Fast Rising, Philadelphia Entrepreneur Karina Bradley Featured on the Cover of the September 2009 Issue of AutoSuccess Magazine.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept 4 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoSuccess Magazine, the number one automotive trade publication specializing in highlighting successful people, industry technology, and leadership information to improve auto retail sales performance at dealerships, is featuring Karina Bradley, the Vice President of Dealer Synergy on the cover of their September issue and highlighting her amazing career and achievements in this business. This feature will reach a broad audience as AutoSuccess reaches over 100,000 readers on a monthly basis.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090610/CL30800)

Since women are a major purchasing force, influencing directly or indirectly 85% of the vehicles purchased in this country, AutoSuccess Publisher Susan Givens wanted to highlight one of the women recognized for her achievements in sales training and consulting.

Susan said, "Karina Bradley is not only a certified FranklinCovey Trainer, an active member of the very selective National Speakers Association, member of the Women's Automotive Association International, not to mention a contributing author of numerous industry articles, but also part owner in Dealer Synergy, and owns companies in the training, technology, digital marketing, and entertainment business. These companies include Karina Bradley, Inc and Synergized Media. Additionally, Karina has brought attention to a number of issues facing women in the automotive retail arena." Susan continued, "Karina is a business development expert teaching multi-million dollar dealerships how to increase their profits in a very challenging economy. She knows how to make a point, listens to dealers and brings clarity to the marketing and training opportunities that are open to dealers and sales professionals in the business."

Karina Bradley shared, "While women are making the majority of auto purchase decisions, recent surveys show less than 15% of dealership employees are women. These numbers are rising as managers in the stores recognize how effective women are in sales and management roles." Karina took over a year to achieve her certification in the FranklinCovey training program and she is one of the few automotive industry trainers and consultants that have these credentials. Being able to offer powerful courses like FranklinCovey and their "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" Associates Program helps people focus on their priorities not only in their business roles but in their personal life, too. Karina also interacts with teams at some of the top dealerships in the country like Scott Robinson Honda, Peruzzi Toyota, Willis Honda, and Bill Dube Hyundai to name a few.

A recent Dealer Synergy success story was Team One Chevrolet in Charlotte, Michigan. Before Dealer Synergy they were delivering less than ten units a month. And in two months the Dealer Synergy team got them delivering 59 units out of their Internet Department! The Team One store is now #1 in their region!

About Dealer Synergy
Dealer Synergy, (www.dealersynergy.com) is an award winning training,consulting and technology company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Call 888-379-6374

SOURCE Dealer Synergy

Mark Dubis, +1-216-712-6712, md@dubisgroup.com

Pop Singing Star and Model, Karina Bradley is Special Guest at the Rodney King Celebrity Boxing Match

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the upcoming Celebrity Boxing match with Rodney King, Pop Star and Model, Karina Bradley known to many as the "Puerto Rican Barbie" will be at a Premier Photo shoot in Philadelphia on September 5th.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090610/CL30800 )

Karl Tomas Weygandt of Beyond1film in Manyunk will be shooting Karina with some of the local and professional boxers as a precursor to the main boxing event on September 11th. Karina will be showcasing her musical talents including the release of her new single, "Buy Me That." Out of all the models invited to participate in this Celebrity Boxing venue, Karina was selected as the top model to be featured during this event. Simon Aouad, a former Philadelphia police officer will face off against Rodney King from California. During the L.A. riots, Rodney King a victim of police brutality became known around the world for pleading with a nation, "Can't we all get along?" Since signing up with the Celebrity Boxing Federation last month King has been anxious to step into the ring to face some challengers. The fight takes place on September 11, 2009 in Essington, PA. King will be donating a portion of his pay-per-view proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club. He is currently training in San Bernardino, CA. with Icon fighters at American University.

