How to Be a Great Car Salesman – Two Traits All Business People Must Have

— by Dan Anderson

Recently, I had to subject myself to the car-buying experience. 

I didn’t want to do it, but I did. I jumped on the computer, put in my search parameters, and fired off a question about a used vehicle that fit my family’s needs. Then I waited for the barrage of calls, texts, and emails to come from a salesperson who would ruthlessly try to land a sale, whatever the cost.

Buying a new vehicle is not for the faint of heart. It is a rigorous endeavor. This is especially true when in the market for buying an SUV to fit the needs of a growing family with a less-than-extravagant budget, and yet still needing a dependable mode of transportation. I know many of you can relate.

Imagine my surprise when I received a brief text from Tim, thanking me for the inquiry, and telling me he would get back to me soon with the information I was requesting. 

Tim was the ideal model for anyone asking how to be a great car salesman. And he exemplified the two traits I think all business people should have. But more on that soon. Let me tell you what impressed me so much about Tim’s sales process.

In less than 30 minutes, Tim sent me a video link with:

• A brief introduction of himself

• A full walk around of the SUV inside and out and under the hood.

• A professional video edited with sizzling graphics overlay and a jazzy tune playing in the background!
  

Pretty amazing, huh? Needless to say, Tim’s “above and beyond,” personal, customized video more than captured my attention and respect. I felt respected, not badgered. I felt like I got to know Tim without feeling overwhelmed.

In the end, this SUV ended up being out of our price range, so I didn’t pursue buying it. I did, however, compliment Tim on his non-pushy, innovative, and extremely professional approach. It was so refreshing compared to my other car shopping experiences – exactly how I believed a great car salesman should act.

By the way if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, just reach out. I can hook you up with Tim from Peak KIA North, in Greeley, CO just north of Denver. 

I could tell Tim was touched and genuinely appreciated my encouragement. 

He then said something like, “I understand where you’re coming from, if you change your mind, or would like to see something else, just let me know.”

That was it. Nothing more. No cajoling or arm-twisting of any kind. What an example of innovative, competent, caring, “above and beyond” service that made my experience enjoyable, even though I didn’t bag the SUV of my dreams!

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Competence in Business: The First Trait of a Great Car Salesman

In a later conversation, I found out that Tim is a person of faith, which made me all the more excited. I asked his permission to share this story with you as I believe it exemplifies the kind of competence followers of Christ should display – whatever their profession. He more than happily obliged.

Someone once said, “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom in your work is to be competent.”

Dorothy Sayers similarly referenced the importance of a Christian’s competence (with an obvious reference to Jesus’ profession as a carpenter, most of His adult life), “The Church’s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to moral instruction and church attendance. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that His religion makes upon Him is that He should make good tables.”

Tim’s job involves customer service, and competence means being able to showcase cars accurately, speak with customers professionally, and respond to questions in a timely manner. Tim did his job well, and I respected him for it.

Integrity of Character: The Second Trait of a Great Car Salesman

Tim could have made the flashiest video ever and responded to every question immediately, but it wouldn’t have mattered had he been dishonest. This is especially true of faith-driven business people who claim to follow the Word of God.   

If I had ended up buying the SUV from Tim, and it had turned out to be a lemon, and he had known it, I would have been repulsed by any mention he made of Christ, the Bible, or church. I’m so disappointed when I hear about the unfortunate experiences of those who have been burned by professing believers in business.

Therefore, great business people (car salesmen and otherwise) should have impeccable competence and integrity. In our technologically advanced, success-driven culture, you can’t have one or the other. High competence is a must for Christians in the workplace. If we can get that right, and match it with a high character component and a gentle courage to converse with others about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), that would be a compelling triad that would be hard for anyone far from God to ignore.

The Prophet Daniel Was an Excellent Example

Daniel was a perfect example of someone who was both competent and full of integrity. When an all-out witch hunt was carried out to expose dirt on his character and competence, look what God’s inspired Word says about him, “They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt or negligent.” (Daniel 6:4b)

Further, who did King Belshazzar turn to when all of his “wise” men could not interpret the mysterious writing on the wall that suddenly appeared by an invisible hand? Daniel. Why? Because he was found as someone who had a…

“…keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems…” (Daniel 5:12b)

No wonder Daniel remained a go-to guy with irresistible, culture-changing influence and leadership for over 40 years even through the transition of 3 powerful pagan kingships!

Car Salesman, Baker, Tech Founder, Business Coach – Whatever You Do, Do it Competently and with Integrity

By this point, it should be obvious that this advice doesn’t just apply to how to be a great car salesman. Everyone should embrace competency and integrity. We are called to glorify God in all we do, and that includes our work. 

Oh, how we need more heroic, competent, problem-solving, culture-changing Christ-followers in the workplace, business, and churches today! Will you dare to be a Tim? Will you dare to be a Daniel?

I am so grateful for Tims, for Daniels, and for those like you whom I have the privilege of serving through Kingdom Way Ministries. May we continue delighting our customers and showing them glimpses of God’s love through business.

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