3 Min ReadMay 6, 2014

Online Communities: Users Helping Users

When it comes to your dealership software, it is always exciting to discover something new that can help you do your job better. Deciding on a new Dealer Management System (DMS) is like buying a new car. It’s a big decision. Choosing a new Customer Relationship Management system is like purchasing a new TV. It’s an investment. No matter what, you want to dive right in and get the most out of it.

You made the purchase for a reason and you know what you want to accomplish, but sometimes you just can’t figure out how to do it. Searching through technical documentation can be helpful, but time-consuming. Calling tech support may also provide some answers. But, these methods can take you down longer roads than you anticipated … and if you have a very specific dealership business issue, you may not ever find the answers you need.

Rest assured, you’re not alone.

Getting the most from your investment is important and finding answers when you need them is critical. It is very likely that other people have experienced the exact issues you are encountering, and recently, everyone is pitching in to help out. There’s a great way to exchange advice with people just like you, and it’s right at your fingertips.

You’re not alone

Online ‘user-to-user’ communities are creating an environment where people can discuss specific business issues and share knowledge—without the need for contacting the technology provider. These communities feature areas that focus on specific products and are easily navigable.

The most valuable communities are even ‘gated,’ so only those who use a specific company’s products can post a question or response in a designated area. This helps greatly in finding exactly what you need without having to wade through irrelevant posts and comments. When you go looking for information, you do not want to read a bunch of non-specific complaints and requests for new enhancements—you just need answers that will keep you on track, utilizing your solutions to their fullest and taking care of your customers.

You’re among friends

Knowing you are in a secure environment is also very important. Having a moderator that will monitor content to check links and redirect posts when needed, gives you the benefit of knowing that you will receive accurate, credible information. However, other users—just like you—are the ones you will be having virtual discussions with, so you don’t have to worry about someone trying to sell you something. Tips, tricks and answers from someone who uses the same product as you do every day can be very insightful and save you time.

Social learning from online communities is one of the strongest trends in the ever-growing use of new technology in dealerships. This collaboration among total strangers via a virtual environment may sound foreign to some people, but it is based on the idea that no one likes to be confused and frustrated. The give-and-take of knowledge that online ‘user-to-user’ communities afford each person involved can lead to everyone being able to do their job more effectively and a more efficient use of technology for all dealerships.

Changing the way you do things is always difficult, but talking to people who have been in your shoes will help ease the transition. The next time you are challenged by technology, seek out an online ‘user-to-user’ community that will give you specific, easy-to-find information from people who have experienced the same issues as you. Trust me, it’s much more cost effective than throwing your mouse at your screen.

Share This

CDK Global
By CDK Global
Staff

Recent Insights

C D K Foundations Suite. The Core of a Connected Dealership.

CDK Foundations Suite: The Core of a Connected Dealership

In This ArticleWhat’s the CDK Foundations Suite?Core CapabilitiesWho’s the Right Fit for the Foundations Suite? What’s New in the Foundations Suite?How...
4 Min ReadJul 2CDK Global
Dig Deeper Into Your Fixed Ops Digital Toolbox.

Dig Deeper Into Your Fixed Ops Digital Toolbox

Vehicle technology has evolved from mechanical systems to software-driven machines. Today’s vehicles run on sensors, diagnostics and over-the-air updates. Maintenance...
3 Min ReadJul 1Lindsey D. Bona
Car Buyer Satisfaction Tanks in June

Car Buyer Satisfaction Tanks in June

CDK’s three years of tracking car shoppers’ opinions on the purchase process has never seen a monthly drop as large...
3 Min ReadJun 26David Thomas
How Car Dealership Photography Can Maximize Vehicle Sales.

How Car Dealership Photography Can Maximize Vehicle Sales

Gone are the days of grainy newspaper classifieds. CDK data shows that nearly 90% of shoppers are enticed to start...
3 Min ReadJun 18CDK Global
Road Tripping and Overcoming EV Range Anxiety.

Road Tripping and Overcoming EV Range Anxiety

With electric vehicles inching closer and closer to price parity with gas-powered and hybrid vehicles, interest in EVs has skyrocketed....
4 Min ReadJun 13CDK Global
Don’t Flub the Dealership Test Drive.

Why Dealerships Can't Afford To Flub the Test Drive

Nearly everyone who buys a car takes it for a test drive before they close the deal, 91% of all car...
2 Min ReadJun 11CDK Global
How A I Can Help Secure Your Dealership Service Marketing Spend.

How AI Can Help Secure Your Dealership Service Marketing Spend

U.S. auto dealerships spent $4.46 billion in advertising expenditures last year, averaging thousands per month per dealership. Advertising expenses aren’t...
2 Min ReadJun 9Jeanie Cairo
Inventory Dip Alters One Crucial Metric in May

Inventory Dip Alters One Crucial Metric in May

Inventory picked up slightly in May but still remains lower than what was witnessed last year. Overall, shoppers are just...
2 Min ReadJun 2David Thomas
How to Spot Generative A I in Automotive Retail.

How To Spot Generative AI in Automotive Retail

Every vendor in the automotive retail industry is touting artificial intelligence and innovation. From marketing tools to sales assistants, dealerships...
3 Min ReadMay 21Amber Good
How Dealership A I Tools Can Help Service Team Productivity.

How Dealership AI Tools Can Help Service Team Productivity

Eight minutes and 12 seconds may not seem like a long time, but for dealership customers stuck on hold trying...
3 Min ReadMay 14CDK Global