Podcasts about dealer playbook

Shoot us a Text.Today we've got guest host Michael Cirillo of the Dealer Playbook talking about his experiences at the Toronto Auto Show. Plus, we talk about a new report showing EV charger cyberattacks are on the rise and how Apple is investing $500B in AI with a specific focus in Detroit.Show Notes with links:Cyberattacks on automotive and smart mobility products surged 39% in 2024, with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure emerging as a major target, according to Upstream's 2025 Automotive & Smart Mobility Global Cybersecurity Report.409 cyberattacks were recorded in 2024, up from 295 in 2023.Attacks on EV charging stations jumped from 4% in 2023 to 6% in 2024, with 59% of them having the potential to affect millions of devices.Hackers target EV chargers for data theft, fraud, and ransom payments, with nearly 75% of attacks disrupting charging services. Researchers have also demonstrated that hacking EV chargers could disrupt entire grids.In 2024, 59% of EV charging cyberattacks had the potential to impact millions of devices, while 37% could have affected thousands, according to Upstream.Mozilla's 2023 research found all 25 major automakers collected excessive data, raising privacy concerns.Shira Sarid-Hausirer, Upstream VP of Marketing: “It's not necessarily the number of assets, it's the connectivity and the fact that they're all interconnected that increases the risk dramatically.”Apple is expanding its U.S. footprint with a $500 billion U.S. investment plan, which includes 20,000 new jobs, a server factory in Texas to support Apple Intelligence and a new Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit.Company engineers at the Detroit center will train local businesses and workers in AI and smart manufacturing techniques.Apple is also doubling its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion, supporting high-tech manufacturing across the U.S.Apple's announcement followed a meeting between CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump as the company seeks to mitigate the impact of Trump's trade tariffs, including a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a potential 25% tariff on chips.CEO Tim Cook: "We are bullish on the future of American innovation and proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments."Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

We got him! The first episode of our live from NADA series features Paul J Daly, founder and CEO of Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). Greg and Paul discuss: -The process of planning ASOTU CON 2025 -Season 1 of More Than Cars on Amazon Prime and Tubi -More Than Cars season 2 -Adding Michael Cirillo's "The Dealer Playbook" to ASOTU's media network

Shoot us a Text.We are coming to you live from New Orleans with the most comprehensive coverage of the NADA Show and J.D. Power Auto Summit.Conditions are rapidly improving and schedules are adjusting to accommodate all of the events and expo floor for attendees.On our minds this morning is Jack Hollis stepping down from Toyota and Michael Cirillo's podcast, The Dealer Playbook, is joining the More Than Cars Media Network.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Michael Cirillo is the CEO of FlexDealer, a dynamic marketing agency dedicated to revolutionizing the way car dealerships attract leads and enhance marketing ROI by utilizing innovative SEO strategies and targeted digital advertisements. Under his leadership, FlexDealer has distinguished itself by becoming an official partner of Toyota Canada. Michael is deeply involved in the automotive community as the Chief of Staff at ASOTU and the host of The Dealer Playbook, a top-rated automotive podcast that offers invaluable insights into the industry. In this episode… Have you ever considered how the deepest of lows could pave the way to the most inspiring highs? How can a journey overshadowed by doubt and depression lead to a thriving business that radiates trust and expansiveness? Michael Cirillo shares his transformative journey from battling depression and suicidal thoughts to becoming a pivotal figure in the automotive market through digital innovation. Unlike traditional marketing agencies that offer a one-size-fits-all solution, FlexDealer distinguishes itself by offering tailored strategies that consider the unique challenges and opportunities of each auto dealer. This approach, combined with a dedication to building long-term relationships based on trust and value, has enabled FlexDealer to maintain decade-long partnerships with clients, emphasizing the power of adapting and evolving in a fast-paced digital world. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer and host of The Dealer Playbook podcast, to talk about overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve success. Michael's personal journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of gratitude, the importance of seeking help during difficult times, and the transformation that can occur when you align your professional endeavors with a deeper purpose. His insights into the automotive industry and the evolution of digital marketing strategies offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners in any sector.

Shoot us a Text.Today we have Michael Cirillo, host of The Dealer Playbook, joining the show in Paul's absence. We are breaking down the questionable narrative in the EV slowdown, a dealer that is taking the More Than Cars mentality international, and a Google leak that is shocking the paid and organic media industry.Despite recent headlines about an "EV slowdown," the overall electric vehicle market is still growing. While sales numbers vary across brands, the industry's progress continues, with certain automakers experiencing significant growth.Some brands show lower sales due to model gaps, not a market decline.Automakers like Hyundai and Ford saw YOY EV sales growth from 56% to 86%.Currently Hyundai, GM and Ford are all on pace to sell more than 100k EVs for the first time in a calendar year.Analysts suggest that lower Tesla sales create opportunities for other EV makers.Political polarization impacts EV adoption, with 63% citing China's dominance in the EV supply chain as a concern.The EV market remains divided, with differing brand performance and consumer attitudes.“We're still seeing growth in demand, just not at the same pace for every brand,” said Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.Vermont dealer Faith Mba is not only succeeding in the automotive business but also giving back to his homeland, Nigeria. His efforts have led to the creation of a new school, providing much-needed educational resources.Faith Mba immigrated to the U.S. in 2004 and began his career in the car business soon after. He is currently constructing a 37,000-square-foot Toyota-Ford dealership in Westminster, Vermont.Meanwhile, halfway across the world, Mba has built the six-classroom Mgbala Elementary School in eastern Nigeria, located in Mba's father's hometown, where Mba noticed 200 children studying in a dilapidated two-room school.Managed remotely with the help of a local family member, Mba and his wife funded the project themselves after struggling to secure tax-deductible donations.The new school includes a well for clean water, a significant upgrade from typical local schools which often lack basic amenities."I look at it as something to carry on [my father's] legacy," Mba told Automotive News. "I decided to build it for the children because they are the leaders of tomorrow."Google has confirmed the authenticity of 2,500 leaked internal documents revealing details about the data it collects and potentially uses in its search ranking algorithm, causing a stir in the SEO industry.The leaked documents reveal that Google tracks data such as clicks and Chrome user activity, which the company previously stated do not influence search rankings. However, it's unclear if this data is used for training purposes or in the search algorithm itself.The leak might impact the SEO, marketing, and publishing industries due to the sensitive nature of search ranking.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

