Dealership Executives Need To Schedule More Time For Romance

I was having dinner with two of my clients recently, something I really enjoy doing, and I was blessed to have their partners join us for dinner. A discussion started about the demands of the auto business on their personal lives. One spouse commented about the need to get away and spend some "alone time" with each other. In their situation, it was over two years since they spent time alone because my client had switched dealer groups and was now running a store.

As I came home that night, it struck me as odd that of all the years that I have been writing about balanced "dealership marketing strategies" I never thought to write about balancing your work life. Could you and your partner need a few days away from work and/or the kids to have some fun and romance? Valentines Day is right around the corner.....

That night I also realized that many Dealer Principals, General Managers, and Sales Managers are probably not home very often. When they are home, their privacy is often interrupted with phone calls and texts; the car business rarely sleeps. In most cases, Dealers and GMs are working local, which is a benefit however the 10+ hour days, six days a week grows old to their partners very quickly.

Has your partner hinted that you both need to take a break?

A Weekend Of Romance In Napa

Readers who can identify with this reality should consider surprising your partner with a special event, a romantic dinner, or something completely different. Here is one idea to consider!

In March, the 2014 Digital Marketing Strategy Conference (DMSC) is being held in the Napa Valley. (view schedule) I consider Napa one of the most romantic places in the USA. The conference starts on Sunday evening, and finishes on Tuesday Night, March 18th.

Why not come out a few days early and take a break?

Imagine the surprise on Valentines Day, when you slip your partner a card with a note announcing that you will be taking them to Napa. That will be better than a box of chocolates or a dinner out at your favorite restaurant, which will likely be crowded and stressful!

So let me share an offer to deliver an extra surprise on Valentines Day this year.

Come out to the DMSC Conference in March, but fly into San Francisco on Friday afternoon. Drive out to Napa and take two nights to be together with your partner and experience the romance, great food, and the outstanding wines that Napa can offer. Take a walk in the vineyards, plan a quiet dinner in Yountville, schedule a spa service, or take a bike ride on the Silverado Trail. Visualize it....

VIP Concierge Service

Executives working in the auto industry often don't have time to plan the details of a great trip, so let us help. Carrie Hemphill, who is coordinating DMSC, can arrange dinner reservations at the most romantic restaurants.

Carrie can recommend special experiences to make your weekend a resounding success. Of course, you can book special things yourself but I have been traveling to Napa for over 20 years and can help you make the weekend of romance extra special.

On Sunday, you and your partner can join the top thought leaders in the auto industry for the best networking, workshops, and speakers for your professional development. Every evening during the conference, dinners are OPEN, so you can meet with other couples and/or friends and go out to dinner. Carrie has booked open slots at popular restaurants Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights so act quickly for access to the very best places to eat.

Fly home on Wednesday morning refreshed and invigorated. How does that sound?

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to Napa both personally and professionally. This is the perfect "balance" for dealership executives and the perfect opportunity to network with the top dealers in the country. Attendees will also have the chance to share a glass of wine with the top executives of companies offering innovative products and services for dealers.

The 2014 DMSC Conference is a small, intimate event that is limited to 125 dealers so make the decision to add a little romance into your work life and join me and Carrie in the Napa Valley. To register, contact Carrie Hemphill at 908-601-6475. You can review the full DMSC schedule by visiting http://www.DigitalMarketingStrategies.org.

Get out a note card and write a short note inviting your partner for some fun and romance in Napa. Please act quickly, because space is limited and restaurants in Napa book up weeks in advance. I hope to share a glass of wine with you in Napa.

If you can't attend DMSC, then plan a romantic getaway...you and your partner deserve it!