2009 Recommended Books for
                       Dealership Management and Success

Continued education and the thirst for additional knowledge is the key to success in any endeavor. It is especially true for those working in the dealership industry, be it owners, general mangers, sales people or service managers.

Louis Pasteur once said “chance favors the prepared mind.” Successful automobile dealers of the 21 st century will be those that are most prepared and most knowledgeable. By investing a half hour per day in reading and improving your business skills, you will gain an advantage over your competitors. This advantage will grow over time as your knowledge and momentum build. For most people, they can accomplish this by reducing time in front of the television. The following are some suggested readings to help you improve your mind and become the best:

Leadership and Management:

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader – John Maxwell

Be Quick, But Don’t Hurry – Andrew Hill

Good to Great, Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t – Jim Collins

Jack: Straight from the Gut – Jack Welch & John Byrne 

The Power of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Steven Covey

The Speed of Trust – Steven M. Covey

Today Matters, 12 Daily Practices to Ensure Tomorrow’s Success – John Maxwell

Winning – Jack Welch

It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy – Captain D. Abrashoff

 Sales and Marketing:

Customers for Life: How to Turn One Time Buyers into Lifetime Buyers – Carl Sewell

Dig Your Well Before Your Thirsty: the Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need – Harvey Mackay

E Newsletter’s That Work – Michael Katz

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

The Little Red Book of Sales – Jeff Gittomer

Pushing the Envelope – Harvey Mackay

Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service – Ken Blanchard

Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

Thinkertoys – Michael Michalko

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference – Malcolm Gladwell


“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Alvin Toffler  

For more insights and thoughts on the dealership industry, please e-mail Paul McGovern at pmcgovern@downeycocpa.com or call 781.849.3100.