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Building value for the highly informed shopper

Submitted by Warren on Tue, 10/22/2013 - 14:12

We have always said that the number one job of the salesperson is "Selection". By this, we mean that everything we do with the client or for the client is designed to help them get the best vehicle choice for their specific situation. That's why in training we focus so much time and effort in developing strong Interview skills. When we are skilled at asking the best questions we can understand: the client's needs, lifestyle, what's changed, and what is it about their current vehicle that no longer fits for them.

Making "No" the right answer

Submitted by Warren on Mon, 09/09/2013 - 15:00

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for people to say No in a shopping situation? It's almost automatic!  Of course it is just natural shopping behaviour that comes from their fears. They fear meeting an un-professional or pushy salesperson, fear making the wrong decision, and fear paying too much.

It's like they arrive at the dealership with their quiver filed with “Nos” just ready for the questions they expect to hear. If you ask those questions then they will give you a predictable response - a NO.

Anticipation - Part 2

Submitted by Warren on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 15:35

Here's the rest of the story to the one we shared in April last year. Remember this?

We always talk about client follow-up as the key to the next sale. Anticipating client needs before they happen or being top of mind when they do happen, significantly increases your odds of a repeat or referral sale. Here's a good sales story from this week...

A practice culture in your dealership

Submitted by Warren on Thu, 05/23/2013 - 08:07

As good as we are, we are all subjected to the day to day erosion of skills and effort by interaction with customers. You may have heard us refer to this as the un-training cycle. Even with great skills and a very high closing ratio, more prospects say no than say yes. This can unwind our attitudes, skills and effort. The only cure is to keep maintaining and increasing our knowledge, proficiency, and effort. Hopefully you have a coach that helps you do that.

Are you on the phone?

Submitted by Warren on Tue, 03/19/2013 - 13:22

Even after 26 years of training and consulting in the auto industry we are still surprised by some of the salesperson behaviors that are so counterproductive yet resistant to change. The ineffective use of the telephone is one. In some dealerships you would swear that they installed special phones that have a 300lb receiver! No one wants to pick it up and make outgoing calls.

You are paid exactly what you are worth

Submitted by Warren on Tue, 03/12/2013 - 16:43

We don't mean to burst anyone's bubble (or maybe we do) but your boss has almost nothing to do with how much money you make. Many of us fall into the trap of looking to external factors to blame for our dissatisfaction with our income. A sales career in the retail automotive industry can be extremely rewarding both personally and financially – if we know what it takes to be successful.  The typical dealership is a microcosm of a pure capitalist marketplace. The level of our pay is in direct proportion to the level of service and value we provide.

Strategy Execution Achievement

Submitted by Warren on Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:17

Every sales manager has goals. They are usually imposed on us from external sources like the manufacturer, our dealer principal, or general manager. These goals are highly visible, the data is readily available, and we are held responsible if we either hit them or not. Examples of these goals might be monthly sales volume or departmental gross profit.

Begin with the end in mind? Ok but...

Submitted by Warren on Tue, 01/22/2013 - 09:36

Many of us have heard the Stephen Covey quote: "Begin with the end in mind". We actually hope you have read the book it came from: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People".

These are wise words but if taken too literally, can actually hurt your sales success. Consider the sales consultant who always keeps the "end in mind" - getting the sale. This focus on the end or getting the prospect to say yes may cause us to move too quickly or forcefully toward asking for the business.  Clients may feel pressure and react predictably by wanting to leave.