TSLA339.300-2.97%
GM84.370-2.4%
F14.050-0.32%
RIVN14.870-0.49%
CYD46.4301.19%
HMC31.9000.32%
TM189.180-1.93%
CVNA70.110-5.48%
PAG217.950-1.9%
LAD369.520-8.03%
AN204.960-4.45%
GPI259.680-4.27%
ABG208.540-2.12%
SAH80.260-0.57%
TSLA339.300-2.97%
GM84.370-2.4%
F14.050-0.32%
RIVN14.870-0.49%
CYD46.4301.19%
HMC31.9000.32%
TM189.180-1.93%
CVNA70.110-5.48%
PAG217.950-1.9%
LAD369.520-8.03%
AN204.960-4.45%
GPI259.680-4.27%
ABG208.540-2.12%
SAH80.260-0.57%
TSLA339.300-2.97%
GM84.370-2.4%
F14.050-0.32%
RIVN14.870-0.49%
CYD46.4301.19%
HMC31.9000.32%
TM189.180-1.93%
CVNA70.110-5.48%
PAG217.950-1.9%
LAD369.520-8.03%
AN204.960-4.45%
GPI259.680-4.27%
ABG208.540-2.12%
SAH80.260-0.57%


Why mindset matters more than skillset – Daniel Grissom

What truly separates the good from the great in sales? It’s more than just closing deals—it’s about having the right mindset. Daniel Grissom, President of Shark Mindset Selling, shares how sales success is 80% mindset and 20% skillset. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Grissom discusses how top performers stand out and offers actionable tips on how anyone can elevate their sales game by focusing on value, language, and self-assessment.

According to Grissom, success in sales is 80% mindset and 20% skillset. His approach, the “Shark Mindset Selling,” underscores the importance of a mindset that focuses on being helpful rather than being sales-driven. He argues that top performers approach each interaction with the intent to help, which creates value that naturally leads to more business. 

Grissom also highlights the impact of language on performance. The language salespeople use should center around creating value and not just closing the deal. He provides a stark contrast between top performers who plan what questions to ask, as opposed to average performers who focus only on what to say. Grissom also further explains that a salesperson’s self-awareness is key to overcoming plateaus, which encourages individuals to examine their own mindset and commitment to self-improvement. 

Although Grissom asserts his insight is beneficial to salespeople, he also argues that these same principles should and can be used on the leadership levell. He stresses that managers’ behaviors directly influence the team’s overall performance. Leaders should focus on coaching to aid their team in becoming more proactive and helpful rather than simply pushing for more sales.

“Top performers focus on being helpful and creating value, and as a result, sales naturally follow." - Daniel Grissom
Read More


More from Management & Leadership
Retention expert reveals future-focused strategy dealers need to keep top talent

Retention expert reveals future-focused strategy dealers need to keep top talent

- August 10, 2026
Losing a top performer costs more than most dealers realize, often more than double an employee's salary. Turnover is something most dealerships will eventually face, but having a framework to...
How having happy, well-trained employees leads to happy car buyers

How having happy, well-trained employees leads to happy car buyers

- July 13, 2026
One of the oldest rules in the car business is "the customer is always right." When customers are consistently unhappy, the issue is rarely the customer but something off inside...
RevDojo CEO Kyle Disher reveals where dealers are losing sales opportunities

RevDojo CEO Kyle Disher reveals where dealers are losing sales opportunities

- July 1, 2026
As dealerships navigate a more competitive sales environment, many continue investing in staffing while searching for ways to improve performance from existing leads. According to Kyle Disher, Founder and CEO...
Why expectations, not technology, drive dealership performance

Why expectations, not technology, drive dealership performance

- May 5, 2026
The car business is changing fast. Margins are tighter. AI is reshaping how dealerships hire, sell, and service customers. New franchises are struggling to hold market share. But what separates...
CBT News
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.