DELIVERYMAXX ANNOUNCES PATENT-PENDING TOTAL AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP SOLUTION

Rapidly Expanding Provider Customer Loyalty and Retention Services, DeliveryMaxx utilizes modern innovations, and new marketing techniques to deliver strongest client acquisition and retaining program in the automotive industry.

DeliveryMaxx, a leading provider of automotive customer loyalty and retention programs utilizing social media marketing and online reputation management techniques, announced patent pending processes for  certain new and useful improvements in “System and Method for Customer Relationship Management and Marketing,” set forth in a Patent application for Letters Patent of the United States.

DeliveryMaxx, headquartered in Rockwall, TX, offers its Images of Success and DigitalMaxx Solutions which combines Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Online Reputation Management (ORM), Social Media Marketing (SMM), and Local Search Engine Optimization (LSEO) into a total customer care program that encourages and allows the consumer to share their great experience promoting the automotive dealership through the World Wide Web.  As a testament to its design, development, support and implementation process, DeliveryMaxx’s programs and services have been retained by many leading automotive dealership groups as well as other industries such as hotel, employment, and insurance around the United States.

“Many companies have tried to do what DeliveryMaxx has been able to create and develop, but they fail because they have taken shortcuts.  Ultimately these companies hurt the dealership, and do not provide the service the automotive industry needs” states Josh Deaton, CEO and co-founder.  Instead of an automotive dealership having to go to five different vendors to provide social media marketing, online reputation management, search engine optimization, local search engine optimization, and a customer loyalty program; DeliveryMaxx combines all of these programs into a complete program that will help dealerships “Win Customers for Life”.

“DeliveryMaxx was created methodically filling in all of the gaps that dealerships were unable, or did not know how to fill to complete the circle of attracting a new customer, providing great service or products, and having them share their experience immediately with friends and family” explains James Schaefer, COO and co-founder thus providing automotive dealerships and other organizations with a unique ability to increase CSI Scores, Sales, Customer Loyalty, Service Revenue, Online Reputation, Search Engine Optimization, and Branding.

DeliveryMaxx is a privately held company providing social media marketing, web-based solutions, customer retention, and other advertising services and is based in Rockwall, Texas.  DeliveryMaxx is the preferred provider for companies needing to improve web presence, online reputation, customer satisfaction, sales, and innovative strategies that enables them to confidently deploy their mission-critical products and services in today’s competitive environment for market share.  For additional information about the company or its products and services, please visit www.deliverymaxx.com .

Why some people are Successful and others Won't Take Time to Read this Post

Success is defined differently from person to person.  Some define success as the amount of material possessions one gains before they are laid to rest for eternity.  Others define success as the loved ones who surround one in a time of need.

Power, wealth, knowledge, happiness are words that usually accompany many definitions of Success; however, have you ever sat down and looked at why some people claim the title of successful, and others fill their days with envy?

For simplicity’s sake this article will define success as “the achievement of one’s goals.”  However, if one stops reading at this point the likelihood of them being described as successful will suffer the same fate as the Egyptians during their chase of the Israelites when Moses parted the Red Sea.  To achieve a goal, especially one with meaning or purpose to one’s life there are several steps which need to be taken.  Success does not happen by luck.  It is earned.  Now that we have entered a New Year, many thoughts are turned toward new resolutions.  Most of these resolutions involve a desire of success, and most of the resolutions will be broken before this article can be read in its entirety.

Establish a Clear Definition of Success

First Step that should be taken is to establish your clear definition of success.  Do you want to make more money?  Do you want to sell more of your product?  Do you want to move into management?  Do you want to leave a legacy for future generations?  The definition is yours, so define it immediately!

Be specific about your definition.  I have been around those who have stated, “I want to make more money.”  That is too broad.  As a matter of fact, if you pick up a lost coin in the parking lot then you have achieved this broad statement, but you have come no closer to your definition of success than we have come to putting a man on Mars.

Take a moment and write down what you want to accomplish this year, five years from now, and ten years from now.  Do this every year.

Create your Path to Success (By the way…your parents were right)

Every morning you should look in the mirror, and establish which road you are taking that day to move towards success.  Every night you should revisit yourself in the mirror, and identify where you are on your path and what is working and what is not working.

There are talkers, and there are doers.  It is easy to dream, and hope that success falls in your lap.  However, as your parents have told you, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it”.  It is tough to walk blindly into the unknown, but people who fail to plan end up failing.