May 2023 is in the rearview, and it's time for a NIADA Coffee Break. This is the last show before the Big Show, The NIADA Accelerate Show in Las Vegas June 19-22. So Let's make sure you sign up!https://niada.co/3UScg6I We have our Good Friend Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer.com and Keynote Speaker for the NIADA Accelerate Awards Night. Michael is also the Chief of Staff at ASOTU, the Top-Rated Automotive Podcast Host of "The Dealer Playbook", Retail Automobile Industry, Speaker, and Author of “Don't Wait, DOMINATE!” Oh did I mention he does all this while being a faithful husband and father? There is a lot of excitement surrounding this event and we can't wait to see you there. Enjoy The Show Let's Brew! www.CarGuyCoffee.com Brew Brought By Our Proud Sponsors At:www.vincue.comwww.fixedopsdigital.comwww.teammxs.comwww.shopsmartautos4dealers.comwww.m1-data.comwww.321ignition.com

In a world where industries are constantly being disrupted and new technologies are emerging at an unprecedented rate, it can be challenging for leaders to navigate their organizations through these changes. On a recent episode of the TCAST podcast, host Jason Rigby sat down with guest Michael Cirillo, a business consultant and host of "The Dealer Playbook" podcast, to discuss how leaders can navigate disruption and remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.   Cirillo began by sharing his personal experience navigating disruption as an entrepreneur in his personal life and also in the automotive industry. He emphasized the importance of staying on top of industry trends and being willing to pivot and adapt in response to new challenges and opportunities. This requires a willingness to experiment and take risks, and a deep commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.   Rigby and Cirillo also discussed the role of leadership in creating a culture of innovation within an organization. According to Cirillo, this requires empowering team members to think creatively and take ownership of their work, as well as creating a safe space for experimentation and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of building a diverse team with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, in order to encourage creativity and new ways of thinking.   Of course, navigating disruption is not without its challenges. Cirillo shared his experience of facing resistance to change from team members who were resistant to new technologies and ways of working. He emphasized the importance of building trust and transparency with team members, and being willing to communicate openly and honestly about the reasons behind the changes.   In conclusion, navigating disruption requires a deep commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, as well as a willingness to experiment and take risks. By empowering team members to think creatively and take ownership of their work, and by creating a culture of innovation and collaboration, leaders can help their organizations remain competitive in an ever-changing industry.   To learn more about Michael Cirillo and his work as a business consultant and podcast host, check out "The Dealer Playbook". And for more great insights on leadership and personal growth, be sure to tune in to TCAST with host Jason Rigby.   TCAST Live is an education, business, and technology video podcast that informs listeners and viewers on the best practices, theory, and technical functions of the TARTLE exchange system and how it is designed to serve society with the highest and best intentions.   The show is hosted by Co-Founder & Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Co-Host CMO Jason Rigby.   TARTLE is free to join, forever and can be accessed at WWW.TARTLE.CO

In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, host Michael welcomes Ali Reda, the world's top-performing car sales professional. Yes, you read that right! Instead of a traditional interview format, Michael presents exclusive audio from a monthly office hours call for clients only, featuring Ali Reda and other dealers asking him questions.Is selling 100 cars a month still possible? In today's digital age, it can be easy to get caught up in the hype of lead generation and social media ads, but the truth is, selling cars is still very much a people business. Building relationships within your community and properly training your sales team are keys to success.In this episode, we explore the mindset and tactics needed to reach the milestone of selling 100 cars a month. As Ali mentions, many in the industry may think that 30 sales a month is the limit, but he himself has broken through that barrier and even reached a record of 209 sales in one month.One key aspect that he emphasizes is the importance of a good coach and mindset. He mentions Damian, his coach, who helped teach him the mindset needed to achieve success. The two even wrote a book together on the topic, entitled "How to Sell a Hundred Cars," (which can be found here), and is a quick, valuable read that focuses on getting back to the basics of patience, starting over, and relaxing to let things come to you.Another important aspect Ali talks about is the dealership process. As Ali points out, even if you have the best digital and social media marketing strategies in place, if you don't have a solid process for handling leads and giving customers a positive experience, you will not be able to reach the level of success you desire. This is where the longevity of a career in car sales comes in, as building relationships with customers is what leads to repeat business and long-term success.It's also important to remember that not every lead will turn into a sale, and it's crucial to have a plan for handling and retaining those leads that don't buy a car. Focusing on building relationships with customers in your community and providing excellent customer service will lead to word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat business.In short, selling 100 cars a month is still possible, but it requires a shift in mindset and a focus on building relationships and properly training your sales team. Focus on building each salesperson within their own community. With the right approach, you can achieve your sales goals and grow your dealership for the long term.During this interview, Ali shares his story and provides real-world, tangible advice about how to build a business within the business. Pay attention if you want to sell 100 cars or more per month!Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Ali Reda!Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Thanks, Ali Reda!If you enjoyed this episode featuring Guest Name, support us by clicking the links!Connect with Ali Reda on LinkedInConnect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInMore Dealers Are Choosing To Partner with FlexDealerLooking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

