Dealers must start collecting emails!

Email Marketing - Dealers must start collecting emails!
by Nick Lozovsky at 2010-01-24 22:07:24 

We recently had some extraordinary results creating a sales email marketing campaign for a few of our Honda clients that wanted to take advantage of some Owner Loyalty incentives that Honda just announced. These incentives are for a very limited time (11 days) and are perfectly matched for a strong email marketing campaign directed at current Honda owners. Combined with the fact that Honda owners are extremely loyal and that American Honda rarely has incentives of this type, Honda dealers really have a great opportunity to capitalize on marketing this incentive to existing Honda owners.

Another Honda dealer heard about these sales results and contacted us today to create the same campaign for his store. This store has a new GM and he was really excited about the opportunity to market these incentives to all of the stores previous customers.

The only problem is that this store doesn't have any email addresses. Sure they have a few hundred email addresses from active Internet leads, but that's all they have!

NO Parts customers, NO Service customers, and NO sold customers! The really unfortunate thing is this is still the rule and not the exception for many Dealers around the country.

All Dealers need to ask themselves the following questions:

●Do you have a process in place to collect an email address on every customer (Parts, Service, and Sales)?
●Do you have all of those email addresses in one easily accessible database?
●Do you have a store-wide strategy in place to actively and creatively market to this list?
●Do you have the ability to quickly market to these customers (CRM, outside email service, etc)

If you answered no, you have some work to do! Dealers need to get their heads out of the sand and embrace the opportunity to effectively market to their existing and past customer base.

Ask me How!
Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next 100 days while you went for your goals?

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." Edward E. Cummings

Consider what would happen if I were to follow you with
a camera crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the next
100 days while you went for your goals?

I bet 3 things would happen....

1) You would START doing the things you say you need to
do.

2) You would STOP doing the things you know you
shouldn't be doing.

3) You would MAKE monumental performance gains and
change your life.

This is ALL possible through the discipline of
accountability. Accountability serves and protects your
character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that
what you want to accomplish gets accomplished.

Throughout every area of your life it's important to
understand that ALL unfinished goals, projects and
relationships are the result of broken promises,
unfulfilled commitments, and lack of accountability.

Become accountable to Yourself!

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

Every Car Afficando needs to see this

Thanks to Susan Bennett who sent this video to me of the History of the Model T.

Click Here

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

Change is Good ... You Go First

I apologize if this is a repeat, but it is one of my favorites.

Click here

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

HIP-HOP SUPERSTAR NELLY SET TO FEATURE CUSTOMIZED 2011 MUSTANG AS PART OF NEW ALBUM ARTWORK

HIP-HOP SUPERSTAR NELLY SET TO FEATURE CUSTOMIZED 2011 MUSTANG AS PART OF NEW ALBUM ARTWORK

• The 2011 Mustang GT is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming album's artwork

• DUB Magazine tricked-out a 2011 Mustang GT for Nelly that features a gloss black exterior paint job, flat black racing stripes and 22-inch Pirelli tires in the front and 24-inch tires in the rear

• The new Mustang GT continues Ford's powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 12, 2010 - The 2011 Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming album's artwork. The album, set to launch this spring, will feature a tricked-out 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine.

The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul, who was most recently ranked third on Billboard Magazine's "Artist of the Decade List," says the Mustang is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the streets.

"I don't care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you've had a conversation about a Mustang - and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one," says Nelly. "I've always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can't help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style."

Nelly's tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford's design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Ford's design team and DUB's customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.

Crystal Worthem, Ford's Multicultural Marketing communications manager, says Nelly is an amazing partner for Ford: Nelly has an impressive history within the entertainment world, just as the Mustang has a strong history within the automotive world.

"Nelly is a true car guy, there's no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit," said Worthem.

"The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films," Worthem added. "This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we're excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010."

The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a Street Scenes body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust.

In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers.

Nelly says he can't wait to hit the streets in his 2011 Mustang GT.

