Should the diversity of a dealerships sales staff be representative of the demographics of it's client base?
Think about a showroom filled with nice people, people more like your customers that just happen to sell cars to make a living....

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People always feel most comfortable with people more like themselves, it creates a common bond that no amount of rapport building could ever achieve.
Absolutely. The dealer does have a responsibility to serve the community. (If they think otherwise, shame on them) Reflecting the community's heritage, being part of the community, allows each, not only to prosper, but to develop that inner sense of pride. (Amazing things happen when you belong to something)
like,likes,like...............

David Johnson said:
People always feel most comfortable with people more like themselves, it creates a common bond that no amount of rapport building could ever achieve.
I like that a lot Bob.............

Bob Gaber said:
Absolutely. The dealer does have a responsibility to serve the community. (If they think otherwise, shame on them) Reflecting the community's heritage, being part of the community, allows each, not only to prosper, but to develop that inner sense of pride. (Amazing things happen when you belong to something)
Hi Craig,

Aaaahhhh. America is based on the Salad Bowl Theory of which the blend of various cultures and ethnic groups create a most perfect new American culture!

David's comment brings to mind the discussion of how sales consultants should present themselves when it comes to attire, Suits, shirts, and ties.. vs. golf shirt and khakis... The argument to dressing casually usually defends that stance that the average client walking in your showroom is dressed casually and the super business dress of the sales consultant could perceive their image as powerful, intimidating the client to feel inferior thus challenging the task at hand of building a trusted relationship! there is no question, there is no place like home! Although, "home" is different for everyone, it is where we find our comfort zone. If the environment of the dealership is like their "home" setting, made up of like- minded people, there will be less stress or anxiety, and the relaxed atmosphere will provide a great foundation of which to build that trusted "friendship"/ relationship!

I think if you align your dealeship staff, (and it doesn't have to be sales staff exclusively) accordingly to the demographics of your market area, will will embrace your community by saying...He, we are listening to you, we are compassionate to your needs and requirements, and we will accomadate you the best we can! However, don't get caught up with this and place someone in a position who is not qualified based on gender of ethnic background!

As far as Noah's Arc, my imagination is taking me to the various scents on the boat! As an "I" I am quite imaginative and wordy.... Wrong post, but if you want to hear more about this ...visit the Carbucks dE eXpress coffeehouse and take part in Joe Brunner's discussion about DISC Personality Assessments and Training! Great Stuff!
all outstanding points nancy,and yes need to take place in all departments of the dealership....and of course must be qualified to be able to handle that job .I just see so many dealerships just totally ignore a HUGE portion of their client base when it comes to hiring!

NANCY SIMMONS said:
Hi Craig,

Aaaahhhh. America is based on the Salad Bowl Theory of which the blend of various cultures and ethnic groups create a most perfect new American culture!

David's comment brings to mind the discussion of how sales consultants should present themselves when it comes to attire, Suits, shirts, and ties.. vs. golf shirt and khakis... The argument to dressing casually usually defends that stance that the average client walking in your showroom is dressed casually and the super business dress of the sales consultant could perceive their image as powerful, intimidating the client to feel inferior thus challenging the task at hand of building a trusted relationship! there is no question, there is no place like home! Although, "home" is different for everyone, it is where we find our comfort zone. If the environment of the dealership is like their "home" setting, made up of like- minded people, there will be less stress or anxiety, and the relaxed atmosphere will provide a great foundation of which to build that trusted "friendship"/ relationship!

I think if you align your dealeship staff, (and it doesn't have to be sales staff exclusively) accordingly to the demographics of your market area, will will embrace your community by saying...He, we are listening to you, we are compassionate to your needs and requirements, and we will accomadate you the best we can! However, don't get caught up with this and place someone in a position who is not qualified based on gender of ethnic background!

As far as Noah's Arc, my imagination is taking me to the various scents on the boat! As an "I" I am quite imaginative and wordy.... Wrong post, but if you want to hear more about this ...visit the Carbucks dE eXpress coffeehouse and take part in Joe Brunner's discussion about DISC Personality Assessments and Training! Great Stuff!
A great dealership should always be representative of it's customer base. As Bob said, to achieve in your enviroment, you must be part of that enviroment. We teach our student's that if you are going to take from the community (a car sale), you must give back to that community (charitable time). To be successful in our industry it is important to remember that" we are our customers".
Wow I love that Mr. Hoier!

David L Hoier said:
A great dealership should always be representative of it's customer base. As Bob said, to achieve in your enviroment, you must be part of that enviroment. We teach our student's that if you are going to take from the community (a car sale), you must give back to that community (charitable time). To be successful in our industry it is important to remember that" we are our customers".
If your internal customers are happy and diversified, your external ones will be too Craig. Sales people who mingle with and understand the difference in their peers, will slowly begin to understand the difference in their customers. Great topic!

Thanks Joe, Great input!
Joe Brunner said:
If your internal customers are happy and diversified, your external ones will be too Craig. Sales people who mingle with and understand the difference in their peers, will slowly begin to understand the difference in their customers. Great topic!
Wow, this is turning out to be a great discussion by even greater minds! Great stuff David, Nancy, Joe and Bob!

I was in a dealership not too long ago training salespeople on how to use social media to create clients and what a diverse sales force they had! It was great insight to this very thing and in the processes of talking with the different ethnicities they agreed that they wanted to reach out to their ethnic communities in order to establish themselves as the Puerto Rican, South African, and Korean person to go see when the need to buy a car arises.

This fits in well with relationship marketing and I encourage any dealership that has a good staff demographic to reach out the local community and showcase that fact.

Now you're talking ...Diversity and Social Media....different people spreading the news to all types of people and making that area of influence much greater than if you had all the same type,sex ,nationality ,etc.salespeople on your sales staff.
David Johnson said:
Wow, this is turning out to be a great discussion by even greater minds! Great stuff David, Nancy, Joe and Bob!

I was in a dealership not too long ago training salespeople on how to use social media to create clients and what a diverse sales force they had! It was great insight to this very thing and in the processes of talking with the different ethnicities they agreed that they wanted to reach out to their ethnic communities in order to establish themselves as the Puerto Rican, South African, and Korean person to go see when the need to buy a car arises.

This fits in well with relationship marketing and I encourage any dealership that has a good staff demographic to reach out the local community and showcase that fact.

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