What You Forgot On Your NADA Shopping List

This week as thousands of automotive professional head to Las Vegas for the 2012 NADA Convention, hundreds of vendor are preparing their booths to connect their products and services to interested buyers.

If you have never been to NADA, it can be overwhelming. Walking the exhibit hall can be exhausting.  If you can wear sneakers, bring them.

I wish  Segways were allowed to move me around the hall because vendors and dealers know the sore feet and backaches that are associated with being at a trade show for three days.

Finding The Magic Bullet at NADA

I’d like to make a suggestion to dealers who are heading to NADA to look for the next “magic bullet” to improve their sales and profits.  You may have a shopping list filled with booth numbers and VIP parties and those things are well and good.  However, the next magic bullet for your business and professional life may be something you didn’t think to add to the list.

To lead a world class life and business you need to invest in yourself first before adding more shiny objects or distractions. Regardless of your role in the dealership, true leadership requires the knowledge, passion, and energy to lead.  Do you have a limitless supply of these building blocks to success?

Your Top 2 Investments in 2012

Many of you know that I have a busy travel schedule. I would most likely be very sick today if two years ago I didn’t make the same two investments I am encouraging you to make.  The two investments are education and exercise.

Two years ago, I was inspired by Grant Cardone to read 70 books a year.  I took the challenge and have been rewarded 10X for the time I invest in reading. The knowledge, insights, and motivation I receive each week from reading is priceless.  Yet, as I meet with automotive professionals their commitment to reading is weak at best.

Need some books to start you on your way?  For industry professionals working for someone, read “Linchpin” by Seth Godin.  For business owners read “Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter” by Liz Weisman.

Reading helps to open our eyes to the experiences and opportunities that this world offers.  Being a business owner in today’s economic and social climate is not without its challenges.  Don’t go it alone.  Leverage the insights and experience of others and I guarantee you will be rewarded by your commitment to read on a regular basis.

Creating Unlimited Energy

The second investment I would like to challenge readers is in their diet and exercise.   I can’t say that the health of automotive professionals are any worse than any other industry. Regardless,  why compare ourselves to anything less than a lifestyle that generates the energy, clarity of mind, and passion.

The commitment to “move” each day in a form exercise that works best with your schedule and physique is the best investment you can make for your career.  Healthy people are the wealthiest people in the world.  With your health and vitality your opportunities are endless.

Since we are in the people business,  consider the difference in your work if you radiated health and positive energy each day because you felt great!

So, enjoy the 2012 NADA Convention. I am sure that there will be many “things” that will help you at work but don’t forget that without an investment in yourself, your true value will be drained by your work.  Take time to re-fuel your mind, body, and spirit.   Leaders Lead….so start with yourself!

• Article Archives

Tags: 2012 nada convention, Brian Pasch, nada, Trade Shows