Too much risk and effort for too little pay and time?

[Joe Pistell]

The winds of change are upon us...

I ask this question.
Who is the 1st to know if the battle is changing? The Soldier on the line or the General? The Soldier. The General's job is to review & challenge existing battle strategy to put his Soldier into winning situations. This way, the General keeps his men from getting slaughtered and abandoning camp.

Sound all too familliar?
Any Gerneral worth his salt would see the defections and realize the game is changing. This industry is smack dab in the midst of a revolution and the proof is in this thread.

Joe

 

[Gerald]

Joe-

Your last post is pretty spot-on, but I will add a caveat. The soldier is the first to notice a change in TACTICS of the enemy, while a General (hopefully) will notice a change in STRATEGY of the enemy.

The unfortunate difference between a soldier and General and the sales person and GM, the latter is typically more concerned about his bottom line and maximizing HIS paycheck rather than caring for his "troops".

As a former leader in the Army, I always made sure my guys got fed and paid before me. Where is that attitude in our business? And these GMs wonder why CSI and retention is so difficult. Do you really think the average GM is able (willing) to see and make changes? I don't!

 

[Steve Branders]

Looks as if there is alot of desertion going on in the industry from lack of rations & effective battle strategy. Granted battle maps & the frontline changes constantly but I have a feeling many are being sent to the frontlines with weapons but not enough leadership buy in to win the battle, either that or it's plain old cut & run budget strategy and dealerships are willing to just have a replacement soldier pick up the weapon of the dead soldier on the field and keep on marching.

 

[Diane Uzelac "Queen of Cars"]

"THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE UPON US"

C'mon Guys...Lets face it! This is the CAR BUSINESS! The only thing thats constant IS CHANGE! Our industry goes through cycles. You need to be ready for them. You know regardless of whats happening in the economy...you need to ration money made during Spring/Summer/Fall for the typically "not as busy" Winter months.

There will always be a new tool for analytical customers to help weigh their options, and use as leverage while negotiating their best deal, whether it be the Consumer Reports of the 1980's, good old pac bell (yes, remember "PHONE POPS"- practically obsolete) or the World Wide Web of today! (Always something for the "OLD CAR DINOSAURS" to complain about) Same information available to the consumer, just a new delivery system! It still comes down to Salesmanship! (Sorry! I know you didn't want to hear that!)

Building value in the vehicle. Using all your knowledge of the product and it's availablity. Knowing your competition. Is it a limited production vehicle? How many of this color or model are in the region (or in existence for that matter?) Regardless of any new tools that have come along in my 24 years in the business The GAME is pretty much still the SAME! Just get the customer in the door! That's right! Okay there's one thing! Can you believe it? I actually found ONE THING that hasn't changed in the car business! GET THE CUSTOMER IN THE DOOR! I'm having an epiphany! Wow!

Honestly, in an industry where we as consumers can purchase the same product for the same price just down the road it truly is the people (and the exceptional service we provide) that sets our industry apart! And the fact is you really do need to be exceptional to get the business right now.

I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into a store intending to purchase a big ticket item, only to have walked out without purchasing, because of the salesperson! By the same token...I've inadvertently walked into a store and walked out with a BIG TICKET item, (never intending to buy a thing) Again... all because of the Saleperson!

The fact of the matter is, I still love this business like I did the very first day I got in it. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided to me and my family. I speak to people everyday who jumped out of the business and are trying to get back in! I have to tell ex Managers you're starting back on the Sales Floor! Lets just say that doesn't go over well.

The bottom line is if you are not passionate about the Car Business you simply should not be in it. Yes, we have shifts in our income due to the economy. What industry doesn't? I've learned over the last 24 years to roll with the punches and remember the only thing that is constant in our business is change! I realize every day how lucky I am to make the kind of income I do! Even when I am the very last person to leave the dealership after the final deal is contracted and I still have to eat dinner...There is always somebody working even later serving me my dinner or checking me outat the Grocery Store!!! So I guess it could always be a lot worse! Let's face it, how many people without a formal education can say they make $50,000-$150,000 annually? Plus as an added bonus, have as much fun as we all do?

Diane Uzelac
www.QueenofCars.net
www.DealerClassified.com

 

[Diane Uzelac "Queen of Cars"]

"THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE UPON US"

C'mon Guys...Lets face it! This is the CAR BUSINESS! The only thing thats constant IS CHANGE! Our industry goes through cycles. You need to be ready for them. You know regardless of whats happening in the economy...you need to ration money made during Spring/Summer/Fall for the typically "not as busy" Winter months.

There will always be a new tool for analytical customers to help weigh their options, and use as leverage while negotiating their best deal, whether it be the Consumer Reports of the 1980's, good old pac bell (yes, remember "PHONE POPS"- practically obsolete) or the World Wide Web of today! (Always something for the "OLD CAR DINOSAURS" to complain about) Same information available to the consumer, just a new delivery system! It still comes down to Salesmanship! (Sorry! I know you didn't want to hear that!)

Building value in the vehicle. Using all your knowledge of the product and it's availablity. Knowing your competition. Is it a limited production vehicle? How many of this color or model are in the region (or in existence for that matter?) Regardless of any new tools that have come along in my 24 years in the business The GAME is pretty much still the SAME! Just get the customer in the door! That's right! Okay there's one thing! Can you believe it? I actually found ONE THING that hasn't changed in the car business! GET THE CUSTOMER IN THE DOOR! I'm having an epiphany! Wow!

