Since When Is Anonymous An Authority?

Hello Fleet Professionals!

“Never answer an anonymous letter” - Yogi Berra

Have you noticed the latest trend in authoritative comments? Blogs and "Letters to the Editor" written by Anonymous.

I've always enjoyed reading editorials and letters in our magazines and the newspaper. The fact that the general public has an opinion and is taking the time to share it is the American way. But in the last few months we have seen an increase in the number of anonymous letters. Now there are still "signed" responses out there but it appears that those letters are primarily from service providers rather than fleet managers. So what's up with that? I have a theory.

People are afraid if they have an opinion they will be fired for it. Now if the opinion being expressed is a negative portrayal of the organization they work for that might be one thing; but when the commentary is related to the industry or our associations where is the harm in signing your name? Maybe the organization they work for has an editorial policy that forbids an individual from speaking for the company? That is understandable but shouldn't prohibit you from signing your letter - just don't list your company. And of course be professional. It is possible to disagree with a position without "bad-mouthing" your company, your peers or anyone else.

I could also go off on this whole conspiracy theory tangent about manipulating the conversation with anonymous letters but then that would just be my opinion!

Then there's the anonymous blog. What's the point? It's not that they aren't well written (they are) but they would carry alot more weight (authority) if we knew that the writer was someone with the knowledge and experience to support the position they happen to be writing about.

I can see it now. Future editorials accompanied by a picture of the writer with a bag over their head (anyone remember the Unknown Comic?). We'll start attending networking meetings wearing disguises so we can talk freely and remain anonymous. And just imagine how useful a conference panel with a slate of anonymous experts will be - you can go back to your office quoting anonoymous panelists numbers 1 through 4!

So if you find this blog a little funny or even sarcastic then I have accomplished my goal. Because after all, it's just my opinion and I'm proud to sign my name to it.

Keep your chin up and let me know what you think!

2010 AFLA Hit a Home Run

Hello Fleet Professionals!

It's hard to believe that several weeks have already passed since I returned from Las Vegas and the 2010 AFLA Annual Conference. Where does the time go? This year's event was the best yet where attendance reached an all time high (over 410 registered attendees)and with a group of sessions that exceeded all expectations - certainly my expectations!

I've always looked forward to the AFLA conferences and have attending them for more than 15 years. The last several years I've also been involved in their Membership Committee and most recently the Communications Committee. There are a couple of reasons I mention the committee work. First of all, I have always been a firm believer that you get more out of something (especially a professional association) when you give something back. One of the most immediate "paybacks" is the privilege of getting to know your peers better. Think about it. When you work with a group of people, regardless of the work, it builds a trust and comradary that is difficult to replicate through casual conversation before a session or during a reception. And that trust builds your network of contacts which makes you a more valuable resource to your company.

As I mentioned, this conference really was a home run. "Action packed" from beginning to end, starting with the new member/first time attendee reception. This is an invitation only event with the aforementioned dignitaries, the AFLA Board and the AFLA Ambassadors (the Membership Committee). It's a terrific opportunity to welcome and mentor those attendees that may have been in the industry for years but are attending their first AFLA Conference. The excitement in the room was amazing!

Immediately after, the conference begins and runs through the evening. I am tempted here to give you a comprehensive review of each program/session/speaker throughout the three days of the conference but I will resist and instead focus on a few that made an impression on me. For instance, two of the Thursday morning speakers, Richard Alaniz and JJ Eden gave us a fleet version of Scared Straight. Mr. Alaniz, a lawyer, reviewed a number of legal issues that impact every fleet operation and how various forces within a corporation can affect the fleet's ability to effectively keep up with the law. Mr. Eden's presentation was enlightening and more than a little frightening if you consider that we can now be tracked almost anywhere we go these days - between cells phones, GPS tracking systems (works both ways), traffic light cameras and now cameras used to bill for express tolling. Remember when we used to worry about billing our drivers back for their traffic tickets? Now we'll be doing that for the privilege of using the express toll roads which are heading away from manual toll collection to the express system.

My personal favorite of all the speakers was Lon Safko from Extreme Digital Marketing. He spoke on Friday morning, in the waning hours of the conference. Those of you that know me know that I have become something of a "social networking geek". Well, it's like this guy was there just for me. He was terrific speaker with lots of energy, lots of information and a book (of course I now have an autographed copy)! Lon gave us a great summary of the different tools available for our businesses on the net today and a look at how we can integrate them into building successful organizations.

