Too often in car dealerships, we look at the negative side of the business. I am here to let you know that there is another, positive side of the business — and it’s often overlooked.
And it can be easy to overlook. We tend to think about the next sale, the next day, the next month and even the next year. We have general managers pushing us to do just one more unit or move our PVR just another fifty dollars. We have veteran employees who have been at our dealerships for years and don’t want us to look to the future — they just want to tell you everything that is wrong with the next customer. And let’s not get started on the hours. We miss everything. Our children’s birthday parties, weddings on Saturdays, even just dinner reservations. Good luck making any plans on the last day of the month. These are but a few of the “negatives” about the automotive business.
So, after that rant, is there anything “positive” with the car business? Of course there are. Let’s turn our frowns upside down.
I remember when I started in the business. I had no direction with my life, no money in the bank and my credit was completely shot. Slowly but surely, the business took ahold of me and my career. I started making money. Not the $30,000-a-year-type money, but more like $80,000 per year. I started paying off my bills. I even bought a new house. I began to do personal development, which helped me with the work/life balance. And I began to read more books. I hadn’t read a book in my entire life.
The people I met have changed my life. They have helped me make decisions about life, health and finances. I have been pushed to new levels in my life. I have been encouraged to step out of my comfort zone. There have been more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. This is all because of the car business. I have now been in the business now for more than 10 years. With sales, finance manager and sales manager experience, I can’t wait to see where this business takes me over the next 10 years. So, next time you are standing around the dealership in the complainers circle, think about the positive side of the car business. Where will it take you?
