starting in social media

[robc]

Here on DealersEdge there are several CD's, articles, et. that can help service departments get involved in social media marketing. I need to present some working examples next week and wanted to hear from anyone ou there that is really trying to get some of the social channels up and running as another customer service tool/marketing. Either post a response here or email me at rcampbell@mspcpa.net or robc@dealersedge.com

[cantfind122]

A theory to consider from a political standpoint. Social media is a two headed monster which is why it also coined anti-social media in the "pits." Considering the ability to spin positives into negatives without any consideration to crediblity can crush anyone that does not babysit the venue with dilegence. It is under considerable discussion as to whether or not this form of communique is benefit or detriment. Just some thought.

[robc]

Agreed ... that is one of the issues I see. This is something that need constant maintenance which besides time requires content or something worthwhile to tell our customers.

[mbowers]

Social media ought to be part of every service managers marketing toolbox, but only one part. Some customers still get information from traditional sources like newspapers, radio and TV. I dont think anyone uses the Yellow Pages anymore. Direct mail has a place but is very expensive. The Internet still seems to be in its infancy, at least as far as dealership service departments go.

How do service managers know that social media doesnt work if they havent tried it? Where do the 20- and 30-somethings take their cars for service and how do they know about those places?

I have a Facebook page and even look at it from time to time, but frankly, I dont get it. But thats me. The 20- and 30-year-olds that I know seem to spend an inordinate amount of time texting, Tweeting, and posting to Facebook. It seems like social media has replaced e-mail as their favored means of communicating with friends.

The Yellow Pages might be a safe place to advertise, but what good is it if nobody refers to the Yellow Pages anymore?

Id want to be getting my message out to wherever my potential customers are and at least testing social media.

If youre not testing, youre just guessing.

[texaslp]

Guess I'm nobody, cause I still use the yellow pages.

[AKTOYPM]

I use the yellow pages too....
Just a google search away.

[cantfind122]

I think it would be interesting and fun to have everyone out there define "social media." I get e-mail on my Wii but I don't consider it credible. There are actually jobs posted for Social Media professionals. Am I missing something? Was I a Social Media specialist in my local coffe shop? Being a former postal worker (be kind) I take my mail from the mail box and circular file anything that doesn't have a first class "frank" on it. Just because you can bombard the airwaves with offers doesn't mean people pay attention. Perhaps I am wrong as I am finding the 10 zillion PSA's for not texting and driving are falling on deaf ears (no pun intended) and my motorcycle will stay in the garage until technology is used in its proper place.

[texaslp]

The message to not text and drive is heard about as well as don't drink and drive. Stupid people will do stupid things. I use facebook to keep in touch with friends and family. I haven't bought in to it yet as a business tool, but maybe I'm behind the times.

[This message has been edited by texaslp (edited 02-03-2010).]

[X476]

First we told employee's not to be wasting company time on facebook etc. Then our Marketing people set up a facebook account for the dealership and wants all of us to invite people to be our "friends" so now employees have a reason to be jackinging around on facebook on company time.

[cantfind122]

How I wish George Carlin were still alive. He was on target comedically thrashing all the ridiculous "advances" we are making as a culture. Doesn't social media have some sense of hyperbole. I understand marketing must take different directions to be fresh and new but for crying out loud do we have to stoop to the level of MTV (after it was good) to suck up the a "market" that will be replaced in a relatively short order. There is a quote that repeateldy runs through my mind. "Come to terms with your ass for it bears you." Just food for thought.