EP 8:8 The Millionaire Car Salesmen LIVE: Answering All Of Your Questions

In this week’s episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, you spoke and we listened! Host Sean V. Bradley, CSP and co-host LA Williams answer questions from the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook group, where we have over 27,000 automotive members!

Tune in as Sean and LA discuss techniques for calling high-interest rate clients, juggling multiple customers in the showroom, and the importance of mindset in the car sales industry! They emphasize the need to show customers the problem they have and present themselves as the solution. Listen in to understand the importance of being consistent and creating a mind-blowing experience for customers to encourage referrals!

 

Key Takeaways

Show customers the problem they have and present yourself as the solution.

When juggling multiple customers in the showroom, ensure they are at different stages of the sales process.

Draw on the customer's pain points and offer solutions to stand out from the competition.

Seek first to understand the customer's wants and needs before emphasizing warranties, special rates, or features.

"Seek first to understand and then to be understood." - Sean V. Bradley

 

About Sean V. Bradley

Sean V. Bradley, CSP is an entrepreneur, published author, speaker and award-winning international trainer. He is a 15-time NADA/ATD convention speaker, FranklinCovey Certified Facilitator and has earned the coveted “CSP” designation in the National Speakers Association. Sean is also a member of the elite “Million Dollar Speakers Group” in the NSA and a state association speaker and trainer. He has spoken at over 400 NCM and NADA 20 Groups. Sean started Dealer Synergy over 20 years ago, but has been in the automotive industry for almost 22 years. Sean and his Dealer Synergy team are a 14-time Dealers’ Choice Award Winner for being the “Best of the Best Internet Sales Trainer” and “Mobile Provider Partner” in the Automotive Sales Industry. 

 

Sean has personally trained over 100,000 Automotive Sales Professionals in 3,500 unique rooftops. However, he literally influences hundreds of thousands of professionals, in and out of the Automotive Sales industry, all over the world, through: his over 4,000 published articles, his best-selling book “Win the Game of Googleopoly”, over 7,000 videos published online, and through Radio Station soundwaves by Hosting the globally recognized Against All Odds Radio Show currently airing in Atlanta, Cleveland, Rochester, and Los Angeles, and the 'internet buzzing' Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast reaching over 1 million Americans! Additionally, Sean is the creator of the Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group, with a membership count of 27,000+ automotive professionals.

 

About LA Williams

L.A. has been blind for 30+ years and has had to live in a world with NO SIGHT… only sound, tone and inflection. In addition to being a National Phone Sales Trainer for Dealer Synergy, L.A.is also a very successful Music Producer. He has produced tracks for Dr. Dre, Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry, Karina Bradley and SCORES more. Additionally, L.A. has worked in Movies as well. He was even the voice for Jigsaw in one of the SAW movies! You do NOT want to miss meeting and learning from this incredible human being. He is not just a trainer, he is an inspiration.

 

 

The Toxic Culture in the Automotive Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis

 

Introduction

The automotive industry is known for its fast-paced and high-pressure environment, where salespeople are constantly striving to meet targets and close deals. However, there is a growing concern about the toxic culture that exists within many dealerships. Salespeople often face degrading treatment from management, and the turnover rate is notoriously high. In this thought leadership article, we will delve into the main themes discussed in a recent podcast episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman, where industry experts L.A. Williams and Sean V. Bradley answered questions from the audience. We will explore the reasons behind the toxic culture in the automotive industry, the impact it has on salespeople, and potential solutions to create a more positive and productive work environment.

 

The Toxic Culture in the Automotive Industry

One of the main concerns raised in the podcast episode was the prevalence of a toxic culture in the automotive industry. The anonymous question posed by a salesperson with ten years of experience highlighted the issue, asking why the industry is so toxic and why it is accepted that a salesperson has a two-year shelf life. The question also touched on the degrading way in which management often speaks to salespeople and the overall acceptance of the toxic culture within dealerships.

L.A. Williams and Sean V. Bradley acknowledged the existence of a toxic culture in many dealerships and emphasized that it is not unique to the automotive industry. They pointed out that toxicity can be found in various industries, such as law, politics, and healthcare. However, they also acknowledged that the automotive industry has a reputation for its toxic culture, which can be attributed to several factors.

 

One factor is the high turnover rate in the industry. Salespeople often jump from dealership to dealership, looking for better opportunities or escaping a toxic work environment. This constant turnover can contribute to a negative culture, as there is a lack of continuity and stability within the sales team. Additionally, the high-pressure nature of the job, combined with the potential for significant financial gain, can create an environment where egos clash and toxic behavior is tolerated.

Another factor is the lack of proper training and support for salespeople. Many dealerships do not invest in comprehensive training programs or provide ongoing professional development for their sales teams. This lack of training can lead to a lack of professionalism and a toxic work environment. Salespeople may not have the necessary skills to handle difficult situations or effectively communicate with customers, which can result in frustration and tension within the dealership.

