“We have technology that for the first time in human history, allows people to maintain rich connections with much larger numbers of people.”  Pierre Omidyar, Founder, eBay

The phenomenon of Social Business has arrived.  4 years ago, before the bailouts and break downs, the influential people in our society were generally those that controlled the purse strings.  Here we are now in 2012, and the power has shifted to us regular folk.  Thanks to Social networks, we all have the potential to become influencers.  We have the opportunity and the tools to initiate change and to influence those around us on a grand scale.

Large entities are decentralizing.  We’re global but the focus is local.  The places we used to go for leadership and guidance are evaporating and they’re being replaced by our own trusted networks. Central authority is breaking down everywhere and people are looking to each other in this time of transition. We count on our networks and peers for trustworthy information.

There’s a groundswell happening right now in your sales and service departments.  Your employees are becoming influencers.  This is great news for them, your store and your bottom line.  Employees like yours reach out to me everyday, wanting to know more about Social Media and how it can develop sales relationships.  They’ve taken the bold steps of starting a Social network or a Blog without the boss’ input. These employees are thirsty for training, ready to soak up every morsel available to develop their own network of happy loyal customers.

The power you have through your employees has never been greater.  Their voice matters more than the CEO of any Fortune 500 company.  Each employee is a member of the community and these networks are influencing themselves.  Employees are your source to communicate and develop customer relationships.  They are the influencers who connect in an authentic way.  Give your employees the Social Media training they desire and foster their valuable contribution to your store’s revenue.

It’s time to harness this incredible power and use it to your advantage.  It’s no longer a “why” question about Social Media, it’s a “how”.  Large numbers of your employees, especially those who are on the front lines, have embraced Social.  For them, it’s “please tell us more so we can win!”.  I see employees developing their own personal brand so their connections will think only of them when it’s time to buy.  Those relationships foster repeat business and that’s a pretty compelling reason for management to step in and support.

The dealer who mentored (influenced) me used to say, “Repeat business is like money in the bank.”  I’ve worked with people in dealerships all my life. I’ve coached and trained hundreds during my years as an executive manager.  Now I train them on Social Media.  I see the hunger they have for it.  Isn’t it time to relinquish the ways of the past and help them help you?

Tagged as: automotive, business, dealership, marketing, media, sales, social, training