The Military is coming home... are you welcoming this crowd?

Our service men & women will be coming home in mass numbers over the coming months & next two years with the draw downs in the Middle East.

These soldiers will be landing at bases around the U.S. Many will transfer out & move into the civilian sector.

Here are some thought provoking questions to help you make your business attractive to these men & women who have so honorably served:

• What are you doing to draw this crowd to your dealerships?
• Do you have the right lenders in place? If so, are they advertised specifically on your website?
• Have your ever sold to a veteran in the past?
• What is your special offer for military service men & women?
• What are you willing to do for them in return for their service for you? Yes, they've served you.
• Are you & your staff military friendly & knowledgeable? Do you need to read up, catch up?
• Do you even appreciate them?
• Is there a flag flying at your dealership? As a vet myself, that is the greatest thank you.
• How does your website attract veterans?
• When in a hiring need, would you consider advertising toward & training a veteran?
• It is perfectly OK & you should require a military ID with any special offers.

The current federal pull out date for Afghanistan is 2014, with talks in place for training, transition, and handover of security to the Afghanistan soldiers. According to the Associated Press on April 16, 2012, the the US Troops count will be down to only 68,000 by September 2012. These troops are steadily coming home.

It is important to be friendly to this segment of your business. Friendly means serving them. Put them in the right vehicle that is truly ready to be sold. Give them your best effort. Use GAP & a service contract to protect you, the soldier, & their investment. Don't be the person to allow a total loss, or an unexpected repair become something the soldier has to worry about. Let them come home, focus on family, and living again.