Customer relationship management

imagesDoes the acronym CRM sound familiar? In a dealership environment it stands for Customer Relationship Management, and is most often used to refer to the software and tools used to manage this important process. In today’s extremely competitive market, building relationships with your customers is essential for long-term success.

Building a specific knowledge base for each individual customer is the key to developing a long-term, durable relationship. By capturing information as to their habits, opinions and preferences, you will be able to create a profile and offer services and products tailored to their specific needs. Continue reading “Customer relationship management”

Has your workplace been invaded by zombies?

11578911_mDoes your colleague groan and grunt every time he sets foot in the office? Is he struggling with his cognitive skills? Are his eyes bloodshot and bulging? Be careful, you may be rubbing elbows with a zombie, i.e., an employee who is completely disembodied from his work!

Unfortunately, this profile is all too common in the workplace these days. Numerous employees, whether voluntarily or not, reduce their level of engagement towards the company as a result of accumulated frustration

These individuals fail to find meaning in their work, discouraged by the fact that their efforts remain unrecognized, or they are tired at the lack of accountability or being micromanaged, or maybe they are frustrated that they are not rewarded for initiative or no longer part of the decision-making process. Continue reading “Has your workplace been invaded by zombies?”

Winter blues: Climb out of your hole!

epuisement_auto-jobs.caYou grab your briefcase, open the front door; it’s cold, dark, freezing and bleak, just like you. Could you be suffering from a bout of seasonal depression?

Seasonal depression affects a fair number of individuals at this time of year, especially 18-45 year-old women. Excessive appetite and overall tiredness, noticeable drop in energy and increased irritability are just a few of the warning signs of this ailment that thrives during the dreary winter season. Continue reading “Winter blues: Climb out of your hole!”

Negotiating a fair salary

CommissionsNot only is this the ʺmost happiest season of allʺ it often coincides with employee evaluations and assessments, which will inevitably lead to salary negotiations.

Planning and preparation are the keys to getting the salary you deserve. Begin by estimating your value in comparison to similar positions in your sector of activity using internet chat rooms and forums or your own professional network.

Make a list of your accomplishments, such as objectives and goals that were met or increased responsibilities, and be ready to prove them if required. These elements will give weight to your arguments during your negotiations. Continue reading “Negotiating a fair salary”

Great meetings always start on time!

8380732_mMeetings are often perceived as a necessary evil, but why not eliminate this perception by making them more productive? This can only be achieved by respecting the most important rule: start and finish your meetings on schedule!

Never mind forgiving those who show up late, show your gratitude to those who arrive on time by starting the meeting as planned, by doing the opposite, you undermine every future meeting. The usual suspects will always be late, while those who respectfully show up as scheduled will inevitably think ʺwhy bother showing up on timeʺ.

Successful meetings are usually a reflection of the thought that was put into them. Prepare a point-by- point meeting agenda in priority order of the issues to be discussed and the allotted time for each. Provide a copy to every participant ahead of time along with all other relevant documents. Continue reading “Great meetings always start on time!”