Archive for January, 2010

How Auto Dealers Can Utilize Twitter

Posted by admin in Social Media on January 30th, 2010

Figuring out how to best utilize Twitter from a business stand point can be challenging. For auto dealers taking on this challenge should be a part of their online strategy. Think of it as a challenge and not a road block. Twitter looks simple enough, but the big question I always get is “What do I do with Twitter?”.
Here are a few things to help get you started.

  • Communication – this is probably the most obvious use for Twitter for any business but as a dealer you can utilize this communication tool to help answer customer questions or address concerns a customer may have. This can include all your departments sales, service & parts.
  • Research – By participating in the conversation and engaging people thru Twitter you can get answers to questions you may have or even learn something you never knew you were looking for!
  • Support – Just check companies like Ford out on Twitter. Ford has taken great initiative here. Just ask Scott Monty, who is in charge of Ford’s Social Media strategy. He answers questions from customers & dealers quite often. You can ask questions or even provide answers. With this open format for communication the gloves are off! Scott can be found at www.twitter.com/ScottMonty
  • Marketing – This is a great opportunity to get your marketing message out to your followers. Don’t over do it here, but if you’ve got something that will entice your following, your message could reach much more than your following in a matter of minutes.
  • Engagement – By having your dealership engage with the customers or even vendors thru Twitter, your store is providing a human element to the online aspect of shopping.

With the explosion of social media over the last few years it has never been more paramount than right now for dealers to be concerned about their reputation.

Your online reputation is accessible by anyone with an internet connection, may last for years to come and will be a factor in the customers decision making process when they go to purchase a vehicle. Social media is changing the rules of the marketing game and how people will perceive your company when they go to purchase. Making sure your dealership is a part of the conversation and not ‘The Conversation’ will help set your store a part from the competition.

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2010 Full of Promise

Posted by admin in Social Media on January 5th, 2010

Its been some time since I last posted anything. Not being a very good social media specialist now am I. Its good to take a break every once in a while. It lets you collect your thoughts and take a new approach at small business solutions and just about anything else.

2010 is already turning out to be a positive, over last year and we’re only 4 days into it! This is great news for everyone. Just having a positive attitude can be up lifting and move people in the right direction. I was at a bar several weeks ago listening to a local band play and was fortunate enough to get introduced to the Sammy Steele Band.

Why is this important on my blog you ask? Because, as I stood around with everyone else listening to this band play I came to the realization that, we in America are something special and extra ordinary. You see, despite the fact we just went thru the biggest financial crisis since the ‘Great Depression’ I saw a lot of positive attitudes and good ol’ fashioned American spirit.

Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the beer, but thats why I waited several weeks to write this. There is talk of hope and optimism in the air, not just hear but I’m hearing it everywhere. At that show that night the music was a mix of Bruce Springsteen meets American Country. It was good ol’ fashioned American music without the twang! It gave me a sense of pride to be an American, despite our economic situation. It gave me a sense of motivation to continue to excel and continue to working hard for my dreams. Realizing we may be down but not out is what will drive all of us to succeed in 2010.

With that being said, may all of my clients have a prosperous 2010. Set you standards high, raise the bar and continue on with that American spirit that makes us a step above.

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