Pop Singer and Model Karina Bradley will also be a featured guest at the Celebrity Match. After the King vs. Aouad fight, Scott Cummings, a former bodyguard for Michael Jackson's of 15 yrs will take on whoever shows up in the ring. Cummings at 6'2" and 235 pounds promises to be a formidable opponent. After protecting clients all over the world in all sorts of dangerous situations few people are able to intimidate Cummings. The Celebrity Boxing Federation fight will take place on Friday, September 11th in Essington, PA. at the Airport Ramada Inn, 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, contact Center Stage Tickets at 800-677-8499.

About Karina Bradley: Philadelphia's own pop star singer and model, Karina Bradley has released her first single, "Buy Me That." Click to hear the song.

SOURCE Karina Bradley

Roger Dubois, for Karina Bradley, +1-216-220-0992, rogerdubois@gmx.com

Recycling Zychal recycles old items into new clothing to save energy, & Karina models their clothing

Sep 4, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today where headlines alternate between the downward spiral of the economy, unemployment numbers and statistics on the impact of global warming, eco-savvy product designer Taryn Zychal has had no problem turning her love discovering "found objects" into a booming new business. Her company, Recycling Zychal, specializes in the "rescue" and repurposing of broken umbrellas.

Her growing product line currently includes Dog Rain Coats, Organic Catnip Filled Cat Toys, and a modernized version of the traditional Polish babushka that she calls "the HOOD," all of which are made from stripped down salvaged nylon or polyester fabric once belonging to landfill-bound broken umbrellas.

Leveraging the current excitement about "green initiatives," Recycling Zychal is getting ready to rock the runway at this year's highly anticipated GreenFest Philly. Taryn has enlisted the help of fashion model and pop singer, Karina Bradley, to represent the new line of boutique styled HOODs. Along with the HOOD, Karina Bradley will be walking with Taryn's own pug, Betty, who will be modeling a matching Upcycled Umbrella Dog Rain Coat, which is Recycling Zychal's signature and most popular item.

Taryn shared, "I've made dozens upon dozens of dog rain coats and HOODs for people all over the world, and the business has been steadily gaining momentum, since I opened this past April on Earth Day of this year. My customers never seem to get over the fact that my products are actually made of trash." She continues, "Just because it was trash, doesn't mean that with a little finesse, it can't look fabulous and stylish."

Taryn selected Karina Bradley to represent Recycling Zychal at GreenFest Philly this year not only for her glamorous looks and undeniable talent, but she shares the same passion and enthusiasm for environmental issues and animal rights issues which are the foundations of the company. Additionally, Recycling Zychal donates 30% of all cat toy revenues to a group of organizations dedicated to helping animals in need.

GreenFest Philly is taking place on Second and South Streets Sunday, September 13th from 11AM to 6PM, with two Eco Fashion Shows taking place at noon and 3PM. With an anticipated attendance exceeding 25,000, Zychal hopes her product line will encourage people to think twice about throwing away a broken umbrella and instead think about donating it to her company.

About Recycling Zychal: Saving umbrellas and materials from landfills and turning it into stylish clothing for people and dogs is Taryn Zychal's goal. Visit www.recyclingzychal.etsy.com or call (570) 906-4568

About Karina Bradley: Philadelphia's own pop star singer and model, Karina Bradley has released her first single, "Buy Me That." Click here to hear the song.

SOURCE Recycling Zychal

Karina Bradley is also going to premier her NEW SINGLE "Dance Floor Diva" that night!

NEW YORK, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been a busy couple of months for Pop Star Karina Bradley. She has just released her first single "Buy Me That" (http://tweetafile.com/a1), which was recorded at PhoreGround Studios in Philadelphia by LA Dubb, and was produced by Rick Nyce. Not only that, but Karina was also featured in the Freeway/Jakk Frost music video for their hit single "We Run This Thing." Philadelphia Rapper Freeway is a former Roc-A-Fella Recording Artist, and has recorded with the likes of Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne throughout his prolific career. He is currently signed to Cash Money Records (Lil' Wayne's label), and has just finished a new song alongside Eminem titled "Freeway's Beard". The video will be airing soon, and centers on Freeway, and fellow Philadelphia Rapper Jakk Frost (who features in the "Buy Me That" remix), "crashing" Supermodel Karina Bradley's photo shoot.

