Leadership and Mosaics

From time to time we run across some things that stick with us online.  We sure view and move through an enormous amount of online content.  While hanging out in HootSuite the other day someone I follow on Twitter had a link to the following site with some great clips on leadership and food for though if you will.   http://www.vimeo.com/10044664

‘Til next time… cheers.

The Onion Volcano

Onions, volcanoes, DMS, technology… huh.   Well I had the pleasure today to partake in a fascinating lunch at a local Japanese hibachi grill.  Our chef “Joe”, well lets just say he’s spent some time with a fork and knife to provide entertainment.  Through all the fire, twirls, flying eggs I just couldn’t get an earlier conversation and article off my mind.

As the sushi came with perfection and the show progressed, out came the onion.  Built layer by layer until it reached it peak it was a beautiful site.  Joe then fills it with a mysterious fluid and sets fire to it creating this magnificent fire-breathing volcano that took on a life of its own.  Once Joe had the onion captive and spitting out flames and sparks like something on the 4th of July it was set aside to slowly burn out while some new veggies got the focus.

Ok so you’re saying what in the heck did this guy eat.  Think about this:  The article and conversation earlier in the day were around the latest and greatest efforts on part of certain DMS vendors to captivate the dealer into a spectacular contract with stipulations and constraints that over the long-haul at what cost?   When I think of cost it’s not always hard dollars.   As I read these opinions of the author we can’t help but align that with the trends we have seen from our client base.

Imagine this scenario:

• Would you purchase an automobile with a 10 year contact?
• Would you sign that contract if it states you cannot obtain service for any other dealer or shop that offers similar services?
• Would you sign the contract knowing that the exit barriers financially challenging?

I think most of us would walk away.  What if there were only three main car dealers in the country and they both implemented the same policies in the purchase contracts?  Do you feel like that with your DMS?

Coming from the technology world of the past 18 years or so it’s fascinating the strategic approach some organizations have taken and lessons learned.  What does it take for change?  The voice of customers and a willingness to not just hear but listen.

‘Til the next time, enjoy the food and take care-

Do You own Your DMS Data?

Recently there has been some chatter around auto dealerships regarding data and your ability to work with thrid party providers.  One catalyst that resurfaced the old issue is a recent modificaiton asking security questions throughout the DMS. 

Who owns your data?  Well you do of course and a very fundamental right of any system you own or lease correct?……. Well not so fast.  Many dealers are now discovering details in their DMS Vendor contracts that limits their ability to work with data and third parties and it’s just the beginning.

There have been many along the way who have tried proprietary approaches to hardware and software for a multitude of reasons and typically they reach the same destination.  In the era of open source, collaboration, business intelligence and the expeditious pace technology moves, it’s no longer practical to believe one vendor provides a comprehensive solution alone.  Is it a marketing strategy? Meticulous DMS provider with your best intrests in mind?  Are you missing opportunities?  Are you able to change DMS and easily have your data?

These questions will either give you comfort in your answers or raise concerns:

• Where is my data?
• If I want to move to a new DMS, how can I get my data and how much will it cost to migrate?
• How long is our DMS contract and what constraints are put on data?
• Does our DMS allow us work with third party technology partners?
• Is the integrity and security of our data protected?

In 2007 the NADA was aware of the trends and challenges dealers were facing.  http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-159037523.html  Have times changes and what does the future hold for your dealerships information?