Big Tom LaPointe's Blog (38)

Boost your dealer chat business plan with a strong strategy

An effective dealer chat strategy is a key puzzle piece for increasing leads and sales from dealership websites, and dealers continue to add chat to their portfolio of services – whether they opt for an in-house staff or hosted chat vendor.

The scary truth…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on September 23, 2013 at 9:30am — No Comments

ARTICLE: How carmakers are finding success using social media and other means to connect with buyers

In an interesting piece posted on the Automotive News website over the weekend, Diana T. Kurylko details how manufacturers are able to make real connections with buyers through Twitter, Vine and Instagram.

She points out that even boutique brands like Land Rover and Subaru recognize…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on September 22, 2013 at 7:58pm — No Comments

Tips for choosing dealership live chat software

More and more auto dealers see the value of an effective live chat strategy for their website, and choosing the right software is critical to help ensure a strong return on investment (ROI). Successfully managing live chat in-house…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on August 31, 2013 at 2:00am — No Comments

Boomers buy more new cars but use web, social media less than younger buyers

I recently helped a friend celebrate his retirement by choosing which new car to purchase for his next chapter in life. As it turns out, his purchase mirrors a national trend that shows ‘baby boomers’ are purchasing more new cars than younger buyers. According to a study by the…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on August 12, 2013 at 2:00pm — No Comments

Want live chat success in-house? Four tips to help you plan it, script it, work it

As dealers continue recognize the benefits of either hosted live chat or chat software on their automotive websites, many still feel using in-house staff to handle the chats is their best option. With some proper planning and…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on August 9, 2013 at 7:00am — 3 Comments

Want to EPIC FAIL with Live Chat? Try this…

There are numerous ways to build success into your live chat strategy, but if you want the ONE THING that is sure to guarantee embarrassment and failure (not to mention waste time and money), try this: make your guests give you contact information before you (or your live chat vendor) have a live chat…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on August 3, 2013 at 12:30am — No Comments

Don't ignore CSI and end up like the dodo – or Mercury

CarChat Live helps dealers survive AutoWeek spotlighted the ’53 Mercury on their website, and it got me thinking how sad it is that such a storied brand has fallen by the wayside, and that dealerships that aren’t careful can also end up like the dodo bird or Mercury brand.

CSI is critical to SURVIVAL

One of the intangible benefits for our Live Chat products is that it can help guard your CSI. Not just the CSI the factory measures, but the one that has your customers posting…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on July 15, 2013 at 3:30pm — 2 Comments

How many leads and deals are OK to skip? Why 24/7 live chat makes perfect (dollars and) sense

Some say that a dealer doesn’t need overnight chat operators because some research shows that only 10 percent of dealership web traffic occurs between midnight and 8 am. They estimated that with a 3 percent chat rate that would extrapolate to only 15 chats per month with 5,000 visitors. Here’s why even if those figures are accurate,…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on June 18, 2013 at 2:30pm — No Comments

PHOTO for a SMILE - George Carlin' wisdom of the road

Take a quick moment to laugh at this simplistic reality of most people on the road.…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on May 11, 2013 at 12:30am — No Comments

How to increase ROI with Auto Dealership Live Chat Support Software

Research indicates that buyers will only visit about three dealerships IN PERSON before taking delivery of their new car, but they may shop dozens online. How do you make sure your store is one of the few they visit? Connect with them using a live chat support software solution 24 hours a day, seven days a week.…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on April 28, 2013 at 1:30pm — No Comments

5 Must-read books for aspiring salespeople

Each year thousands of new-hires sit through a dealer’s orientation and basic skills class to learn how to sell cars. In many cases that is the full extent of focused training they will receive in a career that will be an exception if it passes the 6-month mark.  Even the ones who survive are likely to end up with one year of experience many times, rather than…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on March 23, 2013 at 3:00am — No Comments

3 Tips to leverage family bonds in marketing like this AMAZING Subaru ad in Japan

What an amazing video! Here is proof that compelling imagery can elicit deep emotion. By capturing the essence of father / son conflict and their mutual passion for cars, this Subaru ad connects with viewers on many levels.

Now is a good time to look at your marketing to see how you can use emotion to…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on March 11, 2013 at 1:00pm — No Comments

CarChat24 PRESENTED WITH DRIVINGSALES DEALER SATISFACTION AWARD

CarChat24 receives a "Top Rated" Award for Dealer Satisfaction in Chat Products Category

PALM HARBOR, Fla. Feb. 11, 2013 –…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on March 5, 2013 at 1:00pm — No Comments

VIDEO - Horrible wreck @ Daytona NASCAR Nationwide race (updated)

8 am / Feb 24 - ESPN.com reports 14 treated onsite and released; 14 transported offsite for treatment, with 2 critical and expected to survive and NONE with life-threatening injuries

Thoughts and prayers are with fans and…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on February 23, 2013 at 5:30pm — No Comments

Mercedes claims 2012 luxury vehicle sales crown; says BMW lost

In a classic case of "he said, she said" Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. president Steve Canon boasts that R.L. Polk registration data shows they outsold BMW in the luxury vehicle segment by more than 5k units in 2012. Regardless of which German rival truly wins the crown, it will be the second time that Lexus misses the top spot, after leading the pack for 11…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on February 21, 2013 at 11:00am — No Comments

New Car shoppers looking at MORE models & avoid Hybrid / Electric

Shoppers are looking at MORE MODELS in their quest for a new car, according to the annual "Avoider Study" by J.D. Powers. Their 2013 data show buyers consider an average of 2.13 new vehicles during their shopping cycle, up from 3.1 in 2012 and 2.9 in 2011.…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on January 31, 2013 at 2:00am — No Comments

Great 1 Minute sales training video from Jackie B. Cooper

My first week in the business my sales manager handed me a 12-pack of cassette tapes from Jackie B. Cooper. Those fundamentals ring as true today as 30 years ago or whenever he made them. This message is priceless AND timeless. Enjoy!

 …

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on January 30, 2013 at 12:30am — No Comments

TRUE INSPIRATION - US Navy Quad amputee and high school sweetheart love story in 22 photos

This has been circling the web for a couple of months, but hit my inbox today. When you're tempted to let the challenges of life get you down, check out the courage, passion, and romance of Taylor Morris.

This tale is about an amazing young man who is a Navy explosives specialist horribly…

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Added by Big Tom LaPointe on January 27, 2013 at 2:30am — No Comments

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