Surviving vs. Succeeding In Car Sales
In the world of car sales, there’s a fine line between surviving vs. succeeding. Survival is instinctual—it’s what we do to get by, to keep the lights on, and to maintain the status quo. Success, on the other hand, is a choice. It requires intention, action, and a commitment to go beyond what’s comfortable.
If you’ve been showing up to work every day, grinding through the motions, and hoping things will improve, you may be stuck in survival mode. But what if you could take control of your career and transform it into a thriving, successful journey? The key lies in understanding the difference between surviving vs. succeeding in car sales—and choosing the latter.
Survival mode is about doing the bare minimum to get through the day. You’re focused on immediate needs—making a sale here and there, keeping your manager off your back, and earning enough to cover your bills. While survival serves a purpose in tough times, it’s not where long-term success is built.
Signs You’re in Survival Mode:
– Reactive Approach: You wait for opportunities to come to you instead of actively creating them.
– Minimal Effort: You put in just enough work to keep your manager happy but don’t push for more.
– Fear-Driven Decisions: You avoid risks because you’re afraid of failure.
– Stuck in the Comfort Zone: You resist change, sticking to familiar routines even if they’re not effective.
Navigating car sales: struggling vs. winning highlights the stark reality of staying afloat without growing. Surviving keeps you in a cycle of mediocrity. While it may feel safe, it’s ultimately limiting
From Survival to Success in Car Sales
Success is a choice—a mindset and a set of actions that move you forward. Succeeding means not just meeting your goals but exceeding them, taking control of your career, and building a life you’re proud of.
Traits of Salespeople Who Succeed:
– Proactive Mindset: You take initiative, seek out opportunities, and make things happen.
– Relentless Effort: You go the extra mile, whether it’s following up with a lead one more time or learning a new skill.
– Growth-Oriented: You embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to grow.
– Purpose-Driven: You have a clear vision of your goals and take intentional steps to achieve them.
Success doesn’t just happen—it’s built through consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to push past your limits.
Key Differences Between Surviving and Succeeding
Surviving
– Focused on short-term results
– Reactive, waiting for leads
– Avoids risks and challenges
– Does the minimum to get by
– Stuck in the comfort zone
Succeeding
– Focused on long-term growth
– Proactive, generating leads
– Seeks out growth opportunities
– Goes above and beyond
– Embraces change and innovation
How to Move from Surviving vs. Succeeding in Car Sales
1. Shift Your Mindset
Success starts with a decision. Ask yourself, “Am I satisfied with just getting by, or am I ready to thrive?” Your mindset determines your actions, so choose to believe that you’re capable of greatness.
2. Set Clear Goals
Survivors aim to get through the day; successful people aim for something bigger. Use tools like the Kintz Sales PlayBook to create your goals, break them into actionable steps, and track your progress.
3. Be Proactive
Stop waiting for customers to walk onto the lot. Reach out to prospects, build your referral network, and follow up relentlessly. Success is about creating opportunities, not hoping they’ll find you.
4. Embrace Discipline
Discipline bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Commit to daily habits like prospecting, practicing your skills, and sharpening your product knowledge.
5. Invest in Growth
Read books, attend training sessions, and seek mentorship. The more you invest in yourself, the more valuable you become. The Coaches PlayBook is a great resource for managers who want to guide their teams from survival to success.
6. Barely Getting By vs. Mastering Success
Survivors focus on what’s going wrong; successful people celebrate what’s going right. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small—it fuels your motivation to keep going and prevents you from just, “barely getting by”
Why Success Is Worth the Effort
Choosing success over survival isn’t always easy. It requires hard work, resilience, and a willingness to face discomfort. But the rewards—financial freedom, professional growth, and personal fulfillment—are more than worth it.
As a car salesperson, your potential is limitless. The question is, will you settle for surviving, or will you choose to succeed?
Take Action Today
Don’t let another day go by in survival mode. Here’s your challenge:
1. Write down one area of your career where you’ve been surviving instead of succeeding.
2. Outline three specific actions you can take this week to shift into success mode.
3. Commit to the mindset, effort, and discipline it takes to thrive.
Remember, survival is instinctual, but success is a choice. Choose success—and watch your career and life transform.
Did you know we also have a YouTube channel? We post weekly tips and tricks of how to succeed in the car biz so check us out!
