Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine is the daily operations publication serving the retail automotive industry. This automotive publication serves dealer principals, officers and general managers with the latest best practices.
Issue link: http://autodealermonthly.epubxp.com/i/142876
tech-savvy training Web-based technology has brought sweeping changes to every corner of the automotive industry, and training is no exception. learn how top trainers are harnessing new technology to improve their offerings. By Tariq kaMal if you're wondering how much new technology has affected the training segment over the past few years, just ask jim Ganther. "Technology hasn't changed our approach to training," says the attorney and president of Tampa, Fla.-based Mosaic compliance services. "using technology is our approach to training. it allows us to provide high-quality training at an incredibly low cost." Ganther is hardly alone in his enthusiasm for internet-based technology. Trainers everywhere are using the web to deliver sessions, reach new dealers and check in with existing clients more often. casting a Wider 'net The ability to reach dealers online has helped iPs agency, a Georgetown, ky.-based products and training provider, create a nationwide presence. Michael cassinelli, the agency's sales and fnance trainer, has received calls from dealers as far away as colorado and New york. in response, cassinelli and his team are building a new training curriculum that will live on the internet in its entirety. "With the advent of a technology we've helped develop, we will be rolling out a complete training solution within the next several months that will give dealers across the country access to personalized, ongoing advanced curriculum for each and every employee on the showroom foor," Cassinelli says. "The best part is our constant assessment and reporting capability that will allow us to go back to our dealers armed with information about the effort their people are putting 12 forth, how they're performing, and how they're growing within their position." From his offce in Agoura Hills, Calif., Dave anderson has optimized his "learnTolead" program for the web and increased his reach in the process. "We're able to create and distribute new and updated material faster and more effciently in our state-of-the-art production studio than was remotely imaginable just a few years ago," he says. "i've been hired to speak in 15 countries, and we have clients in 30 nations." stan sher, president of voorhees, N.j.-based Dealer eTraining, says smartphone and tablet technology has spurred change as well. "i have incorporated the use of computers, an iPad and iPhone into everything that i do with regards to training," he says. "Technology allows me to have a few more clients because i can provide virtual training services. i also believe that technology has helped me train [dealers] to be more mobile-friendly." several miles away, in Mays landing, N.j., craig lockerd is leveraging the internet to change the face of dealership staff recruitment. "We were one of, if not the frst, automotive recruiting company to exclusively use the internet to seek out careerminded people for dealers," says the founder and president of the AutoMax group of companies. "as far as actual training, the use of PowerPoint, video and aDT virtual online training is an affordable no-brainer for dealers." neW features For Gerry Gould, director of training for united Development systems inc. (uDs) in clearwater, Fla., video training extends well beyond his client list. Gould hosts the "Tip of the Week" segments that appear on F&I; and Showroom's home page. "Technology has enabled me to deliver dynamic training content via uDs Webinars, as well as static content via the uDs Partner Portal to supplement the inclass or in-store training," he says. "in addition, i often suggest that training PhoTo ©isTockPhoTo.coM / coBalT