The first step to Social Networking suicide is to use this media as a place to make the sale.  Social Networking is a relationship building network and not the shopping network.  A network when used as a verb is defined as: to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position.  With this in mind, a Social Network is a place for…

In recent articles, in training, and in other discussions, I've commented that monkeys can close deals.  Now, when I say this in front of a live audience, I am looking for an expected reaction so that we can engage in a good program.  In all cases, it is not to insult those who are successful "closers."  But, the reality is, closing a deal is merely the result of proper planning and execution of the real key to selling - the process.

I would expect true closers to actually…

To build your personal brand that attract prospects and referrals, gain customers by beating out the competition and ultimately increase yours sales; you must differentiate and stand out.  Here are three focus areas that will help you build your own personal brand: 



Under Promise, Over Deliver.  Many sales people will do less than they promise while chasing a sale.  Their…

In all of the training programs I attended as a salesperson, there was one question that was always brought up.  Can you guess what it is?  Here's a hint.  Every trainer who ever talked about it, called it the stupidest question you can ever ask.  Have an idea yet?  It's the age old - "Can I help you?"  How many of us had that pounded into our heads at every training session we ever attended?  And yet, the reason it's still talked about is that too many people are using it as a…

I want to talk about honesty among those of us in the profession.  Before you get all hot and bothered, I'm not referring to how you do your business.  We all know that the vast majority of auto people conduct their business with honesty and integrity.  Those who don't aren't going to change because I wrote an article calling them out.  This is about internal honesty.

As a sales trainer, my concern and goal is to leave every client,…

Sales letters are important tools for effective interactive marketing, lead generation and sales opportunities.  Often, the first impression made upon a customer is from a sales letter.  Selling is like dating.  Imagine you are on a first date, would you present your best one-size-fits-all-everyone-is-the-same-generalize-for-the-masses romance package?  The only impression you would leave on that date…

Modesty is over-rated. 

It's okay to stand in front of the mirror or your peers and proclaim that you're going for sales person of the month.  It's okay to claim to achieve the highest gross in the coming month.  Simply put, it's okay to choose the prize.  Actually, it's better than okay.  It's essential.

Choosing the prize means you understand what it takes to get there.  Deciding on excellence and the benefits that come with such an achievement causes one to understand the…

Hold your horses!  We might just be in jeopardy of a recovery breaking out!!! 

After two years of struggling and scratching, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the automotive industry as the Seven Horsemen of the Recovery have been spotted in cities and towns across the United States.  Below is a brief description of each of the Seven Horsemen of the Recovery.  Be…

"I will persist until I succeed."

That was the first line in the Scroll Marked lll in Og Mandino's classic, "The Greatest Salesman In The World."  Having had the privilege of being able to spend time in his NH home, I can honestly say, I have witnessed persistence like no other.  Og Mandino spent his writing life with one goal - change lives!  Simply stated but difficult to accomplish.  is writing and speeches are a large part of what inspired me to write adn travel the world…

When I'm speaking at a convention or large sales seminar, a common question I get asked is, "What will this book cost me?"  There is a two part answer to this question.  If you believe in what I've said and want to buy it, the cost is a few dollars.  But, if you don't, not having the information will cost you a fortune.  Now, I want to give something back.  A Free…

As much as many of us like to talk about all we've learned in the car business, some of my best lessons have come from the strangest places and yet I have used them to help me succeed.  As a writer, I live life by paying attention and observing.  Then I see what lessons I can apply to my everyday life.  This was a big one.

When my son was 10, he was selected to the "Major" league division of his little league.  This was a big deal and I thought he'd be very excited.  He would…

I love reading Jim Ziegler’s articles there is a lot of hard core truth in what he writes, most of all you can bet he is passionate and believes and lives every word. While reading this latest article “Coffee’s for Closers” it floored me that we still see this connection between the “PRICE” and the "Close". What’s even more ironic is that is that what actually “CLOSES” a car sale is as old school as it…

This year, I made a trip to Japan, which was a year long adventure in coordinating and planning with a group of college buddies.  Despite a tragic earthquake and tsunami followed by a real nuclear threat, we continued to plot and chart our big adventure.  It was during all this adjusting, forecasting and…

This is an article I wrote for HubPages about some best practices of top Internet Sales Professionals and ironically it seems we all are becoming Internet Sales Professionals...

http://hubpages.com/_1y255dewe5ec9/hub/Secrets-of-Successful-Automotive-Internet-Sales-People

Let me know what you think!  And by all means, feel free to share this…

In real estate it is location, location, location.  In the retail sales world, it is perception, perception, perception.  Every one of your consumers wants to have a individualize experience when doing business with your organization.  I like to call it the “Disney” experience since Disney has set the benchmark in customer service.  It might be a…

Business has begun to pick up.  You've lost some people due to the previous year's slow down.  You've added a franchise.  You want more coverage.  All of these are legitimate reasons to begin a hiring campaign to add sales people to your team.  But, other than the cost of advertising, are you prepared for the "real hidden cost" of hiring?

There are two directions to take when beginning a campaign.  You can go for experience or you can train new salespeople in the style of…

Below is one of my favorite tales of two dealerships. It is a favorite story because I believe both dealerships had the best of intentions, just one made a positive impact and the other a not so positive impact on how one woman in a vast world of consumers experienced buying her first brand new car.

The ink on the divorce decree was nearly dry and I was out to make some big changes in my…