The Internet Marketing Totem Pole
Watching the Bush administration being phased out has been exhilarating. I imagine there is as much relief for Bush and his family to be leaving office as there is for the people of the United States. I am relieved, but for his sake, not mine.
Time Heals
I expect that time will be good to Bush. There is a great abyss right now between secular progressives and the common folk. Mainstream media gives the far-left more weight today than other ways of thinking, but that will change. The media’s message and influence will be dust in the wind compared to the longevity of Bush’s legacy. Once the echoes are gone, the glory of Bush’s Presidency, beyond his stand against terrorism, will be enshrined.
There was something missing though the other night in President Bush’s final press conference. I am glad he let loose. It was a healthy choice and he was splendid in his Farewell Address. But W did not seem aware of his own Divinity in the press conference. He was irritated and failed to acknowledge the eternity of his situation.
My Nana told me one time that God would not put you in situations you can’t handle. I believe that considering the stack of cards Bush was issued and the extraordinary calamities that occurred on his watch, the Bush administration accomplished a variety of things that could shine decades later. The amount of pressure on Bush’s shoulders is a reflection of his faithful ability to lead us. The state of the Union is not the result of Bush’s quirks, ideology, and poor public speaking skills, but infidels will of course point to that as the problem rather than take accountability for their own dangerous behavior.
2009 – Higher Standards in Business
Fortunately, the world seems to be moving forward again, minus for the “mental recession” that has now progressed to economic doldrums. The holidays are over and a new President is rolling in. Let’s hope that the small business can press forward again. I see this as a cleansing period for our nation where business practices and influence will be more scrutinized and held to a higher standard. Or is that wishful thinking?
Internet Marketing Illiteracy
One thing I definitely want to see is for people to be more computer-Internet savvy. There is too much computer illiteracy out there. I am not referring to under-developed countries but right here in my own backyard with working professionals and business owners. The computer and/or Internet skills I see in people are generally low. It is foreign to too many people and that needs to change. I am no whiz but I certainly seem like it to too many people.
This could be an indicator of the long future of the Internet marketing business. Despite the vast quantity of businesses already helping others utilize the Internet, it seems there are still corners of market share up for grabs. Car dealerships aren’t the only businesses behind the curve with Internet marketing, although they certainly have a hill to climb when it comes to it.
Totem Pole
So with the Bush administration headed back to Texas and our seeming Manchurian Candidate on his way to being a social, economic, and foreign policy savior, what does the landscape for you look like? Where on the Internet Marketing totem pole is your business and what are you doing this year to reach your business goals?
Dealerships are not a commodity
Part II.
So here we are, just more than 2 years since AutoConversion was conceived. During this time I have seen blogs and bloggers come and go and I have seen some wonderfully grow. Jeff Kershner for example has experienced tremendous success with DealerRefresh which I think has given numerous people the inspiration to pursue their own dreams and ideas. This is a beautiful thing and he should long be known for his contributions to the industry.
I have also seen networking sites lift some of the industry’s iconic leaders to a deserved “rock star” status. People like Ralph Paglia and David Kain who have highly active discussion audiences. Now even DrivingSales is gaining force. It truly is great to see the auto industry getting its feet wet in the arena of Web 2.0.
Now think of what is to come. There is much hype for the auto industry in 2009. Dealers are hungry to sell cars. Can you believe it? They’re hungry!
Seriously though I think the dealers that are preparing for the upswing with the right tools could be in for a real treat. Tools such as blogs and social networking sites, email, video, and SEO. The coming year should present an opportunity for dealers to take back the purchase mantle if you know what I mean.
The past 10 years have belonged to the customer. Dealers became a commodity along with their automobiles. The Internet gave purchasing power to car shoppers. No more.
This year, car buyers will research automobiles AND dealerships, and dealers will be responding with the right tools. It’s already happening, but not at mass critical. That’s what 2009 will bring. True relational marketing.
Anyway, what do I know. I am just babbling. Happy New Year Everyone! Take care of your neighbor.
