The Sales Success Stories Book – 60 Stories from 20 Top 1% Sales Professionals was published October 16, 2018. Learn more: http://top1.fm/book
In between the regular interview episodes, we’ll continue to release sample stories from the book like this one. You can either listen to the episode and hear John read his story, or read the full text below.
“Creating Success with the Customer First“
By: John Hinkson
I went into car sales believing that this was a career for me. I was blessed to be able to get a position at my hometown dealership, which after being in business for six years, was considered a trusted institution in our community. In my first full year, I was able to set a store record by selling 501 units. I had truly found my calling. I loved what I was doing every day. I recognize that people were starting to notice me more. Not only was I able to help my existing friends and generate new customers, but they were all sending their associates to me. I was building a great client base and those new customers kept sending me referrals. People wanted to do business with me. Everyone was asking me how I was able to sell so many cars and the answer I gave was “I put the customer first.” This was not just a cliche to me. I wanted to make each customer feel special. I wanted to make them feel important and as though they were my only customer.
Getting a new cars, an important purchase, and can be very stressful. For most people, their livelihood is dependent upon reliable transportation. I wanted each customer to know that this was as important to me as it was to them. I didn’t think about the money I was making. Yes, I wanted to make money. We all go to work to make money and provide for our families. But I didn’t focus on the money. I focused on giving each client and amazing experience and letting them know that I wanted to help them. My sales continue to go up, but I know we’re just my focus on helping people. That took care of that for me. As I kept my focus on the client first, I did make more money. My financial situation became better, so was able to purchase the home I wanted and have nicer vehicles. However, that was not my primary focus. I focused on being thankful. I was thankful for friends and customers who trusted me enough to recommend me to other people. Go see John Hinkson. You can trust him. He will take care of you. I was thankful to have the opportunity to work at a place that wants to take care of the customer and give back to the community.
I was thankful for my faith in God. I always remember the hard work I had put in to get to be a successful place in my life. I’ll start my day out at 4:30 AM I write in my journal and remember to thank God for all that he has done in my life. I write down my goals for the day, the week, and the year and then I do the work to make them happen. However, most of all I make sure I take care of people I remember to be of service to others and I believe that everything else will work out. Treat every person you meet as if they are special and important because they are. Focus on being thankful. Remember to serve and to take care of others.
Want more from John Hinkson? He was the star of episode 26: How Car Salesman John Hinkson Sold 1600 Cars in his First 3 Years