Most of us have watched a professional fight. When I was growing up it was old school boxing and later it became mixed martial arts (MMA). The latest fight between the old school of Floyd Mayweather  and new school Conor MrGregor. Everyone wanted to know which was better. Because they weren't in the same weight class we may never really know which is better. Old school boxing or all the fancy crazy technical holds, escapes and reverses of the new school martial arts. Before you reply, yes I understand martial arts is actually older. 

I have had the pleasure of having grown up in the old school of car sales and having worked just as long in the new school technology side of the business. Most of the old school have moved up or moved on. The ones still in the business struggle every day to find that bone buried on the lot somewhere or has a trove of loyal customers, while the new guy comes in with zero experience and finds his/her next sale by way of appointment. Both are an art and both require many of the same skill-sets and both have much to offer the other. The sad truth is that each thinks they will win the next prize fight and would rather duke it out than learn from the other. 

I am one of the old school that found it much better to reinvent myself as many times as it takes to become a success. I found that when mixed with the old hard work ethics of of the old school the old school could be even more prosperous. For that new school guy/gal that thinks the old guy will never make it, think about this. They are the generation that taught your generation almost everything you know. for that old school guy, this younger generation is creating stuff we have never seen and if you don't want to get left behind you better understand you need them as much as they need you. 

Here are some ideas your dealership may want to try:

$ Upgrade your business development center (BDC)

$ Update your CRM capabilities 

$ Implement an App (need assistance contact me) for an example download my FREE app NewCarDawg on google play or apple store. BTW I am just a salesman who has my own app. Does your Dealership? I'll go ahead and answer that for you. Unless your name is Carmax or Auto Nation, the answer is NO. 

$ Improve sales education 

$ Launch a mobile text technology platform 

$ Implement a lot beacon 

$ Have old school sales managers and sales professionals buy-in

Does your dealership have a business-employee purchase plan? But that answer is also NO. yet you tell your sales people to get off their butts and advertise. I had my own business-employee purchase plan with several Fortune 500 companies in (ge this) 1999 on a salesman's income. What's your excuse Mr. Dealer Principal/GM? 

Technology is only going to increase at faster and faster rates. We are going to see some amazing things. If you the dealer wants to stay in the game it is time you embrace your future because the bell has already rung. Wishing you all the best!

Contact me should you need my assistance or advice. 

Jeff "The Car Dawg" Dahlberg