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Why are Automotive Dealer Vendors and Consultants Possible Hypocrites?

Well scratch that theory on vendors not being into blogging.

Nor contributing. You know what I mean Jeff. ;-)

Some change is incremental and gradual. Other is quantum, unexpected and dramatic. To quote Arthur C. Clarke "The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible."

Don't get so wrapped up in "busy" that you miss "important" when it comes knocking. Man I'd like to upload a photo here. I have a classic one to share.
 
Jeff,

I can see how this can be exasperating for you. I can't comment on other vendors or consultants but I will share with you my opinion...
I do see tremendous value to what you have to offer and I support you completely as a matter of fact when ever I do a training or consulting contract I ALWAYS inform my clients about Dealer Refresh and even take them onto the site myself. However I don't have a lot of time to be active on your site. ...But, you brought up a very good point. These ISMs are my target audience and they need information. I am not worried about anybody stealing my ideas or information. I was an Internet manager for 5 years before I launched Dealer Synergy over 3 years ago. I haven't forgotten where I came from. I will be making a valiant effort to be active on your site. As a matter of fact we spoke recently about me writing an exclusive article for Dealer Refresh... Pick the Topic and it will be my pleasure to put something powerful together for you and all of your readers.
 
Jeff,
I think your site is a great resource and I encourage our clients from the ISM to the Owner to read it. Yes, vendors need to pay attention to the guys that write the checks, but we (as in DealerPeak) understand that it is the forward thinking foot soldiers that get the job done and they have done much to bring dealers up to speed in the use of technology. The innovators at the sales level will be the GM's and Owners of the dealerships in the future.
 
Jeff,

This is my first post on your site. I like the collection of information you are cataloging. I agree that the vendors need to participate more in discussion boards. If they have an article about to be published (in Digital Dealer for example), this board would be a good opportunity to promote it. In addition to my title of Finance Director, I am the "unofficial" Internet Sales Manager also. My store is a medium volume luxury new car franchise and I am involved in everything related to our website, seo, and lead generation. It would be nice to see more vendor participation.

Good Job on the site!
www.AutoFinanceInsider.com
 
Here's a bigger hypocricy - my fellow ISM's and directors!

I've seen adwords campaign stats for things like dealership crm tools, bdc software, etc,... hardly anyone ever searches for these.

We make a living off the fact that people go to the net to do their research prior to making purchasing decisions. We preach this day and night to our dealers. Yet we seem to rely on magazine ads, articles, and reps visiting/calling us when it comes to our own decisions regarding vendors.