“So what do you do for a living?” How often have we all heard that question come out of someone’s mouth? Usually uttered at cocktail parties where few people know each other, this question establishes a framework for the relationships we have with everyone around us.

When we find out what people do for a living, we can determine what they can do for us and what we can do for them, creating networks that can last a lifetime. And who doesn’t want a friend who sells cars?

Except there are only so many people you can invite to a cocktail party, and only so many cocktail parties you can attend. So how do you turn this handy piece of information into more car sales without spending the next 30 Saturdays at cocktail parties?

Utilize social media to make local contacts.

Social media has changed the way the internet -- and the world -- works. People are connecting with other people in ways they never could before. They would never have the time or ability to meet before this new technology became available. Now they’re not only meeting, but becoming friends. Social Media has also become a popular method of automotive internet marketing.

To use social media to forward your business goals, the first thing you have to understand is who it is that buys your product. In the auto salesperson’s case, those people are local. Focus your energies on meeting new online contacts that you know are within driving range of where you are. There are local communities on all of the major social networks, most prominently Facebook. These are where you’ll meet the people who can come out and buy your cars.

Make them aware of what you do.

Don’t hide your occupation. Make it easy for them to find out that you sell vehicles, either by putting something simple in your forum signature line or making sure to fill in the occupation and employer categories on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Don’t sell anything.

Social media is just what it sounds like -- social. This is not a way for you to sell cars. It’s a way for you to meet people to whom you may eventually sell cars. Do not try to sell through your social media profile, ever. Just be social.

Go about your business.

Probably the most important thing to remember about building a personal social networking profile is that you have to be yourself. You can be yourself on your best behaviour, but you have to be honest about who you are and what you’re doing. Don’t pretend to be a churchgoer or a Democrat or a kite-lover, just to sell cars. Do what you would do anyway and meet like-minded people. That will be the secret to your success.

Greetings Dealer Community,

Are you interested in posting articles, perspectives, commentary and submitting your dealership to a directory? Interactive online video and text chat available to see who you are talking with.. perhaps your bank rep, vendor rep and more... tell all your friends working at dealers... speak up, speak out and share your views. Spectate or participate, it is up to you! Times are tough and varied perspectives are necessary these days.. visit www.autofinanceindustry.com (Free) In an effort to keep the integrity of the site, it is asked you connect through www.linkedin.com to validate your professional footprint to be sure the content is relevant and from a professional such as you!

Best Regards,

Jeff