Another highlight of the conference was this year's Hall of Fame Inductions. Well, one in particular. I've had the privilege of knowing many of the inductees, but this year one of my very best friends in our industry, and in fact my best man when I got married was brought into the hall: George Argueta! A true gentleman and a gentle man who is a great example of what we should strive to be not only in the fleet industry, but in life. Congratulations George!

I could end this blog on that note, but how can I pass up at least one rant? The AFLA Conference Committee put together a terrific program, and even modified the days and times so the attendees could be home with their families for the weekend. However, it never seems to fail that people leave before the conference ends. It's a shame because they missed some really good presentations.

So AFLA, keep up the good work! And readers, keep your chin up and let me know what you think!

If it's old is it obsolete?

"The problem is not a shortage of new ideas but a lack of understanding that the "old" ideas still work." - John G. Miller, QBQ! The Question Behind The Question

Hello Fleet Professionals!

Summer is upon us. The NAFA I&E is in the books for another year. The fleet preview shows are over. And the AFLA Conference is still more than 2 months away. So what does that all mean? That means it's time to finalize the new selectors and start gearing up for the new model year orders, of course! And maybe, hopefully, some vacation time with the family.

So what does that have to do with today's topic? Nothing! Unless you consider how radically and how quickly we are all moving away from "the old" to get to "the new" ideas of how things can and should be done. There can be no doubt that business has changed in the last few years, and that the way we do business has needed to change along with it. However, have your fleet needs really changed? I'm not talking about doing more with less, or thinking out of the box or even if your carbon index will allow you to use anything more than electric compacts in your fleet. What I mean is, have your needs for education and information changed? I maintain that they have not. What has changed is, possibly how we get that education and information.

Everyday it gets harder to get the approval to leave the office for a local meeting much less a national conference - no matter who is hosting it! But if we don't find ways to justify getting out, if only to ourselves, we begin to fall into the trap of working in an atmosphere that lacks alternative views. You begin to rely more and more on one source, such as your single source lessor who you source all or most of your services to as well. Are they informed on the industry (without a doubt), are they capable (definitely), are they so dedicated to your success that they will entertain and even recommend a third party to manage some part of your fleet - say remarketing or accident management for instance? (Houston we have a problem!) So it's safe to say that if you are "single-sourcing" your information, you may not be getting all the information you need to be successful in your job.

Our industry associations were formed to give us all the tools to get that information and education. They do it using formal educational sessions that can sometimes be dull and other times entertaining. More importantly, they provide us with a method of meeting our peers and other service providers in the industry. In the case of AFLA, through excellent sessions held once a year (in some terrific locations) and through frequent "tele-seminars". In the case of NAFA, through the annual I&E (conference), seminars and of course most importantly local chapter meetings.

OK, so back to the main point. Why have social activities at many of these gatherings been pushed aside or eliminated altogether? Has the corporate world decided that business networking is an "old idea"? Have you decided that? The internet is telling us something different. The explosion of networking sites (dubbed social networking) and Twitter are new, yet they are based on an old idea. That is, networking between people, sharing ideas, and furthering the conversation. Can any of this replace face to face networking? I HOPE NOT! Face to face networking builds trust, encourages candid conversation and is the cornerstone to building a business relationship. It introduces new professionals to both old and new ideas from industry veterans from both sides of the desk and can be either structured or completely spontaneous. It is truly amazing what you learn as you network with other professionals before, during and after a structured meeting or seminar. I would go as far as to say that our industry was built on networking. After all, when NAFA was started 53 years ago, it was for industry professionals to join together to share the concerns and successes within their operations with other professionals to help everyone be successful.

So the bottom line? Face to face networking, like unbundling and even returning phone calls may be "old" ideas, but they worked and they still work! So get yourself out of the office and start picking up the phone. These "old methods" will get you some "new ideas". Try it and let me know what you think!

Are You Reading?

Hello Fleet Professionals!

Are you busy? Silly question, right? I know I am! It just seems like there aren't enough hours in the day, or days in the weeks to get things done the way we want them done. But we still try, right? It's important to always do your best, or at least I seem to remember that lesson from my parents. And I do remember how hard they worked when I was a kid - and beyond.