"I'm itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting," said Nelly.

2011 Ford Mustang GT
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus 2010 model year output levels.

A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

Added convenience content
For 2011, Mustang GT offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including:

• Standard message center
• Integrated blind spot mirrors
• MyKey^TM programmable vehicle key
• Rear headrests

New look
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.

Three vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW

Reskinned Lincoln MKX crossover has more luxury, leg room

Jamie LaReau
Automotive News -- January 12, 2010 - 12:01 am ET

>> Send us a Letter to the Editor

The MKX features Ford's new driver connect technology, which uses two liquid crystal display screens showing the speedometer, gasoline gauge and other information.

DETROIT -- The reskinned 2011 Lincoln MKX crossover has a newly sculpted tailgate and new exhaust tips but still uses the split-front waterfall grille and basic body design.

The MKX, unveiled today at the Detroit auto show, comes with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 305 hp, a 15 percent boost over the previous generation. It will get an estimated 25 mpg on the highway, Ford Motor Co. says.

Ford has retuned the springs and shocks on the MKX for an improved ride.

The new interior is more luxurious with hand-stitched seams. The second row of seats has more leg room.

The MKX will also feature Ford's new driver connect technology, which uses two liquid crystal display screens showing the speedometer, gasoline gauge and other information. There is an 8-inch touch screen to control audio, navigation, climate control and phone.

All future Lincoln vehicles will have the technology, called "MyLincoln Touch," as standard equipment.

The technology will be featured in MKX advertising. Ford's Jason Mase, product marketing manager for CUV's, says Ford will launch the advertising for the MKX during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 31.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards Shawn Wright Automotive News | January 11, 2010 - 8:00 am EST

DETROIT -- The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named the North American Car of the Year today while Ford's Transit Connect picked up Truck of the Year accolades in a poll of journalists. The Fusion Hybrid topped car finalists Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf. The Transit Connect came out on top over the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback. In the 17 years for the awards, U.S.-based automakers have taken home the car trophy nine times. European companies have won four times, Japanese three and South Korea's Hyundai once. In the truck category, domestics have claimed the crown 11 times, followed by four for Japanese makes and two for Europeans. Last year, the Hyundai Genesis won car of the year, and the Ford F-150 pickup was honored as the top truck. Hybrids, which have been becoming increasingly more popular, now have won five honors. More than 50 vehicles were considered this year. Automotive News is represented on the 49-member voting panel by Executive Editor Edward Lapham. Previous winners -- North American Car and Truck of the Year North American Car of the Year 2009 -- Hyundai Genesis 2008 -- Chevrolet Malibu 2007 -- Saturn Aura 2006 -- Honda Civic 2005 -- Chrysler 300/300C 2004 -- Toyota Prius 2003 -- Mini Cooper/Cooper S 2002 -- Nissan Altima 2001 -- Chrysler PT Cruiser 2000 -- Ford Focus 1999 -- Volkswagen Beetle 1988 -- Chevrolet Corvette 1997 -- Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 -- Chrysler Minivan 1995 -- Chrysler Cirrus 1994 -- Mercedes C-Class North American Truck of the Year 2009 -- Ford F-150 2008 -- Mazda CX-9 2007 -- Chevrolet Silverado 2006 -- Honda Ridgeline 2005 -- Ford Escape Hybrid 2004 -- Ford F-150 2003 -- Volvo XC90 2002 -- Chevrolet Trailblazer 2001 -- Acura MDX 2000 -- Nissan Xterra 1999 -- Jeep Grand Cherokee 1998 -- Mercedes-Benz ML 320 1997 -- Ford Expedition 1996 -- Ford F-150 1995 -- Chevrolet Blazer 1994 -- Dodge Ram

ENLARGE Ford sweeps the Car and Truck of the Year honors with the Transit Connect (left) and Ford Fusion.

PRINTED FROM: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100111/OEM/100119988/1115&template=printart

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

This is how you fix Congress !

