A workshop presentation by Butch Hollister threw up an unusual idea for generating good community relations through engaging with 'customers in waiting'.

> Invite pre-kindergarten through 6th grade classes for a tour of the dealership.
> Create opportunity for them to learn about the operations of a new-vehicle facility.
> After tour of dealership, serve snacks.
> Each child receives a backpack with school supplies.

Go green with your community:

> Sponsor environmental community projects such as tree-planting, cleanup of roads, riverbanks, parks, and trails. Order recycling containers with your company name and offer “green” vehicles for sporting events (bike rides or runs).

Job swaps

Start by switching manager positions for three to five days: parts to service, new to used to finance, and so on. Office managers should be a part of this education rotation.
Next, switch service writers to parts and parts to service.