So what does this have to do with the subject? Well as many hours as I put into work, I do like to read. In fact these days, it seems like I can't get enough of reading lately. Any one of my LinkedIn connections, or Facebook friends can tell you how much I've been reading lately because I like to review and post in each of my social network's "bookshelves" which are available for all those connections and friends to see.

Now here's the problem I have with reading: I tend to get bored very easily. For that reason I mix things up. For instance, I read two books at a time. No I don't mean one for each hand! (There's always a smart alec in the group...). Anyway, one of those books is some kind of self improvement - and I mix those up too - self help, business development, something inspirational. Always something that will make me think and hopefully I'll learn a little something from. My other book will always be for pure enjoyment. My favorites include Stephen King, Clive Cussler, Dean Koontz and Tom Clancy, just to name a few. Action, thriller, science fiction, it doesn't really matter as long as it's an escape.

The books are just the tip of the iceberg though. Do you read a newspaper? I read at least one everyday. I get the Denver Post at home, and I live within walking distance of the public library where I have access to the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Then there's our industry publications. And if you include all the electronic news magazines we get today, there's alot of reading. For the industry, my favorite has always been Automotive Fleet. Ed Bobit's editorial is where I always start and you don't have to always agree with him to find them insightful. Not to mention the letters from readers, Mike Antich's editorial and the actual articles. I won't say I have the time to read it cover to cover (as I did in the '80's) but I never miss the editorials and letters.

So what's the point? If you don't have time, you don't have time, right? Wrong! Make time. There is alot going on in our industry and in our world that affects what happens in your job and your life. Who would have thought that a slump in the housing market two years ago would have affected the auto industry and the fleet industry and our companies and jobs the way it has? Everything is connected these days and we've all seen how the housing domino has affected so many different parts of the world since it fell (and the rest started tumbling).

So if you are reading, good job! Keep up the good work and read more. If you're not reading, then you are missing alot. Of course you wouldn't be reading this blog either so who cares, right? Read on the plane and on the train, but please don't read while you're driving - I've seen people do this and it is super scary! Read at your desk, and on the couch and at the shore. And go ahead and read in the bathroom - oh c'mon! You know you do!

The worst things that could happen is you might learn something and you might even relax.

Keep your chin up and let me know what you think.

Reaching New Heights in the New Year

Hello Fleet Professionals!

It's been too long since our last visit! For many of us 2009 will go down as a year we won't miss. Don't get me wrong - despite the lousy economy, business at Fleets USA is good. Other aspects of life presented some difficulties which ultimately resulted in a monumental case of writer's block. But life goes on!

So 2010 is a fresh start. A new year, a new decade and a new set of opportunities are there for us to conquer! But first you've got to have a plan. You've got to identify some of those opportunities then go for it. So for 2010, I've set a few ambitious goals for myself:

- most important - spend more time with my three daughters;

- invest more time in my own health - get back to the gym!

- provide our clients with more tools to ease their workload and increase their value to their employers;

- work harder to remind our industry that a bundled fleet operation doesn't necessarily save you time OR money!

- continue to volunteer my time to our industry associations and to stress the power they have not just to educate, but to bring together fleet professionals in a setting that provides MANY opportunities to NETWORK with each other.

2009 was a tough year and I expect 2010 will bring it's own set of challenges. But each one of us can take a few steps forward towards a better life, a better future. And together, we can reach new heights!

Keep your chin up and drop me a line and share your goals for 2010!

AFLA Is Just Around the Corner...

Hello Fleet Professionals!

Can you believe that this week is the unofficial last week of summer? Where has the time gone? Last week, my youngest, Samantha, started high school! If that doesn't point out that summer is ending, it certainly reinforces how old I'm getting!

In the fleet industry, there are a number of milestones that herald the unofficial end of summer. The fall ordering cycle is underway for many fleets (or will be soon), as is one of my favorite conferences of the year: AFLA. Now for those of you that may be unaware, AFLA, otherwise known as the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association, holds it's annual conference in September. This year the conference will be held in Phoenix, AZ at the Arizona Biltmore and runs September 9th through the 11th.

