The real change-makers in the retail auto industry all have one thing in common. They believe and deploy the power of a positive mindset before any job-specific tactics. Isn't it ironic? Those who focus strictly on tactics never seem to get a head while those who have a positive, willing, and committed mindset tend to rise the leaderboard consistently?

There is a massive shift coming to the retail automotive industry, and dealers need to wake up and focus on what matters most if they want to weather the storm.

Brian Kramer is the general manager of Germain Toyota of Naples and is the pioneer of the 100% paperless car sales transaction. His work has forged the path in assisting his dealership and others with the digital evolution.

Dealership BDC reps play a key role in bridging the gap between the online car shopping experience and the in-store experience.

As dealerships move into a growing online retailing environment, it's more important than ever to have a process that can bridge the gap between online visitors and in-store customers.

At the Dealer Playbook, we really believe that all the tactics in the world won't benefit your career in the retail auto industry if you're unhappy, unfulfilled, or have other barriers holding you back from being the best version of yourself that you can possibly be.

How do you behave when things don't go your way? Maybe you didn't hit the number of vehicles sold that you were hoping, or you got passed up for the open management position at the dealership?

The secret to growing in business is to not have clients but to have people you consider friends. People that you can enjoy a long-term relationship with.

Modern car shoppers deserve a modern approach by car dealers. Those within the industry who demonstrate a service-oriented mindset are quickly rising up and standing apart from dealers who are in it to retain gross or increase profits alone.

Limiting or fixed beliefs are holding many professionals back from achieving the success they want. Alex Flores, prominent car dealer and leadership coach shares some of the most common.

Alex Flores is the dealer principal and GM of Capitol Chevrolet, Seguin Chevrolet, and has led both stores to unprecedented growth. Prior to Alex Flores's tenure, Capitol was selling 216 cars per month, but once he stepped in, that number rose to a whopping 762 cars per month.

Like stoplights on the road. You know where you're going and why you're going there, but there are certain laws that you have to obey to get to your desired destination.

Coach Isaac Brown, a former NFL, and CFL athlete is the strength and conditioning coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He helps his players perform at peak levels both on and off the field by developing healthy habits and routines.

It's easy to get stuck doing what you've always done to alleviate the discomfort of trying something new.

David Spisak has 27 years of retail automotive experience during which he owned and operated single point stores and large groups. He was the operator of Smythe European, a Mercedes-Benz dealership that generated a whopping $23.7 million in NET profit.

When we fast-forward and look at technology today, Brian Miller suggests that its best use is to help build better relationships with customers.

We have a love/hate relationship with technology in the retail auto industry, but it doesn't have to be that way. For years we've either relied too heavily on technology and bypassed the essential human needs of the car shopper.

The language of your recruiting ad can have a tremendous impact on the quality of candidates you receive for career opportunities at your dealership.

Jeff Morrill is the co-founder of Planet Suburu and author of "Profit Wise - How To Make More Money In Business By Doing The Right Thing." He's a successful businessman with investments generating well over $100 Million/year.

In order to break free from the daily grind, it's important to clearly define our true identity. Not our job-related identity per se, but more so the value we bring to the world. Oftentimes we define who we are by our job title or role within an organization when the truth is that we are so much more than that.