Atif Khan

*** BDC Automotive Talk - "Clean data/ leads" The CRM companies are not in the lead business. Let me explain 👇 Not implying in any manner that CRM companies are dishonest. What I am implying from going toe to toe with just about every vendor account manager that I have used and worked with with my clients is that you (the dealer) need to stop making sound business decision merely on the CRM reporting. It is imperative that you understand the inner workings of your tools and challenge your account managers (not in an adversarial aspect) but more so from an accountability aspect. The CRM companies are NOT in the lead business, they are in the data business. And that's ok. The problem arises when we place to much emphasis on the "contaminated" data that is not in alignment with our (the dealerships) understanding of what we need. I am open and encourage healthy debate on this topic as I literally just got off the phone with a very well known CRM company and the answers they just gave to myself and my client were mind boggling. BDM's your role is know the tool more than your account managers.

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*** BDC Coaching Minute "Circle of influence" One of my mentors introduced me to this concept years ago. It really put things into perspective while managing the BDC depts. On a recent coaching call with one of my BDM's, I introduced this concept to them that they immediately applied and the feedback I received was amazing. I offer this to you reading this today. Let's try something: Print this photo - Jot down all things things you have direct influence over in the "circle of influence" > Your attitude in the morning > The time you wake up > Your communication style > Your to do list > Managing your own department - Next, jot down all things you don't control in the "circle of concern" > Others people reactions > Traffic > Other departments performance > Management decisions Now the idea is to focus your attention today on your "circle of influence" while giving limited attention to the "circle of concern". Now am not implying to ignore the "circle of concern" as it is still whitin your reality, but to dwell, focus and allow those elements to govern your day is a sure way to lose your focus. Hope this helps those out there that have a hard time segmenting their thoughts.

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The automotive industry in Canada is in for a huge shock, and used dealers and any low-cost volume brand will benefit, luxury brands will be somewhat protected, and everyone else will be eating dirt. The average Rent in Ontario is $2,364. (Per Empire one) The average vehicle payment is $900 (per Finder and Globe & Mail) The average car insurance payment is 150-380 a month (Per Ratehub) And average about $100 a month for maintenance, $200 in gas, and if you pay to park, an average of $200 a month in parking. Add that together and you get an average car spend of $1400-$1600 a month! Pair that with rent, and the fact that the average income in Ontario is $4,569 per month, and we can see that affordability is going to become a much larger issue as inflation rates keep increasing the cost of everything in Canadians' lives. Taking that income, and subtracting the average rent and car ownership, that leaves most Canadians with $705 for everything from groceries, phone bills, entertainment, life expenses etc... This is obviously an issue, and for sure will compound in time with interest rates and mortgage renewals. SOLUTION! To not be a pessimist, I would like to propose a solution. Well, you can't change your MSRP from the OEM, you can bolster your used line with cheaper vehicles, partner with lenders that can work with older vehicles, and boost your service department's presence in the market. It will only become even more important to have a strong service department to help you weather the impending sales storm. as Car Dealership Guy said, whichever manufacturer has an absolute bottom dollar unit, will absolutely explode in the near future. Good Luck and Good Planning!

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Length of Rental (LOR) in Canada decreased by 1.2 days year over year in Q3, according to our latest report. While numbers are still higher than before the pandemic, lighter backlogs and fewer supply chain challenges are creating a positive outlook for 2025. Check out the full report below. #IWork4EM

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Perception and reality can be easy confused. Get all the information before coming to a conclusion.

