Most Clicked AAIA SmartBrief Stories
1. Lang Aftermarket Insight: Foreign vehicles invade repair-age sweet spot
AAIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
"The repair-age sweet spot for cars and light trucks (vehicle ages with above-average use of aftermarket products) is changing in two important ways. First, the upper age boundary of the vehicle repair sweet-spot is moving higher. Second, foreign nameplates are rapidly increasing their share of vehicles in the sweet-spot. Both changes are influencing foreign vehicle aftermarket growth." View Lang Aftermarket Insight for a complete analysis. Blank (11/29)
2. Mass. right-to-repair bill is passed by state Senate
AAIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Proponents of Massachusetts legislation that seeks to expand access to vehicle-repair information are continuing to collect signatures for a ballot measure in case legislative efforts fail. The state Senate passed a right-to-repair bill on a voice vote last week, but it's unclear whether the bill will be voted on in the House. Boston Herald (05/26)
3. On the Road with Kathleen: It's all about the data
AAIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
In the aftermarket industry, the standards that add structure and consistency to our data are called ACES and PIES. Even though they have reached a level of maturity, they continue to grow more capable and comprehensive in response to the constant evolution of our data requirements. Find out more from AAIA president and CEO Kathleen Schmatz, and subscribe today to stay On the Road with Kathleen. Blank (05/24)
4. 5 questions on making employees, customers happier
AAIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Nearly half of employees don't trust their leaders, writes Shannon Alter, who offers five questions to help companies realize where they stand in keeping employees engaged and happy. These questions include, "Does top management exhibit genuine concern for employees' well-being?" and "Do employees feel their work is valued?" SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (05/23)
5. 3 perks that will keep top performers happy
AAIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Research shows that throwing more money at top performers isn't enough to keep them motivated, no matter the worker's age, Sylvia Ann Hewlett writes. Workers are more likely to be engaged if they're offered flexible work schedules, recognition for their accomplishments and breaks during the day, she writes. Harvard Business Review online (05/24)
6. Companies should aim to integrate, not onboard, new hires
AAIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Too often companies rely on "checklist style" onboarding processes that don't fully integrate new employees into their respective organizations, Tony Kubica and Sara LaForest write. They offer six tips for talent integration, such as arranging internal mentorships and regular feedback meetings. ERE.net (05/22)
7. The assumptions that could be costing you
AAIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance in a sales representative. A little success can cause salespeople to assume too much about their customers, and they don't find out differently until it's too late. Having insight into real -- not perceived -- customer needs and attitudes opens the door to important improvements. Is your sales team relying on some dangerous assumptions? Sales & Marketing Management (05/20)
8. Have you stopped your leadership evolution?
AAIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
There are several stages of leadership development, including the "sponge" stage, when you try to figure out how things work, and the "delivery" stage, when you manage to get something done, Steve Tobak writes. Some company leaders get stuck in a certain stage of leadership development, which can have adverse affects on the businesses for which they are responsible, he writes. CBS MoneyWatch (05/24)
9. 12 steps to smart sales hiring
AAIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Sales managers who complain that their sales training doesn't have a lasting impact usually look for a different sales trainer. The real problem, says Sales & Marketing Management contributing editor Dave Stein, often lies with who the manager has hired to be trained. As many as one-third of salespeople do not have the capabilities to be successful at their job, according to one survey. Sales & Marketing Management (05/25)
10. Lithium-ion batteries will be used for the next decade, researchers say
AAIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Vehicle batteries will continue to use lithium-ion technology for at least another decade, says Department of Energy researcher Tony Hancock. Battery manufacturers are focusing as much on improving lithium-ion technology as they are on developing next-generation technologies such as lithium-sodium and lithium-air, Hancock says. GreenCarReports.com (05/24)
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