TSLA396.680-12.27%
GM83.760-0.01%
F14.950-0.05%
RIVN15.730-1.11%
CYD53.450-3.11%
HMC26.710-0.26%
TM175.780-2.67%
CVNA69.6100.16%
PAG180.2007.71%
LAD303.87011.92%
AN195.0009.17%
GPI328.29011.64%
ABG201.0407.58%
SAH84.8202.13%
TSLA396.680-12.27%
GM83.760-0.01%
F14.950-0.05%
RIVN15.730-1.11%
CYD53.450-3.11%
HMC26.710-0.26%
TM175.780-2.67%
CVNA69.6100.16%
PAG180.2007.71%
LAD303.87011.92%
AN195.0009.17%
GPI328.29011.64%
ABG201.0407.58%
SAH84.8202.13%
TSLA396.680-12.27%
GM83.760-0.01%
F14.950-0.05%
RIVN15.730-1.11%
CYD53.450-3.11%
HMC26.710-0.26%
TM175.780-2.67%
CVNA69.6100.16%
PAG180.2007.71%
LAD303.87011.92%
AN195.0009.17%
GPI328.29011.64%
ABG201.0407.58%
SAH84.8202.13%

The best ways your employees can develop their communication skills

Let the guest know you're paying attention to their needs.

On the latest episode of Kain and Co., host David Kain, president of Kain Automotive, talks about employee development and communication skills.

Often times when you walk into a dealership, your communication skills are centered around that one-to-one in-person focus. Building trust with the customer is essential. Kain says, when you are a communicator, you have to be able to carry that forward.

professionalDress like a professional. Be attentive and create body language that’s leaning towards the customer. Kain says you want to be polite and caring. Be an active listener. Let the guest know you’re paying attention to their needs. Kain says to ask, what’s got you in the market? 72% of people had a life-changing event that causes them to get into the car business.

When you finally get a guest on the phone, take the time to build trust with the customer. Those who use an outline for the call set appointments at twice the rate of those that don’t. Kain says no matter how effective you are, sometimes a customer can throw you off. The right words and communication skills make a big difference.

Related: WSJ best-selling author Alex Goldfayn explains the power and profitability of phone calls

Be sure to use messaging and prepare to have a good dialogue with the guest. When you combine the phone call, text message, and email, it allows you to co-navigate with the guest. Don’t overlook using email. It helps you give more details to the customers. Video also makes a huge difference. Consider how important is to communicate effectively says Kain. You have to communicate over the long term as well.


Did you enjoy this episode of Kain & Co.? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by submitting a letter to the editor here, or connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date or catch-up on all of our podcasts on demand.

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest auto industry news from CBT News.

dealers

More from Headlines
Stellantis issues massive 1 million recall due to fire risks

Stellantis issues massive 1 million recall due to fire risks

- June 9, 2026
On the Dash: Stellantis is recalling more than 1 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models due to a power steering wiring defect that could increase the risk of fire. Dealers...
Honda CEO survives ouster attempt despite worst loss in decades

Honda CEO survives ouster attempt despite worst loss in decades

- June 9, 2026
On the Dash: Retired Honda executives pushed CEO Toshihiro Mibe to resign. He refused. Honda posted nearly $10 billion in EV losses, its worst financial result in decades. U.S. EV...
UAW strike at GM Axle supplier enters second week with no deal in sight

UAW strike at GM Axle supplier enters second week with no deal in sight

- June 9, 2026
On the Dash: The strike affects a supplier of axles and other components used in GM's full-size and midsize pickup trucks. GM said the work stoppage has not yet disrupted...
Amazon Autos targets European growth as regulatory and market barriers loom

Amazon Autos targets European growth as regulatory and market barriers loom

- June 9, 2026
On the Dash: Amazon is evaluating a European expansion of Amazon Autos following its U.S. launch with Hyundai and other brands. Europe's stricter data regulations and agency-sales models could require...