23 November 2015

Are you a Dave or a Kevin? Don’t worry, it’s not a trick question but a rather clever way to determine if you fully understand the importance of investing in online activities for your business or not.

Credit for this slightly cryptic approach should go to Harry Bott from Mediahawk. One of the speakers at the recent launch of Auto Retail Network’s Website Report 2015, Harry posed that question as part of a wider discussion on the importance of building a strong and responsive online presence.

Kevins are the disinterested teenagers happy to bump along at the bottom. Picture Harry Enfield’s Kevin and Perry sketches if you need further inspiration. Daves, on the other hand, are go-getting types determined to succeed. And yes, Harry was thinking of a certain Mr Cameron. He did go to school with him, after all.

If you value your bottom line and your reputation, you should view your online presence as an integral part of your operation and invest accordingly. That might mean more capital, but it could also mean more manpower – it’s no longer a job for one person in the corner of the office.

Half a day in the company of some extremely knowledgeable and passionate speakers proved that there’s much to learn, but help isn’t in short supply. And neither were good ideas, as the discussions between retailer representatives and experts proved.

Key to success is to embrace change and not be afraid to innovate. Google and Facebook can be your friends as long as you understand how these Internet giants tick, while the concept of office hours work patterns are as old as the world’s first mobile phone. There’s no ‘Closed’ sign online; customers expect a reasonable response often at previously unreasonable hours.

Implement the right strategies and the rewards will follow. You can’t afford to ease off, though, thanks to the fast-paced nature of the Internet. However, if your name’s Dave you’ll have the right mindset to succeed. 

Iain Dooley

Editor, Agenda

Auto Retail Network

Tags: ARN, Auto Retail Network, facebook, google, internet, online, Website Report 2015