Elise Kephart, founder of The Elise Kephart Experience, a leading training company in the automotive industry. Elise Kephart or maybe you know her as "The YouTube Diva" is a five-time guest on the show and master of BDC lead follow up.In today's episode we discuss the buzz around artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the job market. Elise believes that AI should be seen as an enhancement rather than a replacement for human labor. She notes that while machines can perform certain tasks faster and more efficiently, they will never be able to replace the personal touch and emotional intelligence of a human being, particularly in sales transactions. Elise also points out that people should be aware of the importance of providing value to customers and being motivated in their work, as customers will be able to sense when a salesperson or BDC rep is not genuinely interested in helping them.In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we analyze data and make decisions. In the past, teams of people were required to analyze data and make decisions, but now with the advancements in technology, it's possible for a computer to ingest all of the data and make decisions in a matter of seconds. But the power of technology doesn't stop there. In the world of customer service, technology can also be used to enhance and streamline conversations between customers and agents.By using pre-written responses, agents can engage customers in a more natural way, without the customer realizing that the responses are pre-written. This can save time and reduce the busy work that agents often have to do. However, it's important to note that technology should not be used to replace the need for human agents. Instead, it should be used to enhance their skills and make them more efficient at solving problems.As we've seen with some AI and chatbot systems, there are still kinks to work out in order for the conversations to feel more natural. At the end of the day, technology can be a superpower when used correctly. It can eliminate the grind of the job, and allow agents to focus on what they do best: solving problems. With the help of technology, it's possible to become the best, most skilled, trained, and exercised agent there is.Overall, Elise emphasizes the need to strike a balance between utilizing AI for its benefits while also valuing the contributions of human employees. It's important to embrace technology as a tool to enhance and streamline customer service, but not at the cost of losing the personal touch and emotional intelligence of human agents.Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Elise Kephart!  Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Thanks, Elise Kephart!If you enjoyed this episode featuring Elise Kephart, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Elise Kephart on LinkedInConnect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInMore Dealers Are Choosing To Partner with FlexDealerLooking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

Emer Sanabria is an accomplished Marine Corps veteran and a highly-successful business leader. His experience both on and off the battlefield has made him a sought-after leadership consultant with a track record for turning stagnant businesses into growth machines. What we discuss in this episode:Key takeaway points from the episode:Involving the team in goal setting is important for strategic planning and ensuring the team is invested in achieving the goals.Encouraging team members to teach back their understanding of the goals and plans can help ensure they are committed to achieving them.Maintaining a focus on growth and continuous improvement, both individually and as an organization, is important in the goal-setting process.Anticipating challenges and having a standard operating procedure in place can help a team navigate difficult situations.Business leaders should set SMART goals (sustainable, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive) with a focus on growth.In this episode, we discuss how to make wise decisions under pressure. Emer shares his thoughts on how business leaders should focus on the excitement of setting smart, sustainable, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive goals with their organizations. He emphasizes the importance of being excited about growth, even if it may not be big, and of not letting nerves hold you back, but instead using them to guide you toward your goals. Emer also shares his experiences from military missions and how they apply to the business world. He talks about being able to make wise decisions under pressure and being able to adapt to new situations. He advises business leaders to be growth-minded and to see challenges as opportunities to get creative.Emer also discusses the concept of the "leader sets the thermostat," and how the mood and attitude of a leader can have a huge impact on the rest of the team. He confides that feeling nervous as a business leader is normal and that it's OK to have those feelings, but leaders can use them as a guide toward goals. He shares his thoughts on the importance of having a clear vision and being able to execute it, as well as the value of surrounding yourself with a team that you can trust and rely on.We discussed the importance of having a standard operating procedure (SOP) in place for unexpected events and how it can help an organization to be prepared and respond effectively. Emer expresses concern about how the past few years of stability in the market may have made people soft and worries that this may negatively impact their ability to adapt to the changing landscape in the cominTune in to this episode to get valuable insights and wisdom from Emer on how to navigate the unpredictable landscape of 2023 and beyond. Whether you're a business leader or just looking for some guidance on how to stay motivated and focused in these uncertain times, this episode is definitely worth a listen!Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Emer Sanabria! ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Connect with Michael CirilloConnect with Michael on LinkedInMore Dealers Are Choosing To Partner with FlexDealerLooking for a reliable, high-performance dealership marketing partner? Visit https://www.flexdealer.com to discover why more and more dealers are choosing them over big-box providers.

