Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the key factor that helped the narrator overcome their stuttering?
What was the key factor that helped the narrator overcome their stuttering?
What did the narrator use as their first prospect list?
What did the narrator use as their first prospect list?
How did the narrator feel about the first customer they sold a car to?
How did the narrator feel about the first customer they sold a car to?
What does the narrator suggest is essential for being a great salesman?
What does the narrator suggest is essential for being a great salesman?
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What was the sales environment like when the narrator made their first sale?
What was the sales environment like when the narrator made their first sale?
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What main detail does the narrator remember about the first customer?
What main detail does the narrator remember about the first customer?
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What did the narrator compare the customer to during their first sale?
What did the narrator compare the customer to during their first sale?
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What prompted the individual to consider a career in car sales?
What prompted the individual to consider a career in car sales?
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What misconception did car salesmen have regarding new salespersons?
What misconception did car salesmen have regarding new salespersons?
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How did the author's past experiences contribute to their selling skills?
How did the author's past experiences contribute to their selling skills?
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What was the author's handicap that affected his career choices?
What was the author's handicap that affected his career choices?
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What vital lesson did the author learn about communication while transitioning to car sales?
What vital lesson did the author learn about communication while transitioning to car sales?
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What did the author initially think about their ability to sell cars?
What did the author initially think about their ability to sell cars?
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What was the author's motivation for improving their speech?
What was the author's motivation for improving their speech?
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Which past job did the author consider the most educational for learning sales tactics?
Which past job did the author consider the most educational for learning sales tactics?
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Study Notes
Beginnings of a Sales Career
- The author had a friend who was a car salesman, but the friend didn't take him seriously.
- His experience selling houses, wasn't relevant to selling cars.
- The author learned more about selling from shining shoes and selling produce. These experiences showed the importance of engaging and connecting with potential customers.
- The author sought a job as a car salesman but was initially rejected as car salesmen often felt threatened by newcomers.
- The author had a childhood stutter due to his father's abuse. This struggle prompted him to focus on conscious communication.
- He realized that overcoming his stutter improved his communication skills and ability to connect with customers, which were crucial for success as a car salesman
- This experience helped him in understanding the fundamentals of communication.
Overcoming Obstacles in Sales
- The author was initially rejected by one sales manager because he was seen as competition.
- He developed a unique approach to sales, emphasizing building relationships and understanding customer needs, rather than just competing with other salesmen for the same customers.
- The author initiated a unique strategy to not take floor time from other sales persons, but to target customers in other ways.
- Initially the author lacked the resources to market himself and generated a prospect list (4 pages) from the telephone directory.
- This approach demonstrates an innovative and adaptive sales strategy.
First Car Sale
- The first sale wasn't from a phone call, but from a customer who walked into the showroom when very few staff were around.
- The author seized the opportunity, demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond, prioritizing the sale.
- The customer was a Coca-Cola salesman.
- The author's drive came from a strong desire to provide for his family.
- The sale represented a turning point for him, highlighting the importance of personal motivation in sales.
- The author remembered little detail about the sale beyond focusing on the customer's needs. This illustrates that customer's needs and addressing them effectively is more important than the specifics of a sale.
Key Sales Principles
- The driving force behind success in sales is a strong desire to accomplish a goal.
- The author emphasizes that a strong "want" is crucial for success in sales.
- Knowing what you want and understanding customer needs are fundamental to achieving success as a salesman.
- The author's experience is a case study in how identifying a need and focusing on satisfying that lead to successful sales.
- The author demonstrates that wanting something intensely and knowing how to meet the customer's needs is what will drive you.
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Description
Explore the journey of a new car salesman as he overcomes personal and professional hurdles. This quiz delves into his experiences with rejection, communication challenges, and the importance of connecting with customers. Test your knowledge on the key elements that contribute to a successful sales career.
