Is Jim Ziegler A Conspiracy Theorist

In a recent blog post Jim states that the "Data Police" have arrived. I have to admit that while I had an overview type idea as to what he was talking about just by the title of the article, I must say that you have GOT to read the article to fully appreciate what is being said.

Define Conspiracy

And while we are on the topic of "conspiracy theory's", let's define the word conspiracy real quick. (I want to do this every time an American Patriot is called one of these, but if I did, I would have no time for sellin' cars). Anyway if you'll pick up a dictionary with me real quick (I'm using the Webster's 1828 Dictionary - in case you care to know).

I'm looking at the word and find that it simply means that a conspiracy is when 2 or more people get together and plan to break the law. (okay, okay - for you people that like to be all technical - yes the definition says alot more than that - I simply summed it up so I wouldn't bore the younger generation or anyone else who may have a short attention span - JUST KIDDING - relax).

So Is Jim One Of These Conspiracy Theorists

What I mean by this article is that you can be a "theorist" or you can point out the truth. And if a vendor is reselling our data...they are breaking the law (correct me if I'm wrong). So no! Mr. Ziegler is not a conspiracy theorist, he simply has exposed the conspiracy (that they break the law - this ain't theory - it's truth). And hopefully drawing enough attention to this stuff, that it will create a positive change.

I personally have always believed that some vendors have entirely too much information about our customer's (I said this more than 5 years ago). But I am only a salesman and can't force my employer to take this seriously, but mark my words, when I'm in charge, I will defend my employers data privacy in all I do.

I'm going to end this post with 2 thoughts.

I wrote this article to help draw attention to Jim's article (not that he needs my help - but I gotta do something besides stand here and watch him fight all by himself)
It occurred to me while I was writing, why the majority of dealers (owner's and managers) don't take this serious. The reason is because they don't even use their own data, so why should they care who has it. They probably feel that since they don't use it to improve their business (and improve their customer experience), that anyone who has it will treat it like they do. WRONG! If someone wants your data, believe me, they will use it to improve their business (by taking yours).

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Comment by Thomas A. Kelly on January 18, 2012 at 6:21am: @ Kathy....If Jim and others do not continue to do what is right there could well be no "day jobs" left to go back to for many of us!

Comment by Kathi Kruse on January 17, 2012 at 11:06pm: You are so right on, Scott! Oh if only dealers would use their data....
Repeat buyers are the best kind of customers. They help spread word-of-mouth and refer their friends and family. The trust is built with them and that's half-way to the sale. Perhaps all this attention on dealers' data will make them think about the gold they have in their database. Or they can let TrueCar keep messing with it and then poor Jim will have to quit is day job just to keep up with their shenanigans.

Comment by Alan Heath on January 17, 2012 at 2:23pm: Awesome Scott.

Comment by SCOTT TYNER on January 17, 2012 at 10:21am: Thanks Troy. I'll do my best.

Comment by Troy Spring on January 17, 2012 at 2:05am: Well, Just an observation, but if you keep writing passionately like this and fighting for what you believe in you won't be just a salesman for long.... wishing you well. Troy

Comment by David Kordek on January 15, 2012 at 9:35pm: After reading this entire article, I would like to comment on the 2 thoughts at the end in the opposite order they were posted in.

2) Most dealers (Owners and General Managers/Fixed Operations Managers are never privy to any data anyway unless it is negative and costing them their jobs) do not review, utilize or even look at their own data and they have no intention of spending money to improve customer service unless the OEM is paying them directly through a CSI Program to do so, Fixed Ops is a loss in their minds, a necessary evil. Sorry Mr. Dealer but you are truly missing out on revenue and customer retention BIG TIME!

1) For many years, I grew up with Jim Ziegler here in Jacksonville, Fl and I can tell you first hand, while Jim was never into breaking any laws, what he was into was never being shy on TELLING IT HOW IT IS!

David Kordek / 40+ year Fixed Operations Professional - Jacksonville, Fl.

Comment by SCOTT TYNER on January 15, 2012 at 9:28pm: Thanks for the input David.