I was fortunate to sit in a dealership advertising planning meeting. Participants included the Dealer Principal, GSM, Internet Manager and representatives from the ad team. All of whom are good folks. However, I have been a bit critical about the efficacy of recent cable ads. This most recent planning meeting did nothing to change my opinion.

After the primary agenda items were addressed, I had the opportunity to engage the ad team members. Although I am definitely not a media expert, I made the following assertions:

• Television is a medium that effectively communicates emotions
• Radio better lends itself to factual and analytic information
• Over 60% of the population are "feeling / emotional" type personalities vs. {analytical and bottom line driven"

So my questions to the ad folks - "Why do the cable ads keep driving home price, payment and selection?" If my assertions are true, our TV ads are missing the mark for 3 out of every 5 prospects. Can't we talk about the relation and experience one receives at the dealership?

The response was interesting. The ad people said that in a 30 second shoot they did not have enough time for an "emotional" component. Additionally, even the "feelers" are still looking at price and selection. The GSM agreed and with that, the matter was settled and my discussion was over.

That interaction led me to research why change is such a challenging concept. I will share more in another blog, however there are 3 primary reasons for resistance to change.

1. The rule of first knowledge
2. Effort requirements
3. Assumptions about equilibrium - what we are doing is good

Here is my observation. We are defined by our experience. It can help us to achieve and exceed significant goals, or it can shackle us from reaching our potential.

If our "experience box" is fixed and new business ideas, concepts and experiences are not regularly assimilated, assessed and added where appropriate; then the box becomes a prison of our own making. Our experience holds us hostage to the familiar, while the world, our customers and the market continues to change.

I welcome your thoughts...Ron