To culminate the video release, and her recent success, Karina Bradley is slated to host "Welcome to Our World", the monthly residence of World Famous DJ (And Producer) Steven Zor and Vitaly Katz, that happens every 3rd Saturday at Brooklyn's hottest Nightclub, "Club Avion." The heart throbbing and dynamic soul sound of Steven Zor impacts dance floors worldwide with his Tribal and Progressive House Music, and has enabled him to spin at legendary nightclubs such as Limelight, Palladium, and Tunnel.

Vitaly Katz started spinning in the late 90's. His passion is for Tribal, Tech House and Minimal Techno and he has now evolved into an accomplished producer. This event will also be in celebration of his 30th Birthday. There will be an open bar from 10-11pm, and the event is complimentary to ladies all night long.
Acclaimed Director Caesar Augustus who just recently was on tour with Rap Superstars Asher Roth and Kid Cudi, documenting all of the behind the scenes video footage and stage performances of their 25 city tour and his Augustus Films crew will be on hand to document the event. Naturally the performance will be featured all across YouTube, Twitter, Metacafe, and all of the other top video sites. CEO of PhoreGround Studios Russ Ruler, co-founder LA Dubb, Diva and PhoreGround Recording Artists Chelsea Lynn, will be in house to show some love to Karina Bradley, and showcase their hit songs.

And if all that wasn't enough, September 19th 2009 will mark the special premiere of Karina Bradley's newest single, "Dance Floor Diva," which was recorded at PhoreGround Studios and is poised to be the next club mega hit!

For more info on Karina Bradley you can go to http://www.karinabradley.com/. But you can also follow her latest activity on http://twitter.com/karinabradley, view images from her various photo shoots at http://www.flickr.com/photos/karinabradley/, and keep track of her videos at http://www.youtube.com/karinabradley, and you can keep track of her decorated modeling portfolio on Model Mayhem at http://www.modelmayhem.com/karinabradley.

If you want to meet Karina Bradley, you can RSVP to the event at Club Avion by calling 917-246-3231, and let them know that you're a fan.
SOURCE Karina Bradley

Karina Bradley is also going to premier her NEW SINGLE "Dance Floor Diva" that night!

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Phoreground Entertainment/ Karina Bradley Official Website) - Karina Bradley knows that in the world of business, attractive women aren't always taken seriously. While her supermodel looks are certainly the first thing people notice, they quickly discover there is a lot more behind Karina's sultry look. As the owner of Karina Bradley Inc. she also has an equity interest in Synergized Media and TF Mafia Muzik. She clearly knows that it takes hard work and a singular focus to accomplish her personal and business goals.

During her third year attending Drexel University for Pre-Med, Karina switched directions and began to focus her attention on the business world. She studied hard and found positions where she could learn the skills needed to succeed in business. Then she landed the position of Vice President at Dealer Synergy, one of the top automotive retail training companies in the country. After making her mark in auto retailing, Karina returned to her first love, music.

Caesar Augustus of Augustus Films was shooting music videos for Barrington Levy and Kardinal Offishall and asked Karina to appear in those videos. That led to appearances in music videos and television commercials for TF Mafia, Philadelphia Freeway and Jakk Frost. It was during this time that she acquired an equity position in TF Mafia Muzik and in Synergized Media, a video production and marketing company. Karina then hired Caesar Augustus of Augustus Films to coordinate all video production including her music videos, the Behind the Scenes "making of a star" documentary, as well as coordinating all online video content. Augustus Films also filmed some of Karina's many photo shoots.

