899

It's a long travel day, but I'm surprising myself at how excited I am to get to the San Francisco see everyone at our NADA conference! I've been to dozens and dozens of conferences but somehow, it has the same excitement as the first time I had 'earned' my way into attending.
My network, my colleagues, my friends...we share a DNA strand that goes beyond the intricacies of our individual business boundaries...we care. We are talented, committed and coming together to provide exceptional service to our industry.
I literally cannot wait to see each of you!
#GrinningEarToEarOnAA
#BetterTogether
#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships
#TransformingAutomotivePerformance

900

Good to know- you never know when this will come in handy:
Have you heard of 'Succession Planning' especially as it pertains to Automotive? Well, frankly, I only had some limited working knowledge, but learned this year how vital this can be to the current and future stability and success of many of our predominately family-owned businesses in Automotive. I learned so much from the talented team at The Rawls Group and saw first-hand the level of care they provide from family counseling to advisory on assets, sales and purchases and so much more- but I will let them fill in the rest for you. Their commitment to your company, your family, your future is remarkable...and you have enough on your plate already.
Even if this is something you don't need today, stop by and chat with them at NADA or listen in to their NextGen webinar series. I'll let Kendall Rawls, Loyd "Champ" Rawls and Loyd Rawls take it from here- they are the experts.
You've had your introduction- it's up to you to seek the stability and insight they can offer today's Automotive business owners.

902

#WhatIsPossible when you set your mind to it?
In the last two weeks:.
Working trip to Europe to set my focus and get to the business of launching a meaningful company. (you should have seen my hotel rooms- legit, work.)
Launched it. From Paris. The team at the hotel was outstanding!!! They were sharing my delight and amazement as I stayed onsite and answered every single message. They kept my coffees coming- and then brought the champagne!
Business cards (even though I question their usage vs digital!)
Dozens of helpful and encouraging conversations from many of you. ( even with a 6-9 hour time zone differential- thank you!)
Inspired by my website developer- Laura Murphy. We are great partners and almost there!
Set many appointments with new and old colleagues and some seeking FSG's assistance.
Gladly accepted your generous invites that have already rolled in for NADA events! (much, much gratitude!)
And today- did the necessary filing for our LLC!
Foster Strategies Group, LLC is looking forward to seeing you at NADA. To those of you who have reached out and not attending- we'll talk next week in a much quieter environment!
I am simply overwhelmed by the support, encouragement and partnership of my unparalleled network of colleagues/friends. Thank you!
#TransformingAutomotive

903

Automotive Vendors, Service and Software providers:
We know many of you are now experiencing increased challenges due to changes affecting our Dealerships!
Foster Strategies Group can help with our carefully designed, innovative approach.
Whether your concerns are slowing sales, revenue share or pricing pressures... or if you are ready to start increasing sales and profitability, with our strategies we will help you address and achieve your goals.
Companies we have helped said they were able to identify paths to strengthen their team through providing greater value to their Dealer clientele and prospects.
Our approach serves to create a stronger relationship bond, reduce price sensitivity while simultaneously expanding product depth and profitability.
As a bonus- you and your team will enjoy the road to these discoveries!
Call or text today to set up a brief appointment to review how we can partner to overcome these or any other opportunities that deserve a tremendous outcome.
We are committed to offering every sector of Automotive the successes that can be realized.
Limited appointments still available for NADA.

M. 269.217.0414
Email. Laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com
#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships
#TransformingAutomotivePerformance
#FosterStrategiesGroup

905

Although we never met face-to-face due to the crowd, I had the pleasure of seeing Margie Warrell in person in Nashville this past year. Her keynote presentation at the Automotive News Women in Retail Automotive event was brilliant. I have been following her closely ever since.
I heard a younger woman speak recently that reminded me so much of Margie and I do think they should meet. Klyn Elsbury ...@Margie...you two can take it from here.
Much of her time she speaks on Courage And now she is launching a 'Reset Your Life Compass' program. I can assure you that any time you spend reading her material or listening to her is worth it.
So no matter whether you're a man or a woman and regardless of your industry or position, do yourself a favor and take a closer look.
#Courage
#ResetYourLifeCompass
#BetterTogether

906

Just in time for NADA:
Foster Strategies Group is pleased to announce our official launch on January 23rd.

In a rapidly changing Automotive Industry, we are proud to introduce #TransformingAutomotivePartnerships and #TransformingAutomotivePerformance, where today's Dealers, Vendors and OEMs can all now experience highly impactful strategies with a clear path to success.
We are ready and equipped to offer you unparalleled results you hoped were possible.
More to come, but we wanted you to be aware as soon as possible.
Limited appointments will be available during the conference.
Contact us via laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com or
m-269.217.0414
#FosterStrategiesGroup
#TransformingAutomotive
#WhatIsPossible
And we always know we are...
#BetterTogether

907

When I first opened 50 Big Ideas. I thought I would breeze through as with so many 'Top This and That' lists. However, in addition to the sheer volume, the depth and supplementary videos from several key contributors at #LinkedIn completely took me in.
As you browse, some may have greater import to you at the moment, but take a look around topics that have been on the periphery of your conversations.
I'm seeing patterns of overlap and intersection in both action and thought patterns.
What will our next level of new normal look like...and how long will it last?
I look forward to hearing/seeing your thoughts on these 50 and others.
Thank you to Isabelle Roughol and all of these fine contributors.

909

A powerful CEO you might not have heard much about, by her design.
Great read to begin your day for anyone in a leadership role, or those who are on their path.
Many of us started work at a very young age just as Julie Sweet did... After this, track her career and her commitment to delivering her employees and clients alike a better path.
I'm over simplifying due to space, and to encourage you to read on... this is worth the 5 minute read as you start your day with intention and direction.
I wonder if she's available for a lunch. Should I ask?

