TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%
TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%
TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%

The key to overcoming fear and rejection as a salesperson in the car dealership

On the latest episode of Straight Talk, host David Lewis, President of David Lewis & Associates, discusses dealing with rejection. Everyone deals with different types of rejection in their life. Dealership salespeople and automotive managers are extremely familiar with rejection. Lewis provides his perspective on the best way to handle one of the biggest threats to success.

Lewis discusses an acronym for the word “fear”. This acronym stands for “false evidence appearing real”. Many people live their whole life without uncovering their true potential because they constantly live in fear. Salespeople at the car dealership often create a false narrative that prevents them from taking steps towards greater success.

“If you allow the opinions and thoughts of others, real or imagined, to determine what you think about yourself, those fears will keep you from achieving those things you hope to accomplish,” said Lewis. “In other words, what you allow to influence your thoughts about your personal abilities and potential will create what you achieve in life.”

Lewis says that many salespeople believe they can’t achieve great things because of something someone said to them much earlier in their life. Many people will hold on to the words of others from a young age and allow them to shape the trajectory of their life. However, it’s crucial to overcome negativity from past experiences to create new opportunities. 

The “straight talk” answer to fear and thoughts of inadequacy is to take every opportunity to have a positive outlook on life. Lewis says that time outside the car dealership is crucial in shaping your thoughts and mentality when you’re in the car dealership. Instead of spending the evening watching mindless television, Lewis encourages car dealers and other automotive employees to spend time learning something new or finding ways to better themselves.


Did you enjoy this episode of Straight Talk? 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
Detroit automakers respond to hazardous air as wildfire smoke impacts production

Detroit automakers respond to hazardous air as wildfire smoke impacts production

- July 17, 2026
On the Dash: Production remains online, but ongoing air quality issues could temporarily disrupt manufacturing output if conditions worsen. Any prolonged production interruptions at Michigan assembly plants could affect future...
Honda ends U.S. Prologue EV as hybrid demand reshapes strategy

Honda ends U.S. Prologue EV as hybrid demand reshapes strategy

- July 17, 2026
On the Dash: Honda dealers should expect hybrids, not EVs, to drive showroom traffic and sales growth in the near term. The Prologue's retirement reflects continued softness in U.S. EV...
New-vehicle affordability slips in June as prices, loan rates climb

New-vehicle affordability slips in June as prices, loan rates climb

- July 17, 2026
On the Dash: New-vehicle affordability declined slightly in June as prices and loan rates outweighed income growth Affordability still beat last year, thanks to 4.1% income growth and lower...
Volvo Cars sees $8 billion in Q2 revenue, forecasts stronger second half

Volvo Cars sees $8 billion in Q2 revenue, forecasts stronger second half

- July 17, 2026
On the Dash: Volvo Cars' EBIT margin fell to 1.1% from 2.2% in the first quarter. China sales slumped 35%, driving the sharpest hit to second-quarter profitability. Cost cuts topped...
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.