With her strong desire to create music and get on the Pop Star track, Karina Bradley formed the best team in the industry to assist her in creating her debut album to be released later this year. First she enlisted master song writer and professional singer Jack Gafford. Jack has several albums; his most recent album is titled "No Vacancy." Then Phoreground Entertainment was chosen as the studio to record her first single, "Buy Me That" which included Jakk Frost as a featured artist on this song. The presence of Phoreground's producer/engineer, L.A. Dubb insured Karina was in good hands. L.A. Dubb has worked with Snoop Dog, Michael Jackson, Usher, Madonna, Dr. Dre and Chelsea Lynn. Karina's just completed single will be released in three versions; the pop solo version, a hip-hop remix version by Jakk Frost, who along with Philadelphia Freeway recently worked with Wyclef Jean on one of their songs, and an underground version by DJ Steven Zor. Steven Zor is known for his past DJ work at the legendary NYC nightspot, The Tunnel. Steven Zor will also be working with Karina to produce live shows later this fall in New York City.

From Karina's perspective it's clear that great looks and brains are a dynamite combination and a formula for pop star success.

Major Photo Shoot with Celebrity Rappers Jakk Frost, TF Mafia, Philadelphia’s Freeway and Film Director Caesar Augustus scheduled for June 21st in Philly.  

Karina Bradley is moving from the modeling world to the music world. Her supermodel looks have taken her all over the world from Milan to Paris and Madrid not to mention all over the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York. Working with some of the top photographers and agencies she has quickly catapulted on to the scene. She is already being compared to celebrities like Pamela Anderson Lee, Paris Hilton and even supermodels like Kate Moss and Heidi Klum. But Karina Bradley is her own Diva, a Supermodel and Singer with her own style and flavor. 

Karina has recently exploded on the music and modeling scene with an appearance in the Barrington Levy and Kardinal Offishall “No War” video. Director Caesar Augustus of Augustus Films, is quoted as saying, “After working with stars like Barrington Levy, Asher Roth, Jakk Frost, Kardinal Offishall, and other Platinum Recording Artists I found Karina Bradley to be a charismatic and confident woman, whose supermodel looks and great voice will take her far in this business.”  

Working on her debut album, Karina Bradley has recording sessions scheduled in Nashville as well as New York studios.  With special guest artists, musicians and DJ’s on various tracks she has drawn together a very eclectic group which is generating strong industry buzz. Jack Gafford, Nashville recording artist has agreed to assist Karina on this album, and his unique flair will certainly add to the quality of the album.  

Karina has been asked to appear in upcoming music videos by TF Mafia, Papoose, Philadelphia’s “Freeway” and Jakk Frost, all popular Rappers and some consider the elite of the Hip Hop world. On June 21st at multiple locations in the Philadelphia area, Karina will be the focus of a high profile photo shoot, as well as appear in the Philadelphia Freeway and Jakk Frost music video.  In addition to the photo shoot, the music and behind the scenes video production will be in the hands of Caesar Augustus of Augustus Films.  

Due to the appearance of these celebrities, film locations have been kept under wraps for security reasons. Karina however promises her fans updates on Twitter, MySpace and YouTube to keep everyone up to date on her exploits. She has also promised her fans some amazing surprise features on the album as well. 

You can find more information or sign up on fan pages for Karina Bradley and follow her modeling or updates on her debut album at these social sites:  

• Flickr
• Model Mayhem
• YouTube
• MySpace
• FaceBook
• Twitter

Sean V. Bradley, CEO and Founder of Dealer Synergy. (PRNewsFoto/Dealer Synergy) PHILADELPHIA, PA UNITED STATES Automotive Internet Sales Experts Continue Professional Accreditation PHILADELPHIA, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Sean V. Bradley, CEO, and Karen Uriarte, Vice President of Dealer Synergy, an award winning training and consulting company, have recently been accepted into membership by the National Speakers Association. The National Speakers Association is the leading organization for professional speakers. Since 1973, The National Speakers Association has provided resources and education designed to advance the skills, integrity and value of its members to the public and business communities. Membership in the organization is highly selective and open to only those who meet their stringent criteria.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080709/CLW085 )

Sean V. Bradley shared, "I have particularly enjoyed speaking at industry conventions and conferences, and after presenting to over 50 NADA and NCM automotive 20 Groups over the last few years and presenting to thousands of automotive professionals it is gratifying to qualify for membership in the NSA."