The AFLA Board works hard every year to put together an educational program that balances the core topics (that would be the "hard core" fleet topics) with the professional development topics. These are mixed in with many opportunities to network with other attendees during breaks, dinners and the Annual Pete Z Memorial Golf Outing. Not being one to brag about my golf skills (or lack thereof) I usually join many other fleet professionals poolside (and even in the pool). You might be surprised how productive and informative these pool networking sessions turn out to be. While many take advantage of a little downtime to enjoy that fine Arizona weather, most turn it into an extremely productive brainstorming session.

I've been a fan of the AFLA conferences since I started attending in 1995. It's a more intimate group of industry professionals, most of whom are industry veterans. While I've always found the education sessions top notch, I like the networking opportunities which are outstanding. Attendees include veteran fleet managers, senior management from the manufacturers fleet departments, remarketing company leaders, fleet minded dealers from all over the country and senior management from the fleet management companies. It's a surprisingly intimate group and you just can't beat the setting! I'll be there and I hope you will too. If you haven't registered yet, you can get all the details at http://www.aflaonline.com/. Drop me a line and let me know you're coming too!

Before I close, I want to mention a loss we all shared in early August. Following a long illness, our friend Pam Pence of First Choice Remarketing passed away. I met Pam at one of my earlier AFLA meetings when she was still with Western Fleet Remarketing. She was well respected and had a grace and elegance that is a rarity today. All of us at Fleets USA will miss her.

Keep your chin up and let me know what you think.

The More Things Change...?

Hello Fleet Professionals!

I have a wonderful job that allows me to visit with many fleet professionals around the country on a regular basis. On a recent trip, and after meetings with many professionals from different types of businesses I realized that there is a common theme in fleet management and it hasn't really changed in the 25 years I've been in this business: experienced fleet managers are afraid that they will soon lose their jobs. Now I know what you're thinking. This Petersen guy has a real talent for stating the obvious, huh? Well sometimes you've got to state the obvious to figure out how to meet the challenge!

Corporations don't hesitate to hire consultants or MBA's who know absolutely nothing about their business and pay them top dollar to improve efficiencies and save time and money in their operations. Yet, when it comes to their subject matter experts, like the fleet manager, who can actually improve efficiency and save money (and does so on a daily basis), the corporation sides with the consultants. This seems even more ridiculous when you consider that fleets today are becoming increasingly regulated and that these corporations need these subject matter experts more than they ever have! And by all indications the current administration in Washington is going to continue to increase regulating our industry. That's all on top of telling the auto manufacturers how to build, sell and finance vehicles.

So what can we do to protect those fleet manager jobs? What can our associations (AFLA and NAFA) do to help? The obvious answer would seem to be to do your job well but that just isn't enough. I know of one fleet manager that lost his job many years ago because his boss decided to bring in a consultant (in this case a leasing company) and he never did consult his subject matter expert about "the efficient program" that would reduce headcount and save all sorts of money for the company. Now this fleet manager reported into human resources, but worked directly with the CFO, the Treasury Department and the heads of all the operating companies sales organizations. This fleet manager's job included analysing and reporting to all these groups regularly (even weekly in some cases) on every aspect of fleet management. Unfortunately for him, even though his boss was included (cc'd) on all these reports, the boss either didn't understand or care about anything other than headcount. So the fleet manager and his assistant were laid off. In less than six months (it was actually four) the company realized that a mistake had been made and at least needed someone in house to manage the management company. They ultimately "recreated" the position they outsourced, awarding the job to a former clerical employee who had no experience in fleet.

So what can you do? Well don't stop trying. From the story I've shared here, you can tell that if your manager, or your senior management decide that they are going to make a change to total outsourcing there's ultimately little you can do to change their mind. The one thing you can do is not make it easy for the consultants to replace you. And that is a very easy thing to do if you are already in a total outsourcing situation. Fleet management has always been defined as a field where you are a "Jack of all trades, and master of none" field. That is completely inaccurate! While it is true that fleet touches on many aspects of management, accounting, mechanical and so forth, to be truly successful you really do become masters of each - at least to some extent.

One last thought on this. Since we ultimately have so little control when management decides that subject matter experts are less important than headcount, you need to treat your professional life with a bit more respect. Keep your resume updated and get it out there. If you haven't already done so, get yourself a LinkedIn profile and work the system. If you aren't already going to NAFA and AFLA meetings you need to start! Your network is one of your greatest assets. Use it, leverage it, and who knows? Your next job just may come from it!

Keep your chin up and let me know what you think!