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

A friend sent this along to me. I can't think of a reason to
disagree.

I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that
includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though
we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends. My
friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of
2009". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be
strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights. Friends, please send me your recommendations on how this bill
can be improved.

I know many of you will say, "this is impossible". Let me remind you,
Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the
time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity
that represents us.

We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a
Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These
people will become American hero's.. Please send any ideas on how to
get this done.

Thanks,

A Fellow American

***********************************

Congressional Reform Act of 2010


1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.

A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.

2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay
when they are out of office.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers
envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and
back to work.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social
Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social
Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go
home and back to work.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all
Americans.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional
pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in
the same health care system as the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American
people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void, effective
1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen,
congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding
Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home
and back to work.


If you agree with the above, pass it on to all in your address list.
If not, just delete.

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Click here to get started!

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

Poll: Used-Vehicle Buyers Prefer Internet Over Dealer Lots

Poll: Used-Vehicle Buyers Prefer Internet Over Dealer Lots By Jason Lancaster
Ward's Dealer Business, Dec 1, 2009 12:00 PM

Internet shopping has reached parity with visits to dealer lots as the primary method for used-vehicle buyers to locate used vehicles, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Used-Vehicle Market Report.
The report finds that the percentage of used-vehicle buyers who rely on the Internet as a method for locating vehicles for sale has increased from 40% to 46% since last year.

That's equal to the percentage of buyers who visit dealer lots as their primary shopping method. Further, 31% of buyers found the vehicle they ultimately purchased on the Internet,compared with 28% of buyers who found their vehicle by visiting dealerships.
"Internet shopping provides prospective buyers with the opportunity to search through enormous amounts of specific vehicle information without ever leaving home, allowing for a more efficient medium of matching buyers with unique used vehicles in the market," says Arianne Walker, director of marketing and media research at J.D. Power.
"In light of this, dealers should expect the Internet to continue to increase in importance among used-vehicle shoppers and adjust their online presence accordingly," she says.
The report also finds that awareness of certified pre-owned vehicle programs is strong, with more than 60% of used-vehicle buyers indicating they intend to purchase certified pre-owned vehicles at the start of their shopping process.
"Automotive marketers have worked intently to provide information to the public about certified pre-owned programs, but the benefits of these programs can be very complex to explain,"Walker says. "However, explaining the value of CPO programs to prospective buyers may carry long-term benefits."
There has been a slight increase in the number of repeat buyers of certified vehicles — up from 22% in 2008 to 24% in 2009.
"This indicates that buyers of CPO vehicles are increasingly loyal and should be considered an important segment of used-vehicle buyers in their own right," Walker says.
Half of all buyers of CPO vehicles say they used the Internet to locate used vehicles, while a slightly lower percentage (45%) shopped primarily by driving to dealer lots.
The percentage of buyers who visited dealer websites specifically for CPO vehicle information has increased to 29% percent in 2009, compared with 19% in 2008.
Other traditional sources of used-vehicle information such as newspapers, television and radio have low usage rates among buyers seeking CPO-vehicle information.
Among used-vehicle shoppers who use the Internet, third-party sites are visited more frequently than other types of sites, including dealer websites.
More than nine in 10 buyers say they visited at least one third-party site during the shopping process. Slightly more than three-fourths of used-vehicle buyers report visiting a dealer website.
"Not only has visitation increased for third-party sites, but they also continue to be viewed as the most useful sites during the shopping process," says Walker. "Users rate sites such as AutoTrader, Cars.com and Edmunds highly for overall usefulness."
The study also examines overall customer satisfaction with the certified buying experience. As a whole, import luxury brands continue to provide the highest levels of satisfaction,compared with other brands.
The report is based on the self-reported shopping habits of 10,328 used-vehicle buyers. The study was fielded from July to August 2009.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
http://DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462

The 5 Worst Goal-Setting Excuses

The 5 Worst Goal-Setting Excuses

When we fail to accomplish something, we try to explain to ourselves and others why it happened. Sometimes we understand the true reasons and learn from our mistakes. And sometimes we are just making up excuses.