Honestly, in an industry where we as consumers can purchase the same product for the same price just down the road it truly is the people (and the exceptional service we provide) that sets our industry apart! And the fact is you really do need to be exceptional to get the business right now.

I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into a store intending to purchase a big ticket item, only to have walked out without purchasing, because of the salesperson! By the same token...I've inadvertently walked into a store and walked out with a BIG TICKET item, (never intending to buy a thing) Again... all because of the Saleperson!

The fact of the matter is, I still love this business like I did the very first day I got in it. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided to me and my family. I speak to people everyday who jumped out of the business and are trying to get back in! I have to tell ex Managers you're starting back on the Sales Floor! Lets just say that doesn't go over well.

The bottom line is if you are not passionate about the Car Business you simply should not be in it. Yes, we have shifts in our income due to the economy. What industry doesn't? I've learned over the last 24 years to roll with the punches and remember the only thing that is constant in our business is change! I realize every day how lucky I am to make the kind of income I do! Even when I am the very last person to leave the dealership after the final deal is contracted and I still have to eat dinner...There is always somebody working even later serving me my dinner or checking me outat the Grocery Store!!! So I guess it could always be a lot worse! Let's face it, how many people without a formal education can say they make $50,000-$150,000 annually? Plus as an added bonus, have as much fun as we all do?

Diane Uzelac
www.QueenofCars.net
www.DealerClassified.com

 

[Diane Uzelac "Queen of Cars"]

"THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE UPON US"

C'mon Guys...Lets face it! This is the CAR BUSINESS! The only thing thats constant IS CHANGE! Our industry goes through cycles. You need to be ready for them. You know regardless of whats happening in the economy...you need to ration money made during Spring/Summer/Fall for the typically "not as busy" Winter months.

There will always be a new tool for analytical customers to help weigh their options, and use as leverage while negotiating their best deal, whether it be the Consumer Reports of the 1980's, good old pac bell (yes, remember "PHONE POPS"- practically obsolete) or the World Wide Web of today! (Always something for the "OLD CAR DINOSAURS" to complain about) Same information available to the consumer, just a new delivery system! It still comes down to Salesmanship! (Sorry! I know you didn't want to hear that!)

Building value in the vehicle. Using all your knowledge of the product and it's availablity. Knowing your competition. Is it a limited production vehicle? How many of this color or model are in the region (or in existence for that matter?) Regardless of any new tools that have come along in my 24 years in the business The GAME is pretty much still the SAME! Just get the customer in the door! That's right! Okay there's one thing! Can you believe it? I actually found ONE THING that hasn't changed in the car business! GET THE CUSTOMER IN THE DOOR! I'm having an epiphany! Wow!

Honestly, in an industry where we as consumers can purchase the same product for the same price just down the road it truly is the people (and the exceptional service we provide) that sets our industry apart! And the fact is you really do need to be exceptional to get the business right now.

I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into a store intending to purchase a big ticket item, only to have walked out without purchasing, because of the salesperson! By the same token...I've inadvertently walked into a store and walked out with a BIG TICKET item, (never intending to buy a thing) Again... all because of the Saleperson!

The fact of the matter is, I still love this business like I did the very first day I got in it. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided to me and my family. I speak to people everyday who jumped out of the business and are trying to get back in! I have to tell ex Managers you're starting back on the Sales Floor! Lets just say that doesn't go over well.

The bottom line is if you are not passionate about the Car Business you simply should not be in it. Yes, we have shifts in our income due to the economy. What industry doesn't? I've learned over the last 24 years to roll with the punches and remember the only thing that is constant in our business is change! I realize every day how lucky I am to make the kind of income I do! Even when I am the very last person to leave the dealership after the final deal is contracted and I still have to eat dinner...There is always somebody working even later serving me my dinner or checking me outat the Grocery Store!!! So I guess it could always be a lot worse! Let's face it, how many people without a formal education can say they make $50,000-$150,000 annually? Plus as an added bonus, have as much fun as we all do?

Diane Uzelac
www.QueenofCars.net
www.DealerClassified.com

 

[Brian in Etown]

Nice Diane! I concur! I was beginning to think I had wasted the last 10 years of my life, I guess I can put away the razor I was going to use on my wrist

 

[Victor Hollo]

Yikes Brian - put the razor down!

I'm not yet 22 and started in the industry last May. As the ISM of my Nissan dealership, I find each day exciting and fresh. I'm grateful I'm compensated as well as I am, and I'm having fun doing it.

I have always tackled change aggressively, and I look forward to the next swing in the business. Several above posters are correct: It's all about salesmanship. If you treat your customers with fairness and professionalism you are likely to earn their business. Happy selling everyone.

Dealer Refresh rocks!

 

[Domestic Mini Deal]

"...ration money" yeah, there's a great testimony to attract better sales people to the industry.

 

[IGNORANCE iS BLISS IN ANY INDUSTRY!]

??? I can't even respond to this one. The "USER NAME" "Domestic Mini Deal" says it all! "DOOMestic" Mini Deal, maybe! If you're living on "Mini Commissions" there's no wonder you can't afford to ration aka "SAVINGS". Didn't know "savings" was a new concept! Anyone else? Clearly some people see the cup as half full. It is attitudes like this that are cancerous in our industry. It is my sincere hope to combat the typical stereotype of the "Car Salesman" while providing good products and services and make one hell of a living doing it! Maybe you should consider another industry? Good Luck Mr. Doom & Gloom!!