Michael Cirillo is the Co-founder and CEO of FlexDealer, a company that helps retail auto dealers turn traffic into revenue with strategies and technologies that lead to car purchases. He has many years of experience in the retail automotive industry and is the author of Don't Wait, DOMINATE!. Michael is also a speaker and the host of The Dealer Playbook podcast. In this episode… What drives success in the automotive space? How can dealerships engage with customers more effectively?  According to Michael Cirillo, you should focus on your people and processes to build a successful dealership. It's critical to set well-defined expectations with your team to ensure they understand their roles. Michael advises dealerships to stay up to date with trends in the automotive industry, establish an optimal strategy, and understand their customers' buying habits.  In this episode of the InsideAuto Podcast, Ilana Shabtay is joined by Michael Cirillo, the Co-founder and CEO of FlexDealer, to discuss tips for driving success in the automotive space. They also talk about future challenges in the automotive industry, best practices for providing customer service in dealerships, and why dealerships should focus on processes.

"It all boils down to one acronym, BRT: build relationships of trust. Without relationships, we're nothing. Without desire to serve and empower others, we get nowhere." This week on Connected, Greg's chatting with Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer and host of The Dealer Playbook podcast.

Scott Simons is a successful car dealer that is involved in multiple businesses across many industries. Scott's main focus is in the auto industry. He is the Managing Partner and General Manager of five Carter Myers Automotive dealerships in West Virginia. He is a speaker, business consultant, astute investor, and purveyor of filling the cups of anyone who is willing to put in the effort.Scott shares specific tactical advice you can apply and how he continues to push himself by surrounding himself with those he can learn from .What we discuss in this episode:If you own or manage a dealership, you must be willing to explore new growth opportunities and embrace new ideas. Dealerships that embrace the future will maintain their profitability and relevance in the coming years. Those who do not will be squeezed out of a tightening landscape. In this week's episode of the Dealer Playbook, Scott Simons goes into great detail about Creating A Dealership Growth Environment. As a true leader and an excellent communicator, he ensures that each member of his team understands their role and works together to further the company's growth.While Building a Great Team. Investing in employee training, retention, and happiness is critical to growth and success for your dealership. A motivated, positive team is your greatest asset in building competitive advantage for your business over the long term.Customer service is easily the auto industry's best salesperson. With customer emotions running so hot,it's crucial for your auto dealership to give every facet of customer service the finest polish imaginable. Due to the "virtuous circle" nature of the automotive industry, where strong customer service performance brings customers back later to the showroom floor—and the other way around—there is no doubt that this will pay off in amazing ways.How doing business with your own people make your climb to success is betterScott stocks his view on training employees “training is not it's not a knowing issue here, people know what to do. It's a motivation issue. And I need to help motivate them and get the best out of them. That's my job is to give them all the tools in order to be successful and give them an environment to thrive.”Chain of Command in Organizational Structure establishes accountability, it lays out a company's lines of authority and decision-making power. A proper chain of command ensures that every task, job position and department has one person assuming responsibility for performance.To unify competing desires and perspectives, emphasize that choices be made in the best interest of the customer.How Scott pours back into his team weekly including monitoring their personal credit, managing expenses, and much more that's lead to saving their livesGrowth and rewards have always been critical components of human resources and employee motivation. Furthermore, most people want to advance in their careers. To keep employees longer in your organization, you should provide them with a Personal Development Plan. You can use this plan to map out employee development. How does a Junior Developer advance to the level of Senior Developer? Or, how can a Manager improve in his or her position? Another advantage of employee development is that by promoting employees internally, you can easily fill senior positions within your organization. Furthermore, because you already know everything there is to know about the employee, you are less likely to hire the wrong person for the job.To keep your employees and increase growth in your dealership, one of the most important factors is company culture. Before using motivation-boosting methods such as rewards and development, preparing your organization to support these changes is important. It's not about having the right infrastructure, but also having the right people in the right place. You must create an en

Scott Simons is a successful car dealer that is involved in multiple businesses across many industries. Scott's main focus is in the auto industry. He is the Managing Partner and General Manager of five Carter Myers Automotive dealerships in West Virginia. He is a speaker, business consultant, astute investor, and purveyor of filling the cups of anyone who is willing to put in the effort. Scott shares specific tactical advice you can apply and how he continues to push himself by surrounding himself with those he can learn from . What we discuss in this episode: If you own or manage a dealership, you must be willing to explore new growth opportunities and embrace new ideas. Dealerships that embrace the future will maintain their profitability and relevance in the coming years. Those who do not will be squeezed out of a tightening landscape. In this week's episode of the Dealer Playbook, Scott Simons goes into great detail about Creating A Dealership Growth Environment. As a true leader and an excellent communicator, he ensures that each member of his team understands their role and works together to further the company's growth. While Building a Great Team. Investing in employee training, retention, and happiness is critical to growth and success for your dealership. A motivated, positive team is your greatest asset in building competitive advantage for your business over the long term. Customer service is easily the auto industry's best salesperson. With customer emotions running so hot,it's crucial for your auto dealership to give every facet of customer service the finest polish imaginable. Due to the "virtuous circle" nature of the automotive industry, where strong customer service performance brings customers back later to the showroom floor—and the other way around—there is no doubt that this will pay off in amazing ways. How doing business with your own people make your climb to success is better Scott stocks his view on training employees “training is not it's not a knowing issue here, people know what to do. It's a motivation issue. And I need to help motivate them and get the best out of them. That's my job is to give them all the tools in order to be successful and give them an environment to thrive.” Chain of Command in Organizational Structure establishes accountability, it lays out a company's lines of authority and decision-making power. A proper chain of command ensures that every task, job position and department has one person assuming responsibility for performance. To unify competing desires and perspectives, emphasize that choices be made in the best interest of the customer. How Scott pours back into his team weekly including monitoring their personal credit, managing expenses, and much more that's lead to saving their lives Growth and rewards have always been critical components of human resources and employee motivation. Furthermore, most people want to advance in their careers. To keep employees longer in your organization, you should provide them with a Personal Development Plan. You can use this plan to map out employee development. How does a Junior Developer advance to the level of Senior Developer? Or, how can a Manager improve in his or her position? Another advantage of employee development is that by promoting employees internally, you can easily fill senior positions within your organization. Furthermore, because you already know everything there is to know about the employee, you are less likely to hire the wrong person for the job. To keep your employees and increase growth in your dealership, one of the most important factors is company culture. Before using motivation-boosting methods such as rewards and development, preparing your organization to support these changes is important. It's not about having the right infrastructure, but also having the right people in the right place. You must create an environment that naturally stimulates motivation. Listen to the full episode for insights and context from Scott Simons Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Thanks, Scott Simons! If you enjoyed this episode featuring Scott Simons, support us by clicking the links! Connect with Scott Simons on LinkedIn Connect with Michael Cirillo Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

