We have a bonus offering for you, our valued dealer readers, today - with the launch of the latest installment of our free Dealer Toolkit series.
This time our focus is on the topical area of AI. The Toolkit specifically concentrates on how the easily available technologies - which are often cheap or even costless - may be utilised within a dealership setting.
I suspect that much like whenever any new technology bursts onto the scene, there will be a degree of both scepticism and trepidation around its usage. That's certainly the way I feel about anything new! My default position on anything modern is, well, I've got along fine without it so far, why do I need to change?! However, even I'll admit that The Internet has turned out to be quite handy!
I think the problem that I often have, and perhaps others do too, isn't so much with the actual reality of whatever the new development is - but in my perception of it. With AI specifically, there could be a sense that it's here to take over or replace - and that simply isn't the case.
Our Toolkit will hopefully dispel any of those myths. It's designed to take dealers through AI's capabilities, step-by-step, with practical, helpful tips and advice - all geared towards its use in a real-world dealership.
This guide has stemmed from a session that some of you will have attended last November at the Service Dealer Conference. Neil Wilkins, marketing consultant and senior tutor at Cambridge Marketing College, ran one the popular breakout seminar sessions, perhaps introducing for the first time to many, the concept of how AI can assist in day-to-day operations.
Neil said of AI at the time, "It can automate repetitive, low value business activities, releasing time for other value-added tasks. It can also help with confident evidence-based decision-making, spotting trends and impacts that humans cannot." He went on to state, "AI isn’t a distant tech, but a present, practical, hybrid asset that’s not about eliminating human connection, but building upon it to develop greater loyalty.”
Our guide is intended to act as an inspiration for dealers to take a look at the tools available and see how they might fit into their working lives. One dealer who we know took on board what Neil had to say last November and went away to try it at his own dealership, was Steve Law of Cutting Edge.
When Duncan and I visited Steve and Sara's premises earlier this year, Steve told us how following the Conference he had found usage of AI for certain tasks quite the game-changer. Catching up with him for the publication of this Toolkit, Steve told us, "As someone with dyslexia, AI tools like ChatGPT have completely leveled the playing field. I no longer stress over writing emails, reading technical info, or producing clear documentation."
Steve continued, "It's like having a personal assistant who's always there to help me get my thoughts across properly. It's made me faster, more confident and able to focus on the job instead of the admin." - Which is quite the testimonial!
So don't take my word, take other Steve's and do please have a look at the Toolkit. Perhaps dip in and out of it, returning when you're ready to tackle the next part (it's split into five helpful chapters). I think you'll find that the perception that it's just for big corporations or the super tech-savvy, simply isn't the case. AI can be easy to use and helpful for all.
Bear in mind it isn't The Terminator and the traditional dealer isn't Sarah Connor. Dealers have always adapted as new ideas have cropped up. AI is just the latest development that can assist in your delivery of outstanding customer service.
Check out the Toolkit here.