Write down how you are going to accomplish your goals, and revisit them daily.

Identify Challenges and take Advantage of Opportunities

There will always be potholes in the road.  Sometimes your car will hit these potholes and damage to your vehicle will occur.  You have to make the choice if you are going to pull over and wait until the potholes are fixed before you continue your journey, or you will need to identify potential hazards and how to navigate around them.

In addition, look for opportunities.  When I first entered the workforce, I was told that most people will be given at least two opportunities in life to establish their career path.  What I wasn’t told was how to realize an opportunity has presented itself and to take advantage of it.  Keep your eyes open looking for these opportunities.  They will present themselves to you at any time, and if you are not ready than you will miss them.  However, don’t be the driver who is waiting for the pothole to be fixed because it won’t.

Identify obstacles that will present a challenge, and create a plan to overcome them.  There is always a solution.

Fear Failure but don’t Quit when you Fail

Every day should be treated as it is your last day.  Do not visit your maker with regrets.  If you have, you have failed.  However, mistakes and misfortunes happen.  Again, you will have a choice to continue or to quit.  If you quit, the game is over for you.  Thomas Edison example tried unsuccessfully over a thousand times to create the light bulb, but he didn’t give up. When asked why he failed so many times he simple said: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.”

Record what has gone right and challenges that prevented you from achieving small wins.  Repeat the positive and learn from the negative.  Your list will grow daily.

Surround yourself with Greatness and Learn from them

Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.  When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate.  Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives.  Similarly be that kind of a friend for your friends.

People can pick you up or knock you down.  It is easier to move while standing then it is on your back.  Find a mentor or mentors who will encourage you, and give you sound advice.  The more of these mentors you have in your corner, the more information you will have at your disposal.

Write down the names of individuals who are positive, will encourage, and teach.  Communicate with these individuals weekly, and keep them updated on your progress.  They will continue to push you further.

Nice is not a weakness

In general, people want to see others succeed and for the most part will help them reach their goals.  Whether you believe that statement or not, I promise you that if you are a jerk no one will go out of their way to help you.  I’m not saying let people walk all over you, but do you remember the Aesop fable about the slave named Androcles?

A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about there he came upon a lion lying down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that the lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding, and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the lion, which was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog. Then the lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day used to bring him meat from which to live.

But shortly afterwards both Androcles and the lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the lion, after the latter had been kept without food for several days.  The emperor and all his court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the lion was let loose from his den and rushed bounding and roaring towards his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles he recognized his friend, and fawned upon him, and licked his hands like a friendly dog.
 
The emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him, who told him the whole story. Where upon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the lion let loose to his native forest.
 
Reflect on how you treated others.  Ask yourself, “Would you be happy if you were treated the same way?”

Enjoy Your Success

This is a journey of life.  Each day will continue to build upon itself.  Take a moment, and enjoy the little successes you earn because they will multiply.  Ultimately, you will be the one that everyone is talking about when they are discussing the definition of success and granting the title of being successful.

Cultivating Success in Your Automotive Dealership

Before we can discuss success we have to define success.  Too often, I travel to businesses especially automotive dealerships and am disappointed that success eludes their dealership.  After spending a few hours talking with staff members from various departments the same element is usually missing from the formula of “success”.

These dealerships have poor employee retention.  The employees feel overworked, and underpaid.  Morale is at an all-time low, and loyalty to the company is non-existent.  Even worse, is that nobody seems to have the answer as to how to turn the organization around.

I also travel to great companies, and have been afforded the opportunity to learn from great business and political leaders.  A common trait that all great businesses and leaders have is that they are able to motivate teams to strive and accomplish goals which have been established.  For more information on Leaders and Leadership visit: Automotive Leadership at its Finest

Definition of Success

Success is reading a desired result or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development.

Now that you have read the definition, why do we have successful dealerships, and failing dealerships?  Why do we have successful employees, and unsuccessful employees?  Utilizing the assumption that nobody wants to fail, I will discuss the missing ingredient failing dealerships all have in common.  In addition to providing the “secret sauce of success”, I will first dispel myths of achieving success in the dealership.  Once this is explained, we will then establish a plan to help you cultivate success in your automotive dealership.

