Listening and learning are prerequisites to teaching; all of which add to your own knowledge base so they are simultaneously self serving and beneficial to your online friends.  Dealerelite and similar sites targetting auto industry professionals rely on content as much as any social networking community; perhaps more!

As with any social media it is not necessary to start a conversation/discussion since replies to ongoing conversations can be equally educational.  Similarly, a lot can be accomplished by simply reading the posts that interest you with no contributions necessary.  However, as members become contributors the diversity of their individual skill sets and experiences expand the dialogue into areas that might not otherwise have been discovered.

I understand that there are a number of members who visit the site and they have the listen and learn part covered.  I congratulate them for their recognition that that they must constantly expand their knowledge in the auto industry to compete with today's educated customers. 

The message of this post is to suggest that there is more to be learned by starting a discussion on a subject that you may be interested in.  You don't know what you don't know and you would be surprised at how many likeminded professionals will contribute their knowledge to yours to everyone's benefit; especially your own.

In any case, I am heading to Orlando for the NADA Convention Feb. 08th - Feb. 10th and I find it interesting that I will likely learn and teach more on Dealerelite for free lounging by the pool than I will several thousand dollars later on the convention floor, during presentations at our suites and of course at the anticipated after hours parties.  That said, if you would be so kind as to share some insights on this post or in the general forum that can be continued at NADA I would be most appreciative.

Simply add your comments along with your NADA Agenda and a way to get in touch during the convention so we can keep the discussions going over a glass of wine or perhaps at our Johnnie Walker Blue Party.

After all, what are friends - and Dealerelite - for!