Here are the 5 worst Goal-Setting excuses. Make sure that you do not rationalize (read "rational – lies") your inability of achieving your goals too much.

1. "I need to learn ALL the information, before I apply it!"

This is the perfectionist speaking in you. Desire to make it perfect is a huge roadblock to your growth, and productivity. If you believe that you must learn everything you possibly can about goal setting before actually setting a goal, you will most likely achieve very little or nothing. The truth is that humans learn best by a trial-and-error method. You cannot become a professional, unless you start as a beginner. Similar you cannot say which goal setting techniques work best for you, unless you actually try them.

Solution: As difficult as it may seem to let go of your desire to do everything perfectly, you must do it. Apply what you learn immediately to see how it works in real life. It might not work out, but you will still gain valuable insight from the experience. On the other hand, if you do not try you WILL fail for sure.

2. "I don't have time"
This is a good one (especially when it is stated with a slightly desperate tone of voice). It implies that you are really busy doing something else that is VERY important. I often used this excuse myself, but in the long run if you are very busy, if you continuously worry about being late, if you do not have time to pursue your goals and improve your quality of life it can mean two things:1) you are not managing your time right; 2) you can not get your priorities straight. Sometimes it is actually both.

Solution: Analyze where your time goes during the day: How much do you get done? Are all these tasks really important? Or just urgent? Cross off your to-do list any task that will not matter in a week's time. This will free some of your time, so you can concentrate your efforts on more important goals, like your health, your finances or your family.

3.  "I am too old/too young."

Every age brings certain limitations, just as it brings valuable benefits. When we are young – we tend to be optimistic and full of energy, but we lack experience and wisdom. As we get older we become more knowledgeable and more experienced which enables us to make wiser decisions, but at the same time we might feel the lack of energy. The conditions are never perfect. What matters is whether you are doing your best with the resources that you have right now.

Solution: Read stories of successful people. There are plenty of examples of people who have achieved incredible results very early in life. Just as there are a lot of people who became truly successful in their later years. Their stories serve as a proof that our age is just an invisible barrier that exists only in our mind.

4. "I really want to, but I don't have …"

This excuse is very common. We can not go jogging in the morning, because we do not have running shoes. We can not open our own business, because we do not have money. We can not get a better job, because we do not have the right kind of education. These excuses imply that in order to achieve something we must have the right "tools" first. I love the way Tony Robbins has put it, "Most people think resources or the lack there of hold them back.  In fact it is not lack of resources but rather lack of resourcefulness that truly prevents people from achieving their dreams."

Solution: Often when we say we need something in order to achieve our goals we are just trying to avoid doing the work. If you have figured out what you lack in order to accomplish your goals – great, but do not stop at that. The next step is to decide want to do about it. For example, you may not need the "coolest" Nike's or a new IPod to start jogging in the morning. Nor are thousands of dollars necessary to open your own business (I know because I started mine having no money). The secret of success is to start moving and figure out the details as you go.

5. "There is no point. I always fail".

If you start with that attitude you will fail, if for no other reason than to prove to everyone your point. It also shows that you refuse to learn from your mistakes. All the troubles that you encounter on your way are the road signs that tell you "be careful", "possible danger" or "pay attention". But you are the one choosing the direction and doing the driving. If you crash, it will not be because there was a "sharp turn" sign warning you, but because you ignored it or did not slow down.

Solution: Your negative beliefs shape your reality. Negativity is not an honor badge that you should wear proudly and demonstrate to everyone. It is more like a death sentence that you sign to your own success. Stop looking for external factors for your problems and address the real cause of your failures – your limiting beliefs.

And remember, "Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." – George Washington Carver.

Thank you,
Thomas Ieracitano
Thomas@Ieracitano.com
www.DigitalCarGuy.com
(229) 251-2462