Firstly, thanks to everyone who has so far contributed to our request for feedback on Service Dealer.

It's been fascinating and most helpful reading through the first responses to come back to us. There is still time for you to have your say though. If you feel you'd like to let us know what you think of both the magazine and this Weekly Update please do so.

You should have received the latest issue of the magazine by now which included a reply-paid card for you to fill out and pop in the post to us. Or if a trip out to the postbox is somewhat daunting in this very changeable weather we're enjoying, you can still let us know what you think by filling in the online form on our website. Again, it's very much appreciated you taking the time to offer your opinions on Service Dealer's output - and don't forget everyone who contributes is in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

I've been out and about this week and I must say it was very gratifying to meet some of our readers - and advertisers - in person and be given some positive feedback face-to-face. Nothing beats that human interaction.

And there's lots of opportunities for that at this time of year as it's currently that silly season where there's trade shows and dealer days aplenty! Talking to dealers this week it seems there's a lot of time being spent away from the workplace at the moment. Or at least decisions are having to be made about which events to attend - and which members of staff to send?

These sacrifices of time away from the showroom, if carefully planned, are clearly worth it though. As my esteemed predecessor was want to say, 'you can't fax a handshake'. It's more like you can't Periscope a handshake these days, but the principal remains the same.

The value in catching up with colleagues and contemporaries, discussing the issues of the day, really can't be underestimated. And of course the opportunity to see what products are new and coming up is always fascinating.

It's with this face-to-face interaction where independent dealers of course excel. It's most likely their number one advantage and unique selling point.

I was talking to a dealer this week about methods of communicating with customers. They were telling me that however important all the modern social media channels of reaching out and connecting with your local community undoubtedly are, they are all intended for one end game.

To get people to come in through your doors.

It is then that the personal touch, which only the specialist dealer can offer, comes into its own. Connecting with the customer on a one-to-one, real life basis, still cannot be beaten as a sales tool.

It builds trusts, builds a rapport and instils confidence both in the product you are selling, and most importantly you as a company.

This is why most dealers will tell you they have an incredibly loyal customer base who return to their store year upon year.