I am considering accepting an E-Commerce Sales Manager position here in Kansas City with a well established dealer also known as having a great reputation. The Mid-West has typically always been late to the dance on many things including Social Media and how it intertwines with the sales and marketing process. As we conducted our initial interview today which will conclude on Thursday, many thoughts went through my head as we explored each other's wants and needs for this position.
I am on everything, DE, Twitter, FB, Linked-In, YouTube, Yelp, and StumbleUpon. I am also familiarized with E-bay, Craigslist and Beezid.com. I have a fairly large following and numerous friends and acquaintences so I know I can help this dealership achieve much better results than what they're used to garnering. However, here is my problem, they really did not do much research prior to posting their advertisement for this position. When we discussed how I could help them and I told them, they looked like a deer in headlights. I had to slow things down a bit because I did not want them t think I was over-qualified or just going completely above their heads.
When I asked them how they see this process moving forward, they answered that they did not know. One guy thinks it should be a salesman really familiarized with social media, the other guy was taking one of my suggestions on how I have seen other successful dealerships handle their BDC's. I know this is long winded, but I think it is important to know what it is that I am up against prior to Thursday's interview. Please share with me how your dealership has implemented its BDC. Day's, hours, pay plan (no real numbers please) just an idea of how it differs from that of the car salesman and that of the Internet Sales Mgr./BDC. The comments will help me in turn helping them in order to know what makes an efficiant and profitable E-Commerce Sales Center. Please accept my many thanks in advance for yur time, consideration and help and have a wonderful evening.
P.S. Please feel free to share on this post, my personal email, FB or Linked-In.
Best Regards,
Bill Goodfriend
(913) 709-8618
Tags:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-goodfriend-lion/10/61/4aa - Hi Bobby, I attached a link to my Linked-In account so that you can take a look at my background.
Bobby Compton said:Bill,
What is your current experience at this position, and or similar experience?
Bill,
Thanks for the linkedin info, I just added you to mine. For me to answer a question, it is imperative that I find out the root of the question being asked. Now that I see you're a well qualified candidate for any position in the Automotive Industry, I will give you my answer.
My answer is this: If they look like a deer with the head lights on and they truly don't understand what you're bringing to the table.
You need to adjust your sales pitch so that they fully understand exactly who you are and exactly what you can do for them. As you stated, they have a great reputation!
I have found that there is a wide variance in knowledge in the Automotive Industry, and believe it or not - among the dealers them selves. Its not that they don't care or they are trying to play you down, it's simply an honest don't understand or know of such advanced techniques and or systems.
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity sitting right in front of you. Its simply another car deal, and all you have to do is SLOW DOWN, and make sense to them. I bet you will blow their socks off if you can help them understand what you want them to understand!
Selling is NOT about the slick words and phrases, its about adjusting your sales pitch to match your customer. Right now this interview is your customer.
Upon bringing them up to speed as to the Outstanding opportunity they have by hiring you for this position, the ball will ultimately be in your court to create the pay plan of your choice!
I hope this information helps you. You're a sharp man for asking for advice. That is a true sign or a true EGOLESS Leader. We all need guidance at times and you came to the absolute best place to find it.
Dealer Elite...
Bill Goodfriend said:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-goodfriend-lion/10/61/4aa - Hi Bobby, I attached a link to my Linked-In account so that you can take a look at my background.
Bobby Compton said:Bill,
What is your current experience at this position, and or similar experience?
Bill,
I completely agree with Mr. Compton.
After reading all responses, it seems to me that you're looking for something a bit more "comfortable." Unless you have another position lined up for something similar, take this job.
The Midwest may be a little slow to some new technologies and jumping right on board with different types of marketing outlets or strategies. However, most intelligent business people recognize that their current marketing strategies may not be as successful as they once used to be. This is due to the fact that customers playing hide and seek with us. We have to find them and bring into the dealership. One of the best ways to do that, is through Social Media Marketing.
Other things to consider are, what tools does this dealership group have in place that will make you succeed in the available position? Do they have a CRM tool that integrates with different social mediums? Who is their website provider and is their website performing they way they want? Do they have a BDC or internet sales managers that are doing their job effectively? If not, instead of asking to hire additional people that you know are better qualified, do you think at some point you could outsource the work to trained professionals at a Virtual BDC at a lower cost?
Going back to what Mr. Compton said, evaluate your sales pitch and let the dealership know what you plan on bringing to their dealership.
With this named dealer group, it is apparent that they are seeking a "change" to help better their business. Why shouldn't you be that person that opens up a brand new door of opportunities?
Good luck and keep us posted with what you decide to do! :)
Carrie
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