Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Secret to Purchasing a New Automobile on a Budget (Part 1)

Automobile purchases for most individuals represent the second largest purchase the average person will make besides their home. Numerous articles have been written on how to get prepared when purchasing an automobile.  I want to present to you some money saving secrets that I have learned from being in the business for more than thirty-five years.
 After you have completed your research and selected the model that you desire.  The next step is for you is to research the trim levels. Why the trim levels? Because the average buyer over spends on standard equipment located in these trim levels. This leads them to purchasing more equipment on their vehicle than they will ever use and spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars unnecessarily. Here’s an example, a Chevy Malibu has the following trim levels available LS, LT, and LTZ .  All manufacturers have models with similar trim levels. Each trim level represents a group of equipment that will come standard in the package.  Now the question is, what are your equipment must haves? When I ask buyers this question my general response is , “I want it loaded”.  I’ll then ask, what is loaded? The general response is power windows, power door locks, cruise control, leather, sunroof and a dvd player.
Here’s how to save money, purchase the LS trim level that comes standard with power windows, power door locks, and cruise control thereafter, add the leather, sunroof, and dvd thru an aftermarket company. Most aftermarket equipment comes with a warranty that’s similar to the manufacturer’s warranty.  To get a comparable equipped vehicle out of stock you will have to purchase a LTZ trim level.  If you compare the price of the LTZ trim level to the one equipped with aftermarket accessories, you’ll save thousands of dollars and have the model and equipment you enjoy most.

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Defining Moment in a Hero's Life

We all have greatness inside. Yes, I am talking about you. You may be employed on a job that seems to be going nowhere or unemployed for what seems like an eternity, but there is greatness inside of you. Maybe love ones may have thrown in the towel on you, but I am here today to tell you that there is greatness inside of you. The question now becomes “How do I become great?” Why am I here? What was I put on this earth to do? You start by finding your purpose in life. What is your purpose? Your purpose is that which is inside of you that elevates you to become all that you can be and brings out the very best in you.
I have been told that there are two defining moments in a person’s life. The day that they are born, and secondly, the moment that they discover their purpose in life. An example of purpose is, if you were on a ship that sailed into a very bad storm and the waves get very rough. The ship starts to rock as if it may capsize. The forces of the wind and rain are enough to create chaos all within itself. They are blowing so hard that you can’t see your hands in front of your face. To make matters worse, all of the crew members are looking to you to save them. You must somehow figure out how to get out of this mess. This is where heroes are born. This is a defining moment. This is nothing that you could have been prepared for but, you know that this is your time to lead. You use your hands to shield your eyes from the blowing wind and rain and cast your eyes upon a faint star that you can see in the distance. You follow this faint light in the sky and discover that it is the North Star, and it takes you out of the mess and confusion that you are in, out of the storm and into victory and success as you have never in life experienced before. Dr. Martin Luther King’s delivery of his “I Have Dream” speech was a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement in America. This movement was responsible for outlawing racial discrimination and restoring the voting rights of African Americans in Southern States. His speech inspired change and purpose in all Americans. Og Mandino, author of the book “The Greatest Salesman In The World” quotes, “I am here for a purpose, and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not shrink into a grain of sand. Henceforth, I will apply all of my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.” The time is now for all of us to find our purpose in life, the kind of purpose that evokes change and propels us to greatness!
Need a keynote speaker or an automobile? Visit my website at: donlautos.com or phone me at 281-388-8566. Listen to my radio program “How to buy a Car”, on KCOH 1430am Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Prospering and Selling in a Difficult Economy

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up, figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Michael Jordan

There is no doubt that in recent years that we have experienced a recession. Big corporations have released thousands into the ranks of the unemployed from the entry level to upper management positions. It didn’t matter whether you had just attained employment with the company or if you had been employed there for forty years, at the blink of an eye you had your pink slip. Those who retained employment there knew that the next round of layoffs could affect them also. In return, they only spent money on products of services that were necessities. This represented the economic environment of our United States.

Despite this environment, believe it or not, there were a group of salespeople who were growing their business. Yes, they continued to prosper and grow. How were they able to do this when others seem to have lost all, including hope? They, had a master plan that was exercised with the precision of a marksman and the discipline of a U.S. Marine. Have honor, courage and commitment!

Here are some of the strategies that they have incorporated into their lives:

1. Don’t panic. It’s a natural reaction, but you will not experience success if you
function in this mode. Just ask yourself “ Are these thoughts propelling me closer
to my vision and goals?” There is no doubt that negative thoughts create
negative results and take us farther away from our goals.

2 . Stay focused. Think on, meditate and see yourself doing it and achieving
your goal. Remember that you and only you are responsible for your
thoughts and your production. Look for opportunities to increase your
sales. This is the time to think outside of the norm. The internet has
unlimited opportunities, if used properly. In other words, seek out and
find all opportunities to introduce yourself to potential clients.

3. Work every lead. Despite the difficulty in the economy, there are
customers contacting your company inquiring about your products
and services. These leads should be contacted immediately. You must
do everything to earn their business but, do not panic sale. Build value in
your product and service.

4. Work Your Client Base. These are customers that have already
purchased and have done business with you who may be looking to
replace or upgrade their product or service. Make it your goal to
contact this group on a regular basis. This can be your game changer
if implemented properly.

5. Become an Expert! Position yourself as an expert in your field. Write
articles, newsletters, etc. and get as much positive publicity as possible.
Make it a major objective to get your name into your marketplace with a
consistent message.

Do you or does your company need a keynote speaker or an automobile? Do you want to learn to be a Super Salesperson no matter what field? Visit my websites at donlautos.com or call me at 281-388-8566. Listen to my radio program, “How to Buy a Car” on Wednesdays at 10:30am on KCOH ( AM 1430) radio.