BC dealers that were in attendance.

What I need from you guys/gals

What do you want from The Dealer Geek?

I feel that there are enough auto industry blogs out there giving you all the Google +, Big Data, and Facebook this and that education.  I really don’t want to turn this into a blog that shares the same content you can find on 5 other blogs (exact same articles….boring).

This post was the first in a long time that was a blast to write.

Do you prefer this type of blog writing?

Me basically writing off the cuff?

Please use the comments and give me some suggestions & feedback.  If you have any Kijiji questions you can also hit me up on the Contact Page or Tweet me at @ryan_dealergeek

 

 

 

Guest Post – 3 Tips To Owning The Phone at Your Dealership

by Ryan Thompson on March 16, 2013

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phone trainingYou did it.  You executed a great marketing campaign.  You delivered the right message at the right time.  The shopper picks up the phone and dials.  Your friendly receptionist picks up!  The shopper is transferred to the sales department.  Why is it ringing over and over?  Why is no one answering?  Now a generic voicemail box is playing.  Well, at least we know the shopper will leave a message with their full name, phone number, email, VIN, and a clear objection to why they shouldn’t buy from you.…..right?

Nope.  They hang up.  Lost and gone forever.

Dealers have long realized the significant value of a phone call.  That realization rarely translates to proactive management of phone processes though.  Most dealers laugh when phone mismanagement or lack of simple phone skills are brought up in conversation.  That topic is an area considered “unfixable” or “just the way it is.”

It’s not difficult to see how we got to this point.  Phone calls are a step removed from management’s view.   Phone conversations happen constantly, unexpectedly, and often out of view of others.  Call tracking technology has helped bring clarity to this area but many dealers still go with the “It’s just the way it is” mentality.  It doesn’t have to be like that.  Below I offer three simple ideas that will shed light on your phone processes:

 

1.) Take 30 minutes to review your current phone processes.  I’m not talking about phone skills, but instead your basic phone setup.  Understand where your phone lines are pointed and to whom. If a phone call rings to the receptionist and is passed along to a particular department, test this department’s phone line.  Confirm what actually happens to calls after hours.

Review each voice mail box to ensure they are actually set up with a friendly message.  If you have multiple extensions for numerous employees, test the extensions and confirm they are published correctly across your marketing.  Call tracking providers should act as consultants in this review, don’t hesitate to ask them for guidance.

 

2.) Identify where callers are left stranded.  Remember my example phone call from earlier?  The receptionist answered quickly but that doesn’t mean the caller, who was eager to learn more, actually reached someone who could help them.  To some extent, dealers are using my Step 1 to make sure that calls hit the dealership.  That’s a good start but I assure you dozens of calls were left stranded at your store last month.

Generally, it’s because the red hot shopper asks for a specific sales representative who is unavailable.  Other times it’s hanging up after being left on hold or passed around the dealership.  You know the receptionist who only works weekends?  They may not know how to handle / transfer calls properly and many are left stranded.  If you use a call tracking provider, ask if they offer any sort of reporting data on what happens after the call is answered. [click to continue…]

Don’t Be The Dealer That I-Frames Their Inventory

by Ryan Thompson on March 9, 2013

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I thought it would be fun to put this quick slideshow together on the dangers of I-Framing your inventory into your dealership’s website.
It’s not just me that is hating on this archaic practice.
Kevin McKillop from Moveyourmetal.com just posted this article over on Driving Sales – Thousands Lost In Sales When You I-Frame Your Inventory

“It’s very oldschool, it’s bad for business and to put it bluntly, it’s just being cheap – Kevin McKillip”

 

Your Turn

Why are dealers in 2013 still cutting corners? It can’t just be about being cheap! Share your thoughts below.

ps. I I-Framed the slideshow into this blog post…… sue me!

[click to continue…]

Grant Cardone is Coming to Toronto March 7th 2013!

by Ryan Thompson on January 2, 2013

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grant cardone speaking in torontoYes you heard right!

Grant Cardone is coming to Toronto March 7th; 2013 to speak to Canadian Car Dealers.

For those of you that don’t know, my 9-5 (usually later than that!) is managing the sales team at Kijiji Autos.

When I was given the opportunity to help organize our first ever Canadian Dealer Conference I was ecstatic.

Get this….. My role was to find the talent and book the speakers.

I’ve been a huge Grant Cardone fan for a long time, and really wanted to bring him to “the big smoke” aka Toronto,ON.

After speaking with many dealers and asking for feedback it was apparent Grant was one of the most desired keynote speakers.

When I approached Grant to headline the event he was all over it.

Mr.Cardone loves Canada.  Not sure if I remembered to tell him what the temperature would be.

Grant’s topic will be focused on helping car dealers “Dominate Their Market”.  Dealers looking to understand the newest and most effective elements to running a digital dealership need to attend this event.

How Much Does it Cost?

I know what you are thinking already.  My budget is tapped , I don’t have thousands of dollars to send my staff to an event like this.  Wrong!!!

Kijiji Autos has an early bird special for only $99 / per person! No strings attached.  Buy your tickets on the site today REGISTER.  Early bird tickets are good until Jan.31st (Don’t mind the flyer below). [click to continue…]

Writing ads for classified sites that work! – Recorded Webinar

by Ryan Thompson on December 15, 2012

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writing ads for kijijiFinally, Finally, Finally, I have the first ever Kijiji webinar uploaded to share with The Dealer Geek Nation!

This presentation went over pretty smooth in my opinion, considering it was our first time ever holding a webinar on Go To Webinar.

What does this webinar cover?

Anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time knows how passionate I am about making your 2010 Chevrolet Impala get online consideration vs your neighbours.

This webinar takes a lot of the ideas I’ve shared in previous blog posts like:

 

Watch the full 50 minute webinar here! [click to continue…]

The Dealer Geek gets an Extreme Makeover!

by Ryan Thompson on December 8, 2012

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Is this even the same blog?

After reaching 2 years in the blogosphere, I felt that The Dealer Geek needed a fresh new makeover before we head into the new year.

A lot of people ask me how I can make a WordPress site look so unique and different then the Plain Jane “out of the box” blogs they are so used to reading.

Here is my secret…..

I have little to no website design skills.  Writing HTML code is something I really have no interest in learning.

What I love doing, is writing content that is going to help car dealers across Canada and the United States.  There are many different platforms you can use for your business’s blog but I’ve been very successful with WordPress, and more specifically the Thesis Theme.

 

MY REAL SECRET WEAPON IS A GUY NAMED BRENDAN WENZEL

 

I met Brendan through some online research I was doing on Contest Marketing.  It was actually my first ever blog post on TDG, you can read it here; “How to run a social media campaign with Contest Burner” (the only comment was from Grant Cardone).

Brendan is an on-line marketing whiz kid from the U.S.A. who has escaped the 9-5 grind and setup shop in Costa Rica.  There Brendan is obsessed with surfing every day and starting online businesses.

My obessions is producing content and helping dealers.  Brendan makes things kick ass on-line.  It was an easy decision to outsource the design.  I see too many car dealers with hideous blogs.  If you don’t have the time to learn web design, OUTSOURCE IT! [click to continue…]

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