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We are VERY excited about Scout Motors Inc. from Volkswagen Group! The product and spec look amazing :) The DTC distribution plan can work, despite issues that both Lucid Motors and Rivian (one boutique in Canada on the West Coast!) have endured (minimal visibility, inadequate process, other). Note...Scout may want to consider Alberta as well for the Prairie region in Canada, a vast expanse, but Calgary/Alberta will have a high propensity for this type of vehicle. We have forwarded our interest in assisting Scout Motors, as our experience (Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., Lexus) in determining location, CI facility, human capital, and relevant sales/service process is exceptional. Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. PLEASE NOTE: We are currently soliciting for OEM, DEALER GROUP, SUPPLIER, SaaS contracts/other projects. Feel free to reach out to me directly. 416.993.9356 [email protected] #automotive #automotiveindustry #innovation #brand #technology #leadership #ev #electricvehicle #retail #oem #hybrid

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Honda is gearing up to make a massive investment, potentially the largest in Canadian history, to expand its presence in Ontario's #EV industry. This bold move not only signifies Honda's commitment to Canada but also underlines the country's growing importance in the global automotive landscape. With government and industry leaders rallying behind this initiative, we're witnessing a pivotal moment in Canada's transition to electric mobility. #electricvehicles #automotiveinnovation #automotivenews #automotiveindustry #automotive https://lnkd.in/eyDkCeDj

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Lead fatigue is a real thing that gets in the way of lead conversions. So, here is one way I recommend in overcoming this! 1. Diversify your leads with team members and keep them motivated. My high-speed chat🤦🏻‍♀️ will inspire continuous improvement in your Service & Sales BDC! Staying connected with clients nurtures loyalty and remember, we are fighting for loyalty! A lot of service biz is lost to outside shops and this dept is key to changing odds to your benefit! 😉 Multiple lead lists will help you reach more people and elevate team members energy levels! What other lead lists are you hittin’ up in Service BDC? Special Order Parts Missed Appointments New car buyers 1st service appointment Overdue for service Recalls Maintenance plans not being used Inbound setting appointments Online appointments Marketing campaigns Conquest Warranty Surveys/Reviews Sponsored by CallRevu & Lotlinx, Inc.

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It’s Hard to Sell Cars When We Don’t Feel Our Best. Mental exhaustion. Work stress. Long hours. Financial pressure. In the past 30 days, I’ve heard it all—from Owners, General Managers, GSMs, Sales Leaders, and BDC Teams alike. So, let’s challenge ourselves to shift the focus… Prioritize Wellness. Fuel your body with clean eating. Hydrate regularly. Take time for your mind. Ground yourself—literally and mentally. Serve others in your community. Celebrate the small and big wins. Love yourself with intention. Pray or meditate—whatever centers you. And most importantly. Repeat Often. What do you do when you're not feeling well? Share your tips below. 👇🏾 #wellness #life #love #leadership #automotiveindustry

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https://posts.gle/tmSJG2 According to the report, the average list price for all home key ins Canada might increase by 5% in between now till completion of the year– driven by the sale of single-detached houses. This real estate sector has already experienced the most significant cost gains when comparing 2021 to 2020, increasing in between 6.8 and 27.3% throughout 26 housing markets surveyed in the report– a trend expected to continue well into the fall, moved by strong demand by young households.

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Mobile service isn’t just a trend—it's a game-changer for some dealerships I know. And, it’s still pretty new so I am happy to bring in an expert to discuss the business model. Those adopting this approach build trust through transparency and even empower sales teams to add more value during prospecting calls and point of sale. While more manufacturers and dealers are embracing mobile service, challenges can arise. That’s why Denise Laguens Leleux shares invaluable insights on how to successfully deploy mobile service at your dealership. Tune in to learn: ✔️Strategies for overcoming common challenges ✔️How to enhance customer experience and retention ✔️Effective ways to set-up and deploy Don't miss out on these crucial lessons for success! 🎧 https://apple.co/4dmPmMm |🎧 https://spoti.fi/4dlbd75 Sponsored by Lotlinx, Inc. & CallRevu

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What is the suitcase that you want to lose to rewrite your #future ? Because of the long hours i spend regularly in airports, i have developed an affection for suitcases - samsonite, VIP, Hidesign and even the new kid in the block Mokabaro. We all have baggages (from our life experiences) that we carry with us to new places - a heavy suitcase can slow down your journey. Sometimes losing a suitcase can become a blessing in disguise though it is not a pleasant experience. Just imagine, you lost your #suitcase containing your life’s work and you have to begin from scratch - a scary thought - but its quite possible. How can you turn the situation around ? What suitcase would you like to lose ? What will your new suitcase look like ? What color will it be - will it have wheels ?

