So, have you left yet for the NADA Convention? You’re either getting ready to leave, you have left or you’re not going…I’m sure if you’re not going there is a good reason.
Let’s review a few of the reasons you might have for not going:
1. Just too darn busy-business is busting through the roof and the dealership just cannot afford for you to be away. If you’re away from the store more than a couple of days it’s going to fall apart.
Tommy’s Response-You’ve got to be kidding me. So, you’re telling me that if you leave, business will go south and ruin the rest of the year? The reality is if that’s even close to being true, then you either need new people or you need to do a better job of leading/teaching/coaching them to do what you’re paying them to do.
2. Same old crap at the convention every year so why the heck even bother going.
Tommy’s Response-You’ve got to be kidding me. Do you really believe that? Are you living on another planet? With the way technology is changing so fast you cannot really believe that’s true? The reality is you can get left behind in a heartbeat if you don’t stay on top of the high tech world. Change is going to happen with or without you.
3. The speakers they have are just a re-hash of the same old stuff.
Tommy’s Response-You’ve got to be kidding me. NADA works really hard to make sure they bring you up to date well-informed, skilled speakers with information designed to directly improve your bottom line when you get back to the store. I’m not speaking this year, but you can bet I’ll be attending workshops to steal every idea I can. You should be doing the same. For arguments sake, say you get just one good idea from one of the speakers. One good idea will make you thousands and thousands of dollars.
4. I went last year so I don’t need to go this year.
Tommy’s Response-Uggg, re-read 1 through 3!
5. We had a tough year last year and I really can’t afford to go.
Tommy’s Response-Of all the excuses, I kind of get this one, but, but, but…this is when you need to ante up and “just do it.” You need to invest in yourself and your dealership. I’m betting that on the high side you can go for less than $2000, probably more like $1500. Go to enough parties and you can eat for free. Isn’t that a small investment in order to improve your performance and profitability? Just cut your advertising budget back by $1500 and bingo you’re there!
6. Tommy, you don’t get it. I’m not the final decision maker around here so it’s not my decision to go or not. The big boss makes that decision. He’s going but he wants me to stay here. He said he will bring some good stuff back.
Tommy’s Response-I feel really sorry for you. Someone, (like your boss) just doesn’t get it. God Bless you for hanging in there all these years. You’re a good man (or woman) Charlie Brown. I’ve never understood this idea of not doing everything you can to develop the people who are on your team. There’s nothing more uplifting and beneficial as investing money on your staff to improve the quality of their lives and your business. To those big bosses out there, I think you sometimes forget what a treat it is for your people to get to attend an event like the NADA convention. Not only does it buy education, it buys an incredible amount of dedication and loyalty.
Ok, I’ve said enough. Probably annoyed you a little bit. Looking forward to seeing you at the convention. I’ll be hanging out at the vAuto booth. Stop by and I’ll give you a copy of “The Little Used Car Book,” Volume 2. It’s even better than Volume 1, so come by early before I run out. That’s all I’m gonna say.