If history is the greatest teacher, what is the past teaching us about the future of our automotive? Michael Cirillo, CEO at FlexDealer.com, host of top-rated “The Dealer Playbook," and author of “Don't Wait, DOMINATE!” sits down and talks with me about what 500+ experts agree is the future of retail automotive. In this interview, he explores what common best practices have always carried business throughout the ages, and what he believes will carry us through into the future, based on the hundreds of interviews he has conducted about the auto industry in the past decade.Follow Michael: https://qrco.de/bdI0lqConnect with BZ Consultants Group: https://qrco.de/bcqqFoCHAPTERS0:00 Start5:08 What 10 Years And Speaking With 500+ Experts Agree Is The Future Of Retail Automotive. What Happens When The Hype Dies? What Is The Common Thread Laced Throughout Those Decades Of Conversations?8:01 What's The First Thing Michael Cirillo Picked Up Over The Years Of Speaking With His Incredible Guest Lineup? Build Relationships!9:10 Michael Is Not Just A Pretty Face. His Team Did A Study A Couple Years Back About Common Themes That Seemed To Be Woven Into  Every Episode. 60%+ Of All Episodes The Business Leaders Said The #1 Thing They Have In Common Is That They Said Without Relationships You Have Nothing.10:21 But First You Have to be a Good Person12:14 If Someone Has To Tell You How To Be A Good Person…Come On Man! Build Relationships of Trust15:15 Clubhouse Experience: Be Authentic, Be True To You, Don't Blindly Follow The Hype18:44 Real Time Insight: How Michael Is Looking To His Past To Improve The Dealer Playbook's Future19:58 What Automotive Leaders Can Learn From MLM Companies23:56 Innovation Is Coming At Us Quicker Than Ever26:32 If You Can't Be A Leader In Your Own Home, What Makes You Think You're Going To Be A Good Leader At Work?27:50 What's Left When The Hype Dies?32:21 Final Thoughts: Getting Clarity and Taking Necessary Actions33:32 Poutine, Gross American Food, Ethical Food, Saskatchewan, Regina, New York, and Chicago: Yes We Manage To Pull It All Together40:39 Lightning Round QuestionsFollow, subscribe, rate, and never miss a show!#FactsNotFeelings #MovingAutomotiveForward #WhenTheHypeDies #FutureOfRetail #HistoryBestTeacher #UnpopularOpinionsNotFoundOnClubouse #BZConsultants #BZConsultantsGroup #FactsNotFeelingsFriday #MichaelCirillo #FlexDealer #TheDealerPlaybook #ConnectedRetail #BeKind #CustomerExperience #Consultant #Podcast #Automotive #CarConsultant #AutomotiveConsultant #CartTalk #CarDealership #WomenInAutomotive #WomenInBusiness #AutomotiveMarketing

In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, Michael shares his thoughts about the next season of the retail automotive industry. The last two years have been unique. Dealers have been earning recording profits despite a chip shortage and inventory shortage. That begs to ask: what's next?What will the next two years bring, especially as the reality of a recession looms? With reports that used car sales are beginning to soften and that consumers are slowing down their purchase decisions, are we headed for the survival of the fittest?Michael encourages the industry to take inventory and assess what's within its control. The time to prepare for the next round of unforeseen circumstances is right now. Preparation mitigates fear.⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, Michael shares his thoughts about the next season of the retail automotive industry. The last two years have been unique. Dealers have been earning recording profits despite a chip shortage and inventory shortage. That begs to ask: what's next? What will the next two years bring, especially as the reality of a recession looms? With reports that used car sales are beginning to soften and that consumers are slowing down their purchase decisions, are we headed for the survival of the fittest? Michael encourages the industry to take inventory and assess what's within its control. The time to prepare for the next round of unforeseen circumstances is right now. Preparation mitigates fear. ⭐️ Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Vasilios Lambos is the Chief Marketing Officer at CognitionDigital.io, an ad-tech company that helps auto dealers utilize Amazon's various advertising channels. In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, you'll learn about how Amazon advertising can help expand your paid media effectiveness and place your inventory in front of highly engaged shoppers. What we discuss in this episode: Vasilios provides context to where Amazon fits in the overall media plan today. We're super familiar with paid search, paid social, and third-party cookies as the privacy concerns come to life, dealers and marketers are looking back at programmatic advertising as the way to better find a more niche audience that fits their marketing objectives for their business. The Amazon Garage allows users to upload their vehicle information, make, model, and year and that does a couple of things. One, it allows the user to get a personalized shopper experience on Amazon.com, and second, it allows advertisers to better target users based on the make/model and year that they have sitting in their driveway. Amazon garage is the second-largest repository of user-generated vehicle ownership data outside of the DMV in the United States. Your media plan should have a strategy related, most importantly to the business objective that you're looking to solve. Listen to the full episode featuring Vasilios Lambos for even more insights about how to step into who you really are! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Thanks, Vasilios Lambos If you enjoyed this conversation with Vasilios Lambos, please let them know by clicking on the links below and sending him a message. Click here to thank Vasilios Lambos on LinkedIn Click here to let Michael know about your number one takeaway from this conversation

