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Power Past the Competition

Power Past the Competition

Hosted by John Latka

Episodes

50

Latest episode

Jan 2024

Language

EN

About the show

This podcast is for those working in automotive retail. Host John Latka is the founder and president of Automotive Business Solutions and has over 30 years of retail automotive experience and an undeniable track record in sales leadership, employee development, and performance management. The goal is to help listeners improve operational efficiency and increase sales by sharing ways and means we’ve used to help others. This includes aligning and balancing people, process, technology, culture, continuous improvement and accountability.

Listen to episodes

50 recent
January 17, 2024Episode 4911 min

How to Achieve a 50% plus Closing Ratio

In this episode, John talks about what it takes for sales teams to achieve 50% plus Closing Ratios. Starting with the vision, listeners will hear about the critical elements needed to get there, like servant leadership, management by objectives andS.M.A.R.T. goal setting.In addition, John talks about relevant ratios, correlations and what needs to be measured to succeed in realizing the vision.

November 15, 2023Episode 4832 min

The Impact of Wholesale Values on Trade Appraisals

In this episode, John Latka welcomes Carson Way, President of Carson Exports and Dave Feaver, General Manager – both with extensive experience in the wholesale and retail side of the used car business.Whether you’re a new car dealer with a used car department or an independent used car dealer, you’ll want to hear Carson’s deep dive into the definition of true wholesale market values and how to stay on top of them. Dave addresses questions regarding trade-in appraisals including why it can take days for customers to get a trade value at some dealerships.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge and insight into trade-in appraisals and the importance of true market wholesale values in retail automotive.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

October 20, 2023Episode 4713 min

Smoke and Mirrors or Transparency

In this episode, John Latka asked ChatGPT about the use of smoke and mirrors, and transparency in retail automotive. John shares what ChatGPT has to say about each one in clearly defined overviews. The episode also addresses what consumers should be on the lookout for when visiting dealerships.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

September 15, 2023Episode 4613 min

Customer Satisfaction Surveys – According to ChatGPT

To create the content for this episode, John Latka asked ChatGPT the following two questions:What are the top pros and cons of automotive customer satisfaction surveys? Should customer satisfaction surveys be tied to a dealership’s income?Tune in to hear ChatGPT’s answers. Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

August 15, 2023Episode 4511 min

Falling Into a Bucket of Shit and Coming up Smelling Like a Rose

In this episode, John talks about success in business as a multifaceted concept that goes beyond just the bottom line and while financial profitability and the "bottom line" are crucial indicators of a business's health and sustainability, they are not the only factors that determine success. Listeners will hear some other important dimensions to consider when measuring business success as John points to a broader set of indicators.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

July 28, 2023Episode 4416 min

Rearranging Deck Chairs on The Titanic

In this episode, John Latka talks to his listeners about the 8 main reasons behind the constant churn in retail automotive sales and its impact on both the industry and the sales professionals.This sector continues to be plagued by a persistently high turnover rate among its’ sales force. So, what can be done about it? Listen to this episode and find out.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

June 15, 2023Episode 4313 min

Big Data, KPI’s, and Horse Manure

In this episode, John Latka talks about big data, what it is, how it works and its uses, along with a few key takeaways. John also shares his thoughts on data in Dealer Management Systems, CRM’s and KPI’s. He also addresses the need for simple tools, training, and ongoing support for salespeople.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

May 15, 2023Episode 4213 min

Back-Stabbing, Corkscrewing and Dirty Dealing

In this episode, John Latka talks about the public’s negative perception of car salespeople and how that came about.Listeners will also hear where sales car salespeople stand as it pertains to the most trusted professions.Sadly, John agrees there are some rotten apples out there, but the majority are simply honest, hard-working go getters trying to make a better life for their teams, themselves, and their families. Not to mention trying to support and improve their communities.Tune in and find out what John has to say about breaking the cycle of negativity. Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

April 15, 2023Episode 4119 min

Management and Leadership – is There a Difference?

In this episode, John Latka talks about management and leadership. Listeners will hear answers to the questions, “what is management” and “what is leadership?” In addition, John talks about the traits of managers and leaders along with what managers and leaders do.Other questions that are answered in this episode include: “what are the similarities between managers and leaders, and “how do you measure the effectiveness of managers and leaders?”Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

March 22, 2023Episode 4010 min

When Stars Align, Closing Ratios Soar!

In this episode, John Latka talks about how setting SMART goals is the foundation to a successful month in sales.Listeners will hear how a salesperson at a small-town dealership not only met, but exceeded his projections and achieved an 83.3% closing ratio.In addition, John talks about keeping things simple by focusing on the critical few KPI’s necessary for sales success.Follow John on LinkedInFor more information:https://www.automotivebusinesssolutions.com/

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