#InspirationalLeadership
#BetterTogether
#TransformingAutomotivePartnerships
#WhatIsPossible

911

Today you get to choose.
You actually get to choose every day. But today you get to choose if all those things you talked about wanting to do in the New Year were really things you wanted to do. If so, are you acting on them...Or are they goals that somebody else thought you should tackle, so you chose those... Now how is that going to work?!
The only way you are likely to achieve any goals is by choosing carefully things that align with your authentic self. What is your true purpose? If you don't have a clear vision on it, spend some time today. Or now, yes right now would be a good time.
Get really clear with yourself and have a great time cheering yourself on towards meeting your goals.
Finally, If these goals really are personal to you and meaningful… share them with someone. Not as an accountability partner, but as someone who can celebrate your accomplishments with you. Whether these are business goals or personal goals, I wish you the inspiration and insight to arrive at your custom-crafted successful life.
You and your authentic self can do this.
And always, always remember, we are... #BetterTogether
#WhatIsPossible
#AttitudeIsEverything

912

How do you get your new year off to the best possible start?
Wrap up everything you can as neatly and insightfully as possible. This is taking me extra time right now, but it's worth every minute. To start well, you must finish well.
It's like a workplace spring cleaning or cleanse!
The last few days have been arduous at best, with late, late hours when it would be easy to fall into holiday hours...but it feels incredible tonight to have things well under control and a very short list for Monday. If you wait until the year is rolling to start planning, we tend to struggle to ever catch up, let alone get ahead.
I am prepared for a whirlwind of a January and a terrific 2019.
If you have been putting this off- blame the holiday goodie hangover- I will gladly send you the 'nudge' of motivation you might need so you can share the same sense of gratification.
#BetterTogether
#2019IsKnocking
#YourFutureStartsTonight
#WhatIsPossible

913

Something's brewing in Automotive, colleagues! Our friend Eric Brown, Co-Founder of Dataium and more, posted an intriguing update today.

"Just began consumer testing of my latest project. Also getting excellent feedback from potential partners and customers. Looking forward to coming out of stealth mode in the new year. Stay tuned.....and ..... Happy New Year to All!!"- Eric

After several successful industry launches before, what will it be this time?
You've got us geeks out here guessing...
Whatever it is you are building, you are always working to make us better, through AI based on Real Intelligence!

915

As the Christmas holiday shopping and preparations begin to wrap up quite literally, the shift begins towards the celebration of family and love and hope...the part we really enjoy and remember.
Even as I head out for the last items on my list and actually bake (gasp!) the only things on the real wish list I have are these:
Hope- many don't have it, or could use more, so be sure to share it liberally.
Peace- Some of do 'peace' a bit noisier- but you can be enthusiastic on the outside while at peace and in control inside.
Commitment- Reflecting on the people and things we might have impacted, knowing there is only so much more ground to cover. And a steely, yet kind resolve to accomplish what you know you must do.
Joy- This comes from within. And the volume switch for this lies squarely in your and my hands. Enjoy it all. The work, the progress, the people- always the people- the tough days, the long flights, the purpose, the planning. Get, no, take, every bit of Joy out of it.
My Christmas is looking pretty Merry seeing all that I have and those in my life at home and work. This makes the last item on my list the one that is always there:
Gratitude.
Enjoy the Holidays and I wish you all the things you have on your list.
-Laurie

916

A follow up to my Friday evening post.
To say I am overwhelmed by the response from our Automotive Industry network to those who are getting displaced isn't entirely true.
Yes, it is spectacular to see all of you sharing your stories publicly and privately. It is encouraging to see companies and colleagues stepping up with their'We're Hiring" messages again both publicly and privately to me.
But I believe in our network, so I'm not as surprised as you might think. This beautifully organized, chaotic, challenging. rewarding business is full and running over with people + companies with some of the hardest-working and biggest hearted (i know it's not proper syntax!) and most driven people I know. Did i mention talented also?
So when the message is clear and there is a shared mission and purpose...you show up.!This is powerful...and so are you.
While this may or not have made the day easier for some of you, by seeing the unity and the broad scope of People Who Care and Can Help, I hope you all see what a difference you make.
I have done my best to keep up with the messages and new connections and will continue to keep you updated. Please share freely on my posts or your own.
Always, always remember...We are #BetterTogether.
You, my friend, are always a part of this wonderful 'WE!'

917

Cali+Hawaii anyone? I'm not sure of the details, but if you're qualified (Automotive Digital and driven) you know the weather will be one reason to look closely at this opportunity.
Thank you, Mike Cavanaugh for posting and allowing me to share with my network.
To my friends, if it's time to polish up your resume, reach out to Lisa Campbell and you will get terrific help and coaching from the best!

918

I know it's starting to get late on a Friday evening, at least on the East Coast… but after hearing about yet another company struggling… one that I truly enjoyed working for and the amazing people that were there… I had to say something.
If you have been one of the fine people working in the automotive vendor space and are/were really good at your job and really care about the people that you serve in the people around you… please feel free to reach out. I have the privilege and pleasure and responsibility of knowing so many people in this business. Some of the absolute finest people... and if I don't know them I'm not afraid to ask for an introduction. Especially on your behalf.

Get your ducks in a row, get your purpose in mind and feel free to reach out at any point in time. You have more friends than you can imagine out here. I bled purple too...and part of me always will. Because some of the finest folks I ever knew were truly on the same mission... And they gave me the opportunity to know them and their clients and work alongside and for them all across the country every single week for years. I'm forever grateful.
We truly are #BetterTogether.

Find out how our program ‘Automotive Performance Plus’ transforms relationships and results for dealers and vendors!