4: Further Resources for dealers

Staying updated on AI developments allows dealers to anticipate technological advancements and adapt before their competitors.

Maginative (maginative.com)

• What It Offers: Maginative provides in-depth coverage of AI applications across industries, offering actionable insights and detailed case studies.
• Relevance for dealers: It helps dealers stay current on AI innovations related to predictive maintenance, inventory optimisation, and customer service tools.
• Example Use: Discover how AI is being applied in the automotive service industry and explore ways to integrate similar technologies into your dealership’s operations.

Superhuman (superhuman.ai)

• What It Offers: Superhuman delivers AI news and updates specifically for business leaders and professionals in the tech space.
• Relevance for dealers: Gain insights into AI tools that can streamline operations, including chatbots and automated workflows.
• Example Use: Explore AI tools that can automate customer interactions, improving appointment scheduling and operational efficiency.

How to Use:
Subscribe to the newsletters and set aside time each week to review the latest articles. Share key insights with your team to encourage innovation and application within your dealership.

Podcasts provide a convenient way to stay informed while multitasking, such as during commutes or other activities.

The AI Breakdown Podcast (Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)

• What It Offers: A daily podcast providing updates on AI news, tools, and trends, along with expert analysis on emerging applications.
• Relevance for dealers: Understand how AI advancements impact small-to-medium businesses and industries focused on operational efficiency.
• Example Use: Learn how predictive analytics in sectors like logistics can optimise equipment servicing schedules at your dealership.

How to Use:
Incorporate podcast episodes into your daily routine and discuss key takeaways with your team. Use the insights to explore practical applications for your dealership’s operations.

AI tools are only as effective as the people using them. Continuous training ensures your team can effectively harness the power of AI technologies.

Webinars and Tutorials:

• Example Resource: Runway’s video tutorials help you create professional marketing materials or equipment videos.

Hands-On Workshops:

• Example Use: Participate in workshops focused on service industry applications, such as route optimisation or sales automation. Use these opportunities to train staff in using tools like Polycam for 3D model creation.

How to Use:
Allocate part of your annual training budget to AI skill-building workshops. Ensure that sessions align with specific challenges faced by your dealership.

Collaborating with peers within the service dealership community fosters innovation and sparks new ideas.

Industry Forums:

• Join LinkedIn or Facebook groups where service dealers share experiences and insights.
• Example Resource: LinkedIn groups related to equipment sales and servicing.

Case Studies and Testimonials:

• Learn from case studies detailing AI adoption in other dealerships.
• Example Use: Understand how a competitor improved technician efficiency using AI-powered route optimisation and replicate these workflows in your dealership.

How to Use:
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences with the community. Networking with peers can provide valuable perspectives and actionable insights.

Attending AI and dealer conferences exposes your team to cutting-edge solutions and best practices.

AI in the servicing industries conferences:

• Focuses on AI tools and strategies for the service industry, offering valuable insights into predictive maintenance and customer service automation.

General AI and Business Events:

• Broader events like AI expos and tech summits introduce emerging tools that may not yet be mainstream but can offer unique advantages for dealerships.
• Example Use: Discover new automation tools designed to optimise back-office processes.

How to Use:
Develop a strategy for conference attendance. Assign different team members to attend specific sessions and share key takeaways with the group afterward.

As customers increasingly expect tech-driven interactions, staying ahead of their expectations is essential.

Customer Experience Blogs:

• Follow blogs dedicated to enhancing customer interactions through AI.
• Example Resource: Read articles about personalising chatbot interactions or omnichannel customer service strategies.

Interactive Technology Reviews:

• Explore reviews of AI tools like Colossyan and HeyGen to create engaging video avatars for customer education.
• Example Use: Develop interactive video tutorials to help customers understand how to use your equipment or take advantage of servicing packages.

How to Use:
Experiment with free trials of recommended tools. Monitor customer feedback to refine your approach and enhance engagement.

Practical Implementation of Resources

1. Curate Relevant Content: Assign a team member to review and summarise insights from these resources on a weekly or monthly basis.
2. Apply Learnings: Test one idea or tool from your research each quarter and measure its impact on your dealership.
3. Collaborate and Share: Share valuable insights with your team to encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

By leveraging these resources, dealers can stay at the forefront of AI adoption, enhancing operational efficiency and improving both customer and employee experiences.