The National Speakers Association's thousands of members include experts in a variety of industries and disciplines, who reach audiences as trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, authors and more. Sean V. Bradley has addressed many topics covering the auto retailing process from hiring and training employees, to building solid marketing strategies that pay big dividends. Additionally, Sean has been a speaker at past J.D. Power and Associates Internet Roundtable events.

Karen Uriarte, published author of industry articles, has been active as a speaker at the Dealer Synergy Internet Sales Director Immersion Programs which recently have incorporated the FranklinCovey curriculum on the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Sean and Karen are both certified trainers by FranklinCovey in the automotive market. Karen is also being recognized for her industry accomplishments and success by being featured in a cover story in AutoSuccess Magazine in September 2009. Her skills and abilities have helped maintain recognition for Dealer Synergy as an expert training company that encourages training and certification in various areas for its employees. In addition to FranklinCovey certification two team members are Master Advance Certified for Search Engine Optimization.

Sean V. Bradley's recent speaking engagement at the 2009 NADA Convention in New Orleans was one of the top rated and attended workshops. He focused on sharing the latest information on Video Search Engine Optimization and how it can benefit auto retailers to drive more customers to their stores.

The next event for Sean V. Bradley and Karen Uriarte will be the fall Synergy Sessions Event being held this October in Atlanta, Georgia. Speakers and Sponsors from the premier companies in auto retailing will be participating in this event. It is expected that over 400 industry professionals will be attending this event.

About Dealer Synergy

Dealer Synergy, (www.dealersynergy.com) is an award winning training, consulting and technology company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Call 888-379-6374

SOURCE Dealer Synergy

An Interview by Susan Givens

By Karen Uriarte

AutoSuccess is proud to be working with Dealer Synergy and The Dubis Group to present the 2008 Synergy Sessions. We asked Karen Uriarte of Dealer Synergy to give us a brief explanation of the event.

Well it’s official… We have booked the 2008 Synergy Sessions at the W hotel in beautiful New Orleans. This year’s conference will be a two day event, May 13th and 14th. This is the third annual Synergy Session. The first two were huge successes, they brought hundreds of dealers in attendance from all over the United States. Literally some of the top dealerships and dealer groups in the country attended such as:

• Norm Reeves Honda
• Longo Toyota
• Towbin Dodge
• Fred Beans
• Motor City GMC
• Nelson Mazda

On top of the amazing dealers that attended we had the who’s who of the automotive industry attend, CEOs, VPs, Founders, Technology Gurus, other trainers came to get some training! We even had Mazda North American in attendance, not to mention JD Power. In the past we have had some of the biggest names in the industry as sponsors and speakers like:

• Carsdirect
• Kelley Blue Book
• Dealerskins
• Auto Revenue
• Interactive Financial
• Kaizen
• Visible Customer
• Dealer Principal Magazine
• Automotive Digest

This year is going to be even better! Dealer Synergy and the Dubis Group have partnered up with AutoSuccess Magazine and have merged Our Synergy Sessions with their AutoSuccess Best Practice Summits and now we have truly created the best conference for audience.  This Year’s event is going to be a two day event, the 13th & 14th. We are going to have some amazing speakers and sponsors such as:

• Kelley Blue Book
• Carfolks.com
• Carsdirect
• Autotrader
• TK Carsites
• BZ Results
• Royal Administration
• Kaizen Multi Media
• V-Auto
• DJ Harrington

And …Franklin Covey! Yes, Thee… Franklin Covey organization will be there presenting at this year’s Synergy Session. As a matter of fact Sean V. Bradley is working with the Covey team to create a special breakout session for the event! But this is only the beginning we are still working hard to create the “ultimate” line-up of speakers for you all.