Vasilios Lambos is the Chief Marketing Officer at CognitionDigital.io, an ad-tech company that helps auto dealers utilize Amazon's various advertising channels. In this episode of the Dealer Playbook, you'll learn about how Amazon advertising can help expand your paid media effectiveness and place your inventory in front of highly engaged shoppers.What we discuss in this episode:Vasilios provides context to where Amazon fits in the overall media plan today.We're super familiar with paid search, paid social, and third-party cookies as the privacy concerns come to life, dealers and marketers are looking back at programmatic advertising as the way to better find a more niche audience that fits their marketing objectives for their business.The Amazon Garage allows users to upload their vehicle information, make, model, and year and that does a couple of things. One, it allows the user to get a personalized shopper experience on Amazon.com, and second, it allows advertisers to better target users based on the make/model and year that they have sitting in their driveway.Amazon garage is the second-largest repository of user-generated vehicle ownership data outside of the DMV in the United States.Your media plan should have a strategy related, most importantly to the business objective that you're looking to solve.Listen to the full episode featuring Vasilios Lambos for even more insights about how to step into who you really are!Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!Thanks, Vasilios LambosIf you enjoyed this conversation with Vasilios Lambos, please let them know by clicking on the links below and sending him a message.Click here to thank Vasilios Lambos on LinkedInClick here to let Michael know about your number one takeaway from this conversation

We are hoping to contribute to the fact that everywhere you look today, someone will be reminding you it is Twosday, 2/2/22 for the last time in 200 years. With Paul on a plane to TX, Kyle is joined by Michael Cirillo, host of The Dealer Playbook podcast and CEO at FlexDealer.Charmin is sending poop-mojis down a river and turning snapchat into a #2 free for allMichael Cirillo, guest host of the pod, has been shopping for a vehicleLead handling notesHuman capacity for interactionThe bots are taking overToyota brings old features to new EVsMiss that old ‘stall' when you miss your shift?Shifters with torque adjustmentListen to other episodes: https://www.asotu.com/media/podcastsSign up for our Daily Push Back email at ASOTU.com

What a year! 2021 had many ups and downs; many experiences that left us shouting hooray and others that left us scratching our heads. Despite everything going on in the world, there is one fact that remains the same. It's all in the past. 2022 is right around the corner, and it's another blank slate to create whatever you want out of your career and life. From all of us at The Dealer Playbook, thank you for your support, your downloads, subscriptions, and feedback. You mean the world to Michael and his team at FlexDealer.com. Here's to a big, bold, and beautiful 2022!

Car Dealers around the world have been keeping a close eye on emerging tech companies like Carvana for quite some time. Their direct-to-consumer car purchase model has proven to be a viable option for those who wish to bypass the traditional car dealership experience. That's why it's important for dealers to take action today. Mark McGovern is an online school teacher with zero connection to the automotive industry. He joins The Dealer Playbook to share his experience purchasing and trading a vehicle from start to finish with Carvana. Pay close attention to what Mark shares in this episode so that you can apply it to the context of your dealership operations. Noteworthy topics from this episode:2:06 - Did you decide to buy from Carvana right away or did you shop around first?4:40 - “It sounds too good to be true.”10:39 - Did buying from a website seem like a better and much easier experience?17:20 - What happens once you complete the checkout?21:01 - It is all about the customer's experience and doing what is best for their interests.24:24 - How do they serve you after the sale?29:54 - Do you see the value at servicing the vehicle at the licensed dealership? Enjoying the show? Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast app!Connect with Michael Cirillo:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirilloFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelcirilloInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcirilloWebsite: https://www.thedealerplaybook.com 

Michael Cirillo is a marketing and tech entrepreneur, bestselling author, consultant to fortune 500 companies, and host of a top 1% podcast, The Dealer Playbook. He also helps other business leaders build greater authority through his podcast agency, CMG (Clear Message Group). Michael's definition of modern luxury is deeply rooted in living one's preferred experience. During his early twenties, he lived in constant fear and anxiety of not being able to stack up. He measured success with vanity metrics. How much money you make, or how many cars you have. It wasn't until he stumbled upon the dictionary definition of success that his perspective completely changed. Discover why there is more than enough success to go around, and how Michael thinks differently about luxury, branding, and how we each are capable of doing incredible things in life. Masterclass - How to Build a Modern Luxury Personal Brand: You've been thinking about ways to step into your greater authority and dominate your industry or niche. Register to attend my masterclass to discover the exact steps to position you as the leader. https://www.jaylissa.com/masterclass Subscribe and Review! Subscribe to get notified when new episodes air every Thursday! Enjoying the show? Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Connect with Jaylissa: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jaylissalea/ Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@jliss.lea Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/jaylissa Website: https://www.jaylissa.com Connect with Michael Cirillo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Insta: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcirillo/ The Dealer Playbook Podcast: https://thedealerplaybook.com Website: michaelcirillo.com

