It’s a simple word with complex connotation at times. Pleasant, delightful, agreeable, decent, respectable, skillful, likeable, friendly, engaging, gracious, polite, kind, charming…. All these words come to mind when I think of “NICE”. As a matter of fact, this simple/complex word has been the buzz word highlighted in many recent discussions here on the dealerELITE forum as well as in my group Carbucks in Facebook.

If we could all be a little “NICER” to our clients, to our co-workers, to our vendors, we could really make a difference! The auto industry, (to borrow the words from George H. W. Bush) would be a kinder and gentler industry, not only in terms of perception to the American consumer, but this difference would genuinely afford the industry the “Zest Appeal” warranted to attract talented quality people to indulge in a rewarding automotive career.

I had the honor and privilege to attend the AutoMax seminar for the past three days in Atlantic City, as an invited guest. During this period of time, the word “NICE” associated itself with my every encounter and experience, not by accident or coincidence, but because this is the natural personality or character of the group as a whole. My journey began with two very “NICE” AutoMax trainers greeting me at the airport, providing a shuttle back to the hotel. Our cordial and warm exchange of conversation was followed by a “NICE” welcoming hug from Fran Taylor in the hotel lobby. I passed the hug onto David Johnson, who was not quite sure who I was at first, but I must say, “What a “NICE” guy he is!” “NICE” smiles and hospitality engulfed the room at the social reception as many social media relationships met physically in person for the first time!

To commence the morning session, Craig Lockerd conveyed an authentic love and compassion to each member of his team as he recited from Og Mandino’s scroll from the book, “The Greatest Secret in the World”…”I will greet this day with love in my heart. For this is the greatest secret of success in all ventures. Muscle can split a shield and even destroy life but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts of men and until I master this art I will remain no more than a peddler in the market place. I will make love my greatest weapon and none on whom I call can defend against its force.” This set the mood for the entire seminar as a “NICE” expression of love served as an underlying theme for every topic discussed and every new relationship forged!

This “NICE” experience was life-altering for me and I felt worth sharing because so many of these relationships were first formed in dealerELITE or Facebook. The power of social media has not yet been revealed as there are infinite possibilities hidden here, potential relationships buried in these walls of social platforms. However, if we engage ourselves, by breaking down the walls of fear, anxiety, distrust, all prohibiting us to take full advantage of what these formulated relationships can provide… bringing “NICE” to the automotive industry along with the prosperity, happiness and success which accompanies “NICE”.