Small Activities Can Bring Big Results - AutoSuccessOnline

Small Activities Can Bring Big Results

​Technology is great, and new ideas and better processes are wonderful, but one of the best things you can focus on to improve your sales and find success in your career is paying attention to the basics.

These efforts might not be the most electrifying actions you take during the day, but simple activities — done consistently — can make a huge difference. Think of it as a form of exercise; you’re not going to get the full effect after one session, but results will build over time — if you keep performing the correct actions regularly.

Here are three simple things you can do each day that might not seem like “power” moves in themselves, but can wind up being some of the crucial building blocks for a successful career.


Send Handwritten “Thank You” Cards
While email is efficient and can provide nearly instantaneous communication, it’s also impersonal. For each customer or potential customer who comes into the dealership and speaks with you, even if they didn’t buy that day, send a handwritten card letting them know you appreciate their time and their business. It takes no time and barely any thought to send an email — and the customer knows it. Emails hold no emotional weight. Taking the time to actually write out a card, however, tells the customer you value them. It sets you apart from the pack and puts you at the top of their mind when it comes time to buy.Make Cold Phone Calls Every Day
Very few people like making cold phone calls — it’s a chore, it can be uncomfortable and it’s easy to come up with reasons (excuses) to avoid doing it. Making a habit of doing it every single day you’re at the dealership, however, takes some of the sting out of doing it. It just becomes part of your day, and the internal resistance you’ll feel will subside as it becomes more natural to do it. You never know where your next customer will come from, or the business they’ll bring with them. Give yourself every opportunity to gather business by exploring every avenue you can with dedication and regularity.Keep The Lines of Communication Open
You don’t have to be a pest, but regularly touch base with the customers who have bought vehicles from you. It doesn’t have to be much — maybe once or twice a year — but maintaining regular contact with them keeps you on their mind. While they might be happy with the vehicle you sold them, maybe it’s time for their spouse to get a new car. Maybe they have teenagers who just got their license. Maybe a friend is looking for a vehicle. It costs nothing to let them know you’re still there, ready to fulfill whatever need they might have, either now or in the future.

There’s an old saying that habits are formed after doing an activity regularly for three weeks. Over the next three weeks, perform these steps and see what happens. You might be surprised how quickly these actions become second nature to you, and the business you’ll maintain or earn over time by using them.

Susan Givens Publisher of AutoSuccess Magazine. 

You May Also Like

Skip the Stip: Lending Without Stipulations

New AI-powered technologies are creating more access to credit opportunities without the need for these stipulations and lengthy supporting documents.

By Adine Deford, vice president of marketing at Informed.IQ

While everyone wants a faster, more digital loan application process, those with less money and bad credit often must wait longer and submit more paperwork. Customers with credit scores below 620 are frequently in this group; they apply for subprime loans. As a result, dealers and lenders are losing out on these crucial borrowers, who are more likely to give up on their loan applications because of drawn-out, cumbersome processes.

EV Credits — Are They Worth It?

The industry brings with it environmental benefits, economic opportunities and infrastructure development, but are EV credits the way to go?

Utility Audit: More than 80% of Companies Overpay on Their Utility Bills – Are You One of Them?

Are you paying too much for your utilities? A utility bill audit by a trained professional can uncover errors and overcharges.

Unmasking Double Brokering in Automotive Transport: A Quick Guide

Transport and logistics is not immune to fraudulent practices such as double brokering. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

autosled - double brokering
Dial in the Details: Preserving Vehicles and the Profitability of Dealership Inventory

Making cleanliness a priority of each car will all but guarantee to lead to a more profitable season ahead.

Rob Harper - Ziebart blog

Other Posts

How to Boost Appointment Conversions with Positive First Impressions

It’s crucial to equip your staff with effective phone handling strategies that can make a lasting impression and persuade callers to choose your dealership.

Why Data Security Must Be a Priority in Today’s Automotive Retail Market

Dealers who gain a better understanding of data security and how data relates to industry trends will ultimately find themselves in a better position to achieve long-term goals.

The Digital Dilemma: How to Rethink Sales and Delivery to Drive a Successful Car Buying Future

By taking the right steps, traditional car dealers can still compete, win and flourish, even as digital sales become more prolific.

Revolutionizing Auto Service: How Digital Tools Are Transforming the Auto Dealership Landscape

Remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, faster service appointments and less vehicle downtime all represent the emerging reality of remote automotive services.