"The closer you are in proximity to adversity, the harder it is to see the light at the end of the tunnel."At the Dealer Playbook, we really believe that all the tactics in the world won't benefit your career in the retail auto industry if you're unhappy, unfulfilled, or have other barriers holding you back from being the best version of yourself that you can possibly be. Mike "C-ROC" Ciorocco joins the show to explain the rocket fuel law and how you can use adversity to accelerate your growth toward your definition of success. FlexDealer You've tried so many different things with your marketing but the dots never align. Your current agency sends you a fancy report but you have no clue what it means...That's why more dealers are choosing to partner with FlexDealer. They're the creative marketing people behind some of the auto industry's most envied brands."Flex takes an approach unlike others I've ever experienced, and I can honestly say that I trust you guys. It's a strange and wonderful feeling! Being on a team with them and knowing they are in my corner jacks up my confidence and ups the fun factor of the car business. I'm so grateful! - Aaron Lange, Lange and Fetter Motors Find your best opportunities to grow with FlexDealer's free, immediate website audit. Visit www.flexdealer.com/website-audit

Joshua Mitchell is the Internet Sales Director at Capitol Chevy Austin, a BDC trainer and founder of the BDC RAW event and podcast. Joshua joins The Dealer Playbook to discuss how car dealers can evolve strategically as leaders, employers, teams, and customer specialists in 2021 and beyond. Joshua shares about his car business journey, starting 12 years ago at Dan Cummins Chevrolet in Paris, KY. He explains how Josh Cummins, the store owner, has successfully built teams that generate insanely powerful outcomes.Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/joshua-mitchell Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo  Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro Sick of not know whether your marketing strategy is working or not? Learn more about Michael's creative dealership marketing company: https://www.flexdealer.com/ 

In this episode, Michael provides a logical and straightforward breakdown of attracting more of what you want in life. Whether it's better relationships, money, love, happiness or fulfillment, the secret to getting more of what you want is in your proximity to those things. Generally speaking, car dealers or car salespeople are looking for quick tactics to help them get more sold units. This episode is about thinking through the actions required to make that happen - it's about bringing oneself into proximity with the things they want. If you're wondering what you can do to accelerate the growth of your career in the car business, listen to this episode of The Dealer Playbook podcast. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/proximity Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro Sick of not know whether your marketing strategy is working or not? Learn more about Michael's creative dealership marketing company: https://www.flexdealer.com/

Peter Leto, former Director of Automotive at Google in the United States joins the show to share valuable insights and tips that will help dealers get better control of their digital marketing efforts. His unique vantage point spans the entire US automotive industry, and has helped him understand the challenges that retail dealers face with their advertising efforts. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Peter shares his best advice about what dealers can do to unify their message, brand, and advertising so that they can get the best benefit. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/peter-leto Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro Sick of not know whether your marketing strategy is working or not? Learn more about Michael's creative dealership marketing company: https://www.flexdealer.com/

Marco Mentenuto is an Audi Brand Specialist with an inspiring story about crushing it as a car salesperson. His journey in the car industry started like many others, with no onboarding or car sales training. That didn't stop Marco, though. He used it as fuel to power an impressive career as a car sales professional that has helped him build lasting relationships in his community and a book of business to match. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, listen carefully as Marco shares what you can do to crush it as a car salesperson and build a lifestyle, culture, and work environment that facilitates perpetual growth. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/marco-mantenuto Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro Sick of not know whether your dealership marketing strategy is working or not? Learn more about Michael's creative dealership marketing company: https://www.flexdealer.com/

2020 has undoubtedly been a year that the retail automobile industry will never forget. Our sector faced a lot of uncertainty early on in the year and demonstrated how quickly we could adapt when faced with pressure. This year serves as a testament to our resilience and perseverance as a whole. We've shown that we have what it takes to change. Bill Zadeits, President of Cherokee Media Group (the publisher of the popular Auto Remarketing magazine and conference), explains that used vehicle sales, in particular, have helped stabilize the industry. Retail prices for used vehicles have only deviated slightly from seasonal expectations, and many consumers are opting to purchase used cars over new. The demand appears to be quite stable amidst all of the instability we've faced due to the pandemic. As you listen to this episode of The Dealer Playbook, consider how your store can leverage your used vehicle sales to help guide your market to a full recovery. Think about ways in which you can help fulfill customer expectations while also developing a relationship by which they become loyal and raving advocates of you and your process. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/bill-zadeits Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro Sick of not know whether your marketing strategy is working or not? Learn more about Michael's creative dealership marketing company.