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Special Employee Pricing Available to All! Why Shop at SkipTheDealerships.ca for New or Used Vehicles? Any make and model! Exclusive Employee Pricing for Everyone! How: SkipTheDealerships.ca offers special employee pricing on new and used vehicles. Why Trust: This pricing is usually reserved for employees only, but SkipTheDealerships.ca has extended this benefit to all Canadian customers, ensuring significant savings on your purchase. Transparent and Hassle-Free Buying Experience How: The platform provides a straightforward and transparent buying process, eliminating the typical dealership hassles. Why Trust: By bypassing traditional dealership tactics, SkipTheDealerships.ca ensures a more honest and clear-cut purchasing experience, building trust through simplicity and openness. Wide Selection of Vehicles How: SkipTheDealerships.ca offers a broad range of both new and used vehicles, catering to various preferences and budgets. Why Trust: The extensive inventory ensures that you can find the right vehicle to meet your needs, all while benefiting from competitive pricing and reliable information. Customer-Centric Approach How: The platform prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering support and guidance throughout the buying process. Why Trust: With a focus on the customer, SkipTheDealerships.ca aims to build long-term relationships and loyalty, ensuring that your interests are always at the forefront. Convenient and Efficient Process How: SkipTheDealerships.ca streamlines the vehicle buying process, allowing you to shop and purchase from the comfort of your home. Why Trust: The convenience and efficiency of the online platform save you time and effort, making the vehicle buying experience more enjoyable and stress-free. By choosing SkipTheDealerships.ca, you can take advantage of exclusive pricing, enjoy a transparent and hassle-free process, access a wide selection of vehicles, benefit from a customer-centric approach, and experience the convenience of an efficient online platform.

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🎉 Celebrating Success: From Consultation + Mentorship to Impact 🚀 I just received this incredible message from an awesome BDC/Internet Sales Manager, and I couldn’t be more proud of the strides her team has made! In just 3 months, they’ve taken our guidance, built on that foundation, and achieved: ✅ 16% Closing/Sold Rate (45% increase!) ✅ 68% Contacted Rate (17% increase and growing!) It’s a testament to what strong leadership, actionable advice, and a motivated team can accomplish when they’re aligned with a clear strategy and leader like this young lady SJ! It’s not just about hitting KPIs. It’s about transforming processes and empowering every team member to succeed. Lessons Learned: 1️⃣ Lead with Purpose: Consistent leadership and personalized advice create sustainable results. 2️⃣ Process Matters: A well-structured CRM and follow-up process can drive measurable outcomes. 3️⃣ Perseverance Pays Off: Success takes time, but with the right guidance, teams can exceed expectations. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated leaders and professionals, and I’m thrilled to see them thrive. Is your Online Experience Team (BDC) or Internet Sales Floor team ready to level up with a Mentor and CRM strategists? Let’s connect about how we can make these results your reality too! Gratitude. 🙏🏾 #AutomotiveIndustry #BDC #SalesSuccess #Leadership #CRM #CustomerExperience #Video4Victory

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**** Weekly BDC coaching nugget "Don't raise your voice, raise your argument" There will always be a reason to not do something at the BDC. -From the CRM not reporting an a particular aspect - Perhaps a vendor that is not contributing as much as you would like - Maybe even your team that is not pushing to the capacity that you want I could go on and on but my point is this, as a BDM you wanted the position and now you have it. It's not time to level down, it's time to level up. I didn't get to where I got from throwing in the towel when the 💩 hit the fan. I figured it out. Where ever the CRM reporting stopped is where I started. There are many attributes needed to be a successful BDM. But the one true skill I coach and develop in my students is the ability to be creative. I say this as I would have never in my wildest dreams thought that I would one day be "knighted" by the man credited with creating the concept of BDC. BDC people, “Show up” everyday. 🔥 #servicemanagement #servicedepartment #leadservant #thisiswhatwedo #trainpassionately #leadperpetually #automotiveindustry #fixedops #guestexperience #BDC

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