Okay, so as some may remember, I just started a new job as an Automotive Sales Advisor. I'm 3 weeks in and have come to the realization that while I'm sold to the Mazda brand (I can make someone fall in love with Mazda with everything I have to say about the company itself), there are currently no models that I truly love and "believe in." This makes it very hard for me (impossible even) to talk to people and "sell" them the car. I was never good at talking to people to sell them something if it wasn't something that actually belonged to me and that I cherished (I.E.: a car) or if it was myself I was selling (as a detailer). The company that hired me has great beliefs and a really unique way of doing business which I really like and my managers and supervisors are all great people. (I actually overheard there is a "head detailer" position available right now) I don't want the company to waste any more time and resources training me in something I'm just not made for. But at the same time, I'd like to stay with the company for the mentioned reasons, hence why I mentioned the detailing position. When I got the interview, I was told that the job was to simply inform a client with facts and that there would be no pressure on me, to put some sort of buying pressure on them...but it's become clear that it's not the case. So, basically what I'm here to ask is: what should I do and how should I go about it? I know I won't be happy "pressuring" people into buying cars and I definitely don't see myself selling cars in 5 years. Thanks in advance to whoever answers.
You have to do what you like. You are going to spend 30% of your life working. I have been detailing professionally for 20 years now and haven't had to 'go to work' one day in that time. If you would be happier as the head detailer, then I say let them know and see if you can get the position.
Don't become a statistic; in this case over 75% of the workforce is dissatisfied. Take it from Steve Jobs, from his famous commencement address: "You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." --- Ironic this message comes on Valentines Day.
I agree with him 110%. When selling anything, if you don't have passion for your product and believe in it, it will never end well. People will always see through it and only take it in a negative way. I say go for it with the detailing position as well, but definitely do some research first. We all see a lot of "dealer delivered" cars here that are in terrible shape, so find out there expectations of this position. If they want someone to come in wash a car, cake it in armor all, then sling wax all over it in under an hour, you might want to reconsider before going in there wanting to get each car all of your undivided attention.
I look at it this way .. this is a tough economy and, right now, it's tricky for some people to find a job .. what you should be focusing on is that you're in a position to possibly move up with a company that you said you believe in .. I've had many jobs that I've held just for the fact that they paid well and I felt I could work my way up in the ranks .. we all start somewhere and maybe this position will help you in some unforeseen way (i.e. being able to further your ability to deal with customers and to "sell" your detailing abilities down the line) .. maybe stay with it for a little while longer, a few months even .. build more of a relationship with the other people working there and slowly mention that you're into detailing and would like to possibly try to work in the detailing department .. I mean, we all can't work our dream job right away lol I went to College for criminal justice and I now own an insurance agency until more job openings allow me the chance to change careers .. whatever you choose, just make sure you keep the future in mind .. are you MISERABLE or just not too enthused about the position ?? does the possibility of working as a head detailer make the current position more appealing ?? a lot of things to consider !! lol whatever you choose, though, I wish you the best !!
JoeyV, There are awesome responses above for you to think about. I can only offer that hardly anyone except those few top ? Percent, who get "grandfathered" etc., into a great job through family, etc., that may be in that "dream job" category.. Pretty much everyone else has gotten an education as much as possible, and then even with great education credentials, have had to start at low paying positions, internships, and the like, to get their feet wet, so to speak, and eventually find their own personal path to a successful career. It takes a lot of real soul searching for probably the majority of people to find out what they want to do in life, and then stick with it for 20-30 years, so that they can have steady hopefully increasing income, benefits for health and paid vacations, etc., and then at the end, a good retirement plan to help pay the bills, invest, etc... You my friend, are young and strong, and can do much to improve yourself and help others along the way. If you really want, I mean, really, really, want to stay in the Detailing Field for the next 20+ years, then please set your own expectations accordingly. It may not be the glamour job that some of the members of this Forum appear to have now, and will most likely take a long, hard, road to develop into something that actually helps pay all your bills - after - you subtract the cost of running this business on your checkbook and your body and health. It is absolutely wonderful to be able to take someone's "baby" and make it as good or better than "new" again, and give it back to them and see their reaction and feel their gratitude for your hard work. Will this career path really be the key to your own personal goals and that of your wife, children, and family and their and your future someday? Or will this path be something you absolutely love to do and try to keep it going "on the side" along with your real money making career? You absolutely have time in your life now I believe, to make choices, adjustments, and changes; there is nothing wrong with doing some things that might also be of great worth to your soul and future. Take that "leap of faith" appropriately now, and get experience in many things. Keep in mind the long-term goal/s you have set for yourself, your future family, your current family, and just go do it !!! I also wish you and yours the best going forward !!! Dan F
you have to like what you do.... totally agree, maybe see if there is another line of cars you like more, and try to sell those.
always do what you enjoy doing, hell i dont think i'd survive in this IT market if i didn't have at least 1/2 the interest i have now
Cliche high school advisory would say: If you hit the lottery tomorrow and you no longer had to work to provide financial means, what would you do with your time? Your answer is supposed to be what you would enjoy making a living at because it wouldn't seem like work.
Although I agree that you need to love what you sell, please also look at it from a customer's perspective. If you love the brand, and a customer comes in very interested in a certain model that might not fit your needs but might really fit THEIR needs, then you're doing your job right. Remember, it's not about you loving a Mazda minivan. But perhaps that family of four who just walked in is really excited about it.
P1et, I know what you mean, it's just that I didn't feel like I could truly sell something that I wouldn't want to buy myself. However, I spoke with my boss for an hour and we discussed how I felt pressured and whatnot and we came to an agreement. Seeing as I am a huge Mazda fan regardless of liking the current models or not, that when someone would come, my job would be to make sure they fell in love with Mazda as much as I am, and that once they were sure they wanted a Mazda, we would then choose the car that best suits their needs, hence no pressure on me to sell. Once that is all done, my manager/boss would be the one talking numbers, saving me from that pressure (until I'm comfortable with the idea anyways). This is what I meant about working with great people and great dealership. I sold my first car tonight. A Mazda2 GX+AC thanks for all the input and suggestions guys.
Recently I was told by a friend of a great quote I have never heard before. I will always remember it. "If you are going to be miserable,be miserable making 100K. Not 40K" Best of wishes at your new gig Joey. Do what right.:cheers:
Do what you love and keep at it! If that means switching your career path after 3 weeks, go for it and see where it takes you. Somehow my dad finds woodworking to be loveable that he can work 12-14h a day without even thinking about it. I remember me trying to keep up last summer for a few days and it was absolutely brutal!