When it comes to creating, optimizing, and managing Facebook ads, Molly Pittman is at the top of the game. In fact, many of the world's top ad buyers and strategists have likely learned from her. But today's episode of The Dealer Playbook is not what you'd expect. It's not about Facebook ads for car dealers at all. Rather, it's an enriching conversation that explores the importance of focusing on your mission. Each dealership on the planet is unique. No two are alike, not even if you're in the same dealer group. There is a real pulse (or lack of one) that runs deep in a dealership and that determines how scalable, and how impactful the business can be. Why do some dealerships make more money? Why are some able to whether uncertainty better than others? All of these topics and more are discussed in this conversation with Molly Pittman, the CEO of Smart Marketer. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/episodes Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro

When it comes to moving pre-owned inventory and running a lean and mean car operation, no better name comes to mind than Jasen Rice from Lotpop Auto. Jasen is a master at helping dealers move more used vehicle inventory, preserving profits, and maintaining the right level of inventory. In today's episode of The Dealer Playbook podcast, Jasen and Michael talk about the reality that the used car market may just be the saving grace the retail auto industry needs to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/episodes Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most iconic female business leaders and media magnates of all time. Her empire is vast, her influence; profound. She has impacted millions of men, women, and children many times over and continues to spread her positive message. But what can car dealers learn from Oprah? That's the topic of today's Friday Fire episode of The Dealer Playbook. Michael Cirillo shares a quote by Oprah Winfrey that will help shape the actions you take at your dealership, with your people, and amongst your co-workers. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/episodes Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro

The team at Kijiji Autos has a long-standing tradition of showing support for the retail dealership community, not just when times are good, but also when challenging times arise. In today's episode of The Dealer Playbook, Michael sits down with Robert Karbaum (yes that's his real name!) to discuss creative ways that dealers in Canada have shown support for their communities while also getting creative with their business efforts. If there is one thing that's clear, it's that the retail automotive community is tough. They are resilient. They help drive the economy forward, keep it stable through volatility, and have demonstrated time and time again that they have what it takes to not just survive, but thrive! Simple ideas like showing a badge on your vehicles that lets customers know you are taking all safety precautions can go a long way to creating peace of mind. Car shoppers are still in the market, and dealers that demonstrate their process will leap forward ahead of the competition. Access the full show notes, timestamps, resources and more at http://www.thedealerplaybook.com/episodes Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo Apply to the exclusive DPB PRO Facebook group where you'll get access to live mastermind calls, training, collaboration, and accountability that will take your career to the next level: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dpbpro

There's a reason why some car sales professionals were able to keep building their business during COVID-19 while others struggled to figure things out. There's a reason why some, even though they were furloughed maintained an optimistic and hopeful outlook that helped them, their family, and their dealership. Mindset is the focus of today's Wednesday Word because it truly is the difference between surviving and thriving in the automotive industry. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, you'll learn why the word "Mindset" is so important, and how you can shift your mindset to produce amazing results in your career and life. Have questions, comments, or feedback? Drop us a line at michael@thedealerplaybook.com! Connect with Michael Cirillon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo

Ever wonder why some retail professionals always seem to win while others are stuck in a rut? As much as we'd like to believe that tactics alone will help car dealers succeed, there is so much to be said of consistency in following a strategy. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, Michael Cirillo and Frank J. Lopes explore what the power of consistency, if following a strategy, can do for your dealership, especially as we seek to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Got a question for Michael Cirillo? Call our voicemail: (780)306-2021 for a chance to be featured on the show. Enjoying the podcast? Be sure to click that subscribe button and leave an honest review. Visit thedealerplaybook.com for even more free resources and tips to help grow your career in the retail automotive industry.

For all of the OG Dealer Playbook listeners, today's guest is a blast from the past. Former co-host, producer, and one of my best friends, Robert Wiesman (formerly "Your Hyundai Guy"), joins the show to talk about everything going on around COVID-19 and what dealers can do from a content marketing perspective to stay ahead of the curve. Since co-hosting The Dealer Playbook, Robert has gone on to help dozens of business owners develop and produce content strategies that get attention, and drive business opportunities. Most notably, his work with Ryan Stewman, AKA "The Hardcore Closer," has helped the brand fortify and grow a substantial audience. Retail vehicle dealers need to attract and keep the attention of their target audience. Content marketing for car dealers is still one of the most proven and effective ways to do just that. Know you need a content strategy, but don't have the time or complete knowledge to put it into action? Michael's agency, FlexDealer, helps dealerships around the world strategize, create, and implement content that brings a continuous flow of fresh eye-balls, leads, and sales opportunities.

Culture isn't just something that is felt; it's something that has a tangible impact on behavior from both employees and customers. In this powerbomb episode of The Dealer Playbook podcast, Jeff Toister shares the importance of creating a wayfinding system that will help dealers deploy a culture shift that grows the business.

What would life be like if you were able to quickly extract the lesson and then move forward from failure? In today's Friday Fire episode of The Dealer Playbook, Michael Cirillo shares a quote by Joel Osteen that has positively impacted his life.

 Danelle Delgado knows what it's like to climb out from the ashes and create a thriving life. In this episode of The Dealer Playbook, you'll hear her best advice for taking control, discovering, and fulfilling your life's mission. Whether you're the newest car sales professional or a seasoned vet, the life wisdom that Danelle shares will help you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Can you believe it? Season 10 of The Dealer Playbook podcast is happening now! Michael Cirillo and his guests are excited to bring you even more quality content that explores how to create a thriving career in the retail automobile industry.  In season 10, we'll be bringing you even more content, including a variety of new formats.  Want a chance of being featured on an upcoming episode of the podcast? Leave your questions or a message for Michael here: +1(780) 306-2021.