Chuck Marzahn's Dealership Dynamics Blog

Feed Your Head

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:41:00 GMT

All this talk of the 40^th anniversary of Woodstock must be giving me flashbacks. (You MUST know I’m kidding) Anyone remember Grace Slick belting out the words “feed your head” in White Rabbit? What are you feeding your head lately?

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Lesson from U-Haul

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:55:00 GMT

I had occasion to rent a U-Haul trailer last week. Before you ask -- I’m not moving… I asked the gentleman from Guyana who was unhooking the trailer at the end of the rental period, “How is it to work for U-Haul?” He replied, “It’s great if you work.” What a great answer. And what an indictment for many of us from this hard-working immigrant.

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Franchise Agreements -- Blessings or Curses?

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:40:00 GMT

It’s easy to “curse” the manufacturer for the problems dealers face. When challenged with shrinking markets, it becomes a grave concern to protect one’s territory. That’s not always easy with some manufacturers. Then it’s a matter, in some dealer’s minds, whether they are getting a “fair shake” from their business partners as far as pricing or training support. I hear that sort of complaint regularly in my travels. It is usually started with the comment that we should find some way to hold the factory’s feet to the fire.

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Monaco Part Deux

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:21:00 GMT

You know I’m not a rumormonger.

I’ve been really clear about that....

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Mother Teresa

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:08:00 GMT

Mother Teresa’s Sales Training

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." Mother Teresa

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Another Lesson from Sports

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:30:00 GMT

“I will tolerate you until I can replace you.” Mike Tomlin, Steelers Head Coach.

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Rumor Control Central

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:59:00 GMT

You’ve heard those persistent rumors. If you’re on the west coast you’ll hear that Beaudry, La Mesa or Gamel is going out of business. If you live in the east the same rumor goes around every few weeks about Lazy Days. Kinda reminds me of those emails that refer to some horrible thing about to happen and you simply must send the warning out to everyone in your address book. I’ve chosen not to participate in most of them. While not technically a virus, they have much the same effect tying up resources and diverting attention from what really needs to be done. The same thing is true with regards to industry rumors.

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When NOT to Advertise

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:59:00 GMT

This isn't the time to stop advertising. There is an time when advertising will actually hurt you. During the current climate there are some real bargains in media. You may want to be sure your house is in order instead of inviting guests to see how messy it is.

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Go Steelers!

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Go Steelers! Though facing alienation of my readership, I’ll reveal that I’m a Steelers fan. We’ve all enjoyed watching sports. Both collegiate and professional contestants impress me with the way they play the game. Champions practice hard, play hard and sacrifice their formidable talents for the joy of victory! It’s an event that teaches all of us a lot. The lessons we can learn from sports can be so easily applied to our business life.

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Scarcity brings Clarity

Chuck@MarzahnAndKing.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:20:00 GMT

In the darkness of the toughest times, isn't it odd that you can frequently see the most clearly?

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