Furthermore, the competitive nature of the industry can contribute to a toxic culture. Salespeople are often pitted against each other, competing for customers and commissions. This competition can create a cutthroat environment where backstabbing and undermining behavior are common. The pressure to meet sales targets and earn commissions can also lead to unethical practices, such as misleading customers or pressuring them into making a purchase.

 

The Impact on Salespeople

The toxic culture in the automotive industry can have a significant impact on salespeople. It can lead to high levels of stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Salespeople may feel undervalued and unappreciated, which can affect their motivation and performance. The constant pressure to meet targets and deal with difficult customers can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.

The degrading way in which management often speaks to salespeople can further contribute to a toxic work environment. Verbal abuse and disrespectful behavior can erode morale and create a hostile atmosphere. Salespeople may feel demoralized and disengaged, which can negatively impact their interactions with customers and ultimately affect sales.

The two-year shelf life mentioned in the question is a common perception in the industry. Many salespeople do not stay in the same dealership for more than a couple of years, either because they burn out or because they are lured away by promises of better opportunities elsewhere. This constant turnover can disrupt team dynamics and hinder the development of a positive and supportive work culture.

 

Potential Solutions

While the toxic culture in the automotive industry may seem pervasive, there are potential solutions to create a more positive and productive work environment. Here are some strategies that dealerships can implement:

 

Invest in comprehensive training programs: Provide salespeople with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Offer ongoing training and professional development opportunities to support their growth and success.

Promote a supportive and inclusive work culture: Foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration among salespeople. Encourage open communication and provide a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and ideas.

Recognize and reward performance: Implement a fair and transparent incentive program that rewards salespeople for their achievements. This can include financial incentives, as well as non-monetary rewards such as recognition and career advancement opportunities.

Provide regular feedback and coaching: Offer constructive feedback and coaching to help salespeople improve their skills and overcome challenges. Create a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Address toxic behavior: Hold managers and employees accountable for their actions. Implement policies and procedures that promote respect and professionalism. Provide resources and support for employees who experience or witness toxic behavior.

Encourage work-life balance: Recognize the importance of work-life balance and support employees in achieving it. Offer flexible scheduling options and promote a healthy work environment.

Create a referral program: Develop a structured referral program that incentivizes employees and customers to refer new business. Offer attractive rewards for successful referrals, such as cash bonuses, gift cards, or other incentives.

 

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The toxic culture in the automotive industry is a complex issue that requires attention and action. While it may be prevalent in many dealerships, it is not an inherent characteristic of the industry as a whole. By implementing strategies to promote a positive work culture, provide comprehensive training and support, and recognize and reward performance, dealerships can create an environment that fosters success and satisfaction for salespeople.

It is also important for salespeople to advocate for themselves and address any toxic behavior or work environment they encounter. By speaking up and seeking support, they can contribute to positive change and create a more fulfilling and rewarding career in the automotive industry.

Looking ahead, it is crucial for the industry to continue evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs and expectations of salespeople. By prioritizing employee well-being, professional development, and a supportive work culture, dealerships can attract and retain top talent, ultimately leading to increased success and profitability.

In conclusion, while the toxic culture in the automotive industry may exist in some dealerships, it is not representative of the industry as a whole. By addressing the underlying issues and implementing positive changes, dealerships have the opportunity to create a more positive and productive work environment.

 

 

Resources

Dealer Synergy & Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry’s #1 training, tracking, testing, and certification platform and consulting & accountability firm.

The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast: is the #1 resource for automotive sales professionals, managers, and owners.  Also, join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today!

The Against All Odds Radio Show: Hosting guests that have started from the bottom and rose to the top.  Also, join The Against All Odds Radio Show Guests & Listeners Facebook Group for the podcasted episodes.

For more interactivity, join The Millionaire Car Salesman Club on Clubhouse.

Win the Game of Googleopoly: Unlocking the secret strategy of search engines.

 

The Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast is Proudly Sponsored By: 

Dealer Synergy: The #1 Automotive Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm in the Automotive Industry! We have been building Internet Departments and BDCs for over two decades! It is this experience that has allowed us to develop the absolute best automotive Internet Sales, BDC, and CRM solutions for car dealerships. We have created the most effective training programs and processes. Phone scripts and rebuttals are our specialties, while CRM action plans, strategies, and templates are our expertise! Dealer Synergy will take both your tools and your people to the next level.

Bradley On Demand: Automotive Sales Industry’s #1 Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing and Certification Platform. With over 7,500 training modules, our platform has everything you and your dealership need to sell more cars, more often and more profitably!

Money Mind Mapp (M3): Visit MoneyMindMapp.com for help in revolutionizing your business to help you sell more cars by tracking, projecting, and forecasting your personal sales goals!