Motivation (What to do if you get discouraged)

[Wright Fix]

Hello,
I was wondering if you more experienced guys and gals would be willing to give some motivational advice.

What do you do when business slows or you receive more than the normal amounts of not intrested.

Considering the number of new guys on this forum, I think this would be well received and valuable to everyone.

Thanks and God bless,
Heath

[DaveC]

Some things I do ....

1. Call a customer that you have already serviced and ask how their repair is holding up. When you get that "still looks great" response, you at least reaffirm your abilties and boost your self-esteem.

2. Do something different, business wise. If you normally prospect for retail jobs, visit a potential fleet account (and visa versa). Yes, you may get another "NO," but at least it is a different kind of no. As well, visit those locations that you always pass but never seem to actually stop at.

3. Do something nice for somebody else. Find a charity, organization or even an individual that is less fortunate than you are and do a free repair or two on some of their vehicles. The few dollars you spent on materials and the hour or so that you spent on labor WILL be greatly appreciated and may even be a tax writeoff;)

4. Do something nice for yourself. Take a break, relax, recharge your mental and emotional batteries by engaging in some activity that you enjoy.

5. Buy some lemons, salt and a bottle of Cuervo;)

It can be very frustrating, especially when you are new to owning/operating your own business.

It takes time for any business to build a customer base.

It also takes time for any business to identify the periods when they will be busy and when they will be slow.

All in all, hang on!

[GlassStarz]

Being able to motivate yourself is a must in self employment no magic formula just get out and work.
Salesmanship is a must and frequent im not interested responses says you arnt selling well. Buy some books take a class whatever works just increase your closing ratio if you arnt closing 50% of the people you talk to its your fault so do what is needed to make yourself up to a better sales person. Set daily goals as well as weekly and monthly and meet them.

[CPR]

If you have some extra time on your hands, come on down here and help install all these damn hurricane shutters...........................................

[maxryde]

Wright Fix, Good question