There will be three rooms, the general assembly room, the exhibitor room and the video production room. AutoSuccess will be there with the Kaizen Multi Media Video Production team and they will be interviewing dealers, executives, gurus etc… and archiving this amazing event. This event is NOT a time share. Everyone of the speakers first of all is a senior executive, meaning a CEO, Founder, Owner, Vice President etc… NO bench warmers at this event. ONLY the best of the very best! There will be an exhibitor hall filled with some amazing vendors, technology, ideas and strategies that will help make you and your dealership extremely successful. So don’t worry about attending an event that is a time share pitch… we have all been to a so called training event and all the speaker did was try to sell you something. That will NOT happen at this event. If you are going to attend because you are looking for information, education, inspiration, motivation, a solid game plan. This is the event for you. However, if you are also interested in attending to see what the most advanced technology and resources are or to see the best of the best in the industry this is also the event for you.

To show our appreciation, we know you can choose any event. On top of the all-star lineup of speakers we are throwing a VIP cocktail networking event with live entertainment so you can network and enjoy New Orleans! Meet some of the top dealerships in the country or the CEOs of some of the top automotive vendors in the world.

Bottom line this event is like NO OTHER one. We have watched all of the other events take place, seen what works and what doesn’t. We have asked our industry, polled the audience to see what they wanted and we have assembled the best of the best in our industry for the Synergy Sessions. There will education, information, multimedia, networking, breakout sessions, fun and excitement. This is not going to be a boring event. It gets even better. The price for this amazing event is $590 dollars, which is pretty inexpensive for all that we are providing but as a special thank you to AutoSuccess and its readers the price (with the AutoSuccess code AS0508) will be ONLY $295.

Not done yet… And for the first 5 registrations. AutoSuccess will cover their registration. Meaning it will be 100% FREE! No strings attached, no gimmicks. We are expecting over 200 dealers attend this year and we are sure to sell out again this year. So, if I were you I would register as soon as possible to ensure your spot.

For more information on this Synergy Sessions Event visit the event website.

Karen Uriarte is the Vice President of Business Development for Dealer Synergy, one of the top national automotive training companies in the country. They are based in Philadelphia, PA.

By Karen Uriarte

As a woman working in the car business, I’d like to quote Charles Dickens from his Tale of Two Cities that “these are the best of times; these are the worst of times.” It is the best of times because women in America are empowered like they have never been before.  They control most of the purchasing power in this country, are an economic force in the workplace and for the first time in history we have a viable candidate for President of the United States.  It is the worst of times, as most dealers still do not understand the value of female sales personnel in their stores and many men selling cars lack the sales skills, attitude and focus to build a relationship of mutual trust with their women customers. 

I personally see tremendous opportunity for women in our business, but the harsh reality is the retail auto marketplace is still a male dominated workplace that is often inhospitable to female employees.  

If you doubt my words or the power that women yield, then try this simple test.  Ask a married male associate if they would ever buy a sofa, dining or bedroom set of furniture without the involvement and/or approval of their wives.  I can assure you the majority will tell you there would be dire consequences if they ever made that purchase without their wives input. Then ask those same men if they have ever empowered their wives to make those purchases without their input?  Hmmm. Starting to see a pattern. 

Now let’s turn to cars, vans and trucks.  The exact numbers vary but most sources indicate that women directly or indirectly influence over 75 percent of vehicle purchases.  In many cases they have total authority to buy the vehicle on their own.  In the rest of the transactions they might not have full authority to say yes, but they do have the authority to say no.  When you are working with couples in the showroom and trying to figure out who the decision maker is, you will rarely go wrong in assuming the woman will be the final decision maker.  This doesn’t mean ignore the husband or boyfriend, as there are egos involved here, but pay close attention to tone, body language and questions asked by the women prospects.  Make eye contact with the woman as well while you are talking with the couple.

The good news is there are resources to help dealers and sales people focus on serving their female clients.  AskPatty.com is a website that works with dealerships to help train and certify them for working with women.  The services are extensive and there is a significant expenditure up front, but if you are serious about the market you should check out their program.  Their website also provides shopping tips for women and other services too.  CarTango.com is a site that touts its female friendly program. At this point the design, colors and icons are cute and there is the dancing/tango metaphors, but it seems to be another lead provider site without a lot of real substance.  As time goes on I am sure they will build more functionality to appeal to women buyers and dealer participants.