Myths for Achieving Success

        I.            You must manage, develop, invent, or implement an entirely new concept to achieve success.  It is true that we read, hear, and use new concepts.  Yes, it is popular to sensationalize famous entrepreneurs because they were the first to practice their craft.  However, most successful organizations are successful because they utilize sound business practices and common sense.  Henry Ford did not invent the automobile.  He learned how to make it more affordable by using efficient production methods to create success for Ford Motor Company.

      II.            To achieve success, you must not deviate from your plan.  Challenges and obstacles are a fact of business, and ultimately organizational success.  Every great war the United States has participated in there were battles that were lost.  This adversity is great for success because without failure, mistakes, or checked egos learning would not be able to take place.  The proper statement would be to not to lose focus of your goal.

    III.            Success is the calculation of Risk/Reward.  Great leaders of successful organizations are very calculated.  They seem like they are the best or most lucky gamblers, but this is not entirely true.  A successful organization or successful leader stacks the deck in their favor.  They play with their own marked cards.  They identify the outcome before the action takes place.  That’s right, they have researched and methodically identified the desired result and understand how to overcome challenges before they happen.

    IV.            An organization is successful because of their leader.  A leader will receive many accolades when they have achieved the goals of the organization as well as criticism when results are missed.  Just pay attention to the CEO at the end of each quarter for publically traded companies.  Successful organizations require great leaders, but true successful organizations have countless number of supporters.  Have you ever heard that there is no “I” in “TEAM”?

      V.            Success is all work and no play.  Organizations that do not have team members who are having fun will fail.  Sure, there should be rules and procedures created to combat chaos.  However, an unmotivated employee will be a short sided employee.

    VI.            The definition of the organizations success is defined by leadership.  Unless you are not dependent on anyone’s responsibilities then you will be sadly mistaken to buy into this myth.  A successful organization depends on the weakest link in the company.

  VII.            If your organization looks successful then it will be successful.  We have all heard that if you “dress for success” you will achieve it.  However, there is another saying that “it is better to be considered a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”  Would anybody think the Big Mac was any good without the secret sauce?  KFC’s chicken would be like everyone else’s if Colonel Sanders didn’t mix the right ingredients.  The same is true for your organization.  You can have a beautiful state-of-the-art dealership, and not be able to sell a vehicle.

VIII.            Successful organizations make everyone happy.  Success can never be satisfied; it always craves more.  Successful organizations are always striving for more success, and once they stop their competition will pass them.

Cultivating success in the dealership

If you have spent any time in the automotive industry you have probably been part of several organizations.  Many sales, service, and finance personnel tend to change organizations more often than they visit the dentist and some change at the same frequency as they get their haircut. By reading this piece, you are either validating yourself because you are running a successful dealership or you are looking for ways to improve.

 The “secret sauce” to cultivating success in the dealership is to identify the desired end result and proper motivation helping others reach those goals.

Steps to Cultivating Success in the Dealership

1.       Identify, understand, respect, and explain the cross-functional dynamics of the dealership.  The reason this is the first step listed is because most individuals reading this are charged with changing the culture or outcome of the dealership.  The dealership is made up of Service, Sales, Finance, Operations, Marketing, Maintenance, Logistics, Advertising, Information Technology, Human Resource, Business Development, Vendor Relations, and Accounting.  Without the needs of each department being met the dealership will not maximize its fullest potential of success.  Most dealerships that perform poorly have management that fails to respect the functions of each of these departments.  This translates into poor management, and breeds a culture of distrust, apathy, and isolationist departmental attitudes.  For example, if a dealerships IT Department (In most cases the IT Guy) doesn’t understand the necessity of faster internet speed for the Finance Department then customer service can suffer ultimately hurting potential revenue for the dealership.  During any new hire, the goals of the organization and orientation of each department is essential for cultivating success in the dealership.  A sad fact is that most managers in the dealership completely understand the dynamics of each department, and why those departments are needed for the overall goal of the dealership.

2.       Establish, and communicate clear measurable goals, both short-term & long-term, for each department and the organization in its entirety.  A dealership that has established these goals early in its infancy is more likely to be successful than a dealership that has to change due to lack of results.  However, most dealerships have not realized their full potential and change management to move closer to the desired outcome.  Therefore this is the second step to cultivating success in the dealership.  If leadership accepts step number one then step number two is very easy to accomplish.  However, there are a few key points when trying to accomplish step number two.

First, establish a clear measurable short-term goal for each department.  A short-term goal can be managed and measured by a superior allowing the subordinate to plan accordingly to meeting these established goals.  Short-term for senior management (Owner/Operator, CEO, CFO, CMO, COO, GM, etc.) is quarterly and short-term for middle management (GSM, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Service Director, Marketing Director, Business Development, HR Director, etc.) is monthly while frontline managers (Sales Manager, Service Manager, Advertising Director, etc.) have weekly short-term goals.  Frontline Employees (Sales, Service, Maintenance, etc.) should have daily short-term goals.

In addition to short-term goals for each department, establish the measureable result of a short-term goal for the entire organization and communicate the effectiveness of each department’s importance in reaching the goal.

Second, identify clear measurable long-term goals.  These are goals that have been extrapolated from a combination of meeting short-term goals.  For example, a short-term goal for the CFO may be to find $30,000 a quarter in savings for a dealership.  The long-term goal would extrapolate into $ 120,000 measured at the end of the fiscal year.

Using the example of a long-term goal for the CFO is sure to communicate the effects and importance of reaching this goal throughout all departments.  Identify why saving $120,000 a year in current expenses will help each department.  Establish a cross-talking culture with all departments.

3.       Establish complete “buy-in” and clear reasonable expectations.  Teamwork is not always about building a consensus.  The success of the company does depend on building a great team, but a leader sets the direction and the team needs to be able to effectively work together to accomplish the objective.  If you have strong communication explaining the importance of the goal, and how everyone is needed to reach these goals then managing these expectations will be easier.  It will also be easier to “coach-up” or “coach-out” an employee that will not “buy-in” to the organizational goals.  Be sure to establish clear reasonable expectations.  If expectations are set too low, the company will never have the opportunity to reach complete success, and if they are too high failure will become the norm.

4.       Motivate, celebrate, and communicate reaching the goals.  I could write an entire blog about motivation.  Proper motivation is key or the “secret sauce” for cultivating success.  Some are motivated financially and others are motivated by more responsibility.  Really, it comes down to how the employee feels their contribution is valued within the organization.  This step requires managers to manage.  They must always inspect what they expect.  However, good coaching is vital to success.  When celebrating the successes the cake should fit the goal.  You do not reward a salesman the top parking spot for being the top salesman of the week.  However, this might be a great reward for the month.

5.       Create vendor partners.  You rely on vendors to provide you with particular service or products.  Educate the vendors about the goals of your organization, and expect them to adhere to step number three.  A good vendor truly cares about the success of your organization because without your organization winning they should not win either.  Therefore, they are your employees and have a responsibility to help your dealership reach their goals.

6.       Empower and hold accountable a culture of success.  Foster great ideas with your employees and vendors.  However, expect a plan of action and provide the support for the great ideas.  In the end, measure these results and hold the champion accountable for the innovative idea.

7.       Set customers’ expectations from the start.  The customer is not always right.  If they were, then every company would be out of business.  Running a dealership at the whim of the customer will never lead to profits.  However, the customer is always the customer and the goal is to win those Customers for Life!  It is important to understand, listen, and empathize to see things from their point of view.  If the expectations are firmly set from the start they will be satisfied at the end.  Build a strong customer loyalty & retention program.

8.       Let the world know that you are a successful dealership.  Today, if you are not utilizing social media, you are missing over 75% of the market.  This is where all of the eyes are.  Online Reputation is important to your dealership because that is where everyone is talking about your industry.  Social Media Marketing is where you can reach your potential customers or employees.  If you are not established correctly on the internet through Search Engine Optimization then people will not be able to find you.

If cultivating success were easy, then all dealerships would be successful.  It is no different than raising a child or building a house.  You have to have a strong foundation, and continue to maintain it. 

DeliveryMaxx, the industry leader in Automotive Social Media Marketing (SMM) has perfected the science of maximizing the exposure for automotive dealers on the Internet. Utilizing our proprietary software and years of expertise, we can increase your market share and brand exposure through portals such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr and more. We have revolutionized Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Local Search Engine Optimization (LSEO) and Online Reputation Management (ORM).

 In today’s marketplace it is vital to have command over your public Brand Image while acquiring and retaining customers. DeliveryMaxx helps you dominate the World Wide Web utilizing your customers as Social Media Billboards which increases your brand share as well as turning a “one-time customer” into a "Customer For Life".