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.

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