At the very least you should make a point to have a section of your website that has a “Ladies Only” or “Women Shoppers” button. Take a look at these two websites:

• www.duvalhonda.com
• www.nelsonmazdaok.com

Both of those sites have links right off of the home page and back page content solely focused for the female shopper / buyer. I suggest that you let people know the following:

• Your dealership is cognizant of the fact that women are important and relevant
• You respect and value their business
• You are dedicated to doing business the way they want
• That you have women employees…sales, service, parts, management etc…

Utilize technology to assist you. Last month’s Internet Sales 20 Group column by Sean V. Bradley highlighted a great product called Flip Video Camera. With that camera you can take a lot of video, very easily and with its integrated YouTube software, have it live on YouTube in minutes. Try to imagine how much more powerful your website would be if you had video testimonials of happy female shoppers / buyers. Or, using the examples I gave in this article of Duval Honda or Nelson Mazda, they are doing a great job but try to imagine on their “Ladies Only” back pages, there was video biographies… that would make an already powerful back page even more powerful. Once you have created these videos and they are on YouTube you can cut the URL of THAT video and paste it into your email templates. So, you can now utilize video email capabilities, custom video responses, video auto-responders, video bios, video testimonials, and video “why us” etc…

Dealerships and sales personnel should also explore social networking sites that women frequent.  Most women look to their friends, co-workers and family for advice about buying cars, so word of mouth is a very important. After you have successfully sold a vehicle to a woman customer, be sure to ask for the names, emails, and phone numbers of her friends.  Then give her a week or two to contact her friends to let them know about her purchase and give them a heads up that you will be contacting them to introduce yourself and offer your services when they are ready to buy. Remember be polite, helpful and consultative.  Do not go for the close on these calls or emails.

We all know about myspace.com and facebook.com as the “big dogs” of social networking but I view these sites as a great place for teens and college kids to surf and kill some time.  They offer minimal business opportunities and are not designed for promoting yourself or prospecting for customers.  

I have been watching the development of a new site called CarFolks.com which is being built to be a community whose primary purpose is to help sales personnel and dealerships build relationships with consumers (prospects).  What a concept that is!  Many dealers I speak with are frustrated that online sales has come to mean just posting your inventory at a low price on the web. When you start the conversation with price, price, price it makes it difficult to talk about other things. CarFolks.com will be offering sales people a free page on the site to promote themselves. They can talk about their experience in the industry, their background, ties to the community, their families, or whatever they feel might be important to a prospect. Then the sales people invite their customers to come to the site and rate them.  Each dealership and/or sales person can be rated by the public for the world to see.  Consumers coming to the site after launch can search for a salesperson and a dealership, not for inventory.

Customer focused dealerships and sales staff will shine and rise to the top and the ones not focusing on building long term relationships will quickly be rated at the bottom. Since the site hasn’t launched yet, I don’t know all the details but the concept could be very appealing to a lot of dealerships out there.

I invite your dealership to develop an audit of your processes as it relates to selling to women.  See what your real attitude is in the dealership towards this powerful market segment.

If you have any questions or you would like some help in trying to create a women friendly environment at your dealership please feel free to call me 888-3-SYNERGY or 215-338-3600

Karen Uriarte is the Vice President of Business Development for Dealer Synergy, one of the top national automotive training companies in the country. They are based in Philadelphia, PA

Karina Bradley was featured on the cover of AutoSuccess Magazine. As VP of a multi million dollar training, consulting, and technology company, Karina was recognized as one of the top female Automotive Executives. Not only is Karina a singer, model, and actor she is a nationally recognized business woman. Fill in more content

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Karina Bradley was featured on the cover of AutoSuccess Magazine.

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Karina Bradley was featured on the cover of DealerPrincipal Magazine.

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Karina Bradley was asked to host a party at Club Avion in New York. Karina will be debuting her hit single "Dance Floor Diva". For all the details on this event and how you can attend, visit www.clubavion.com

Karina Bradley has finished her new single "Dance Floor Diva". See Karina perform live at Club Avion on September 19th. For all the details on this event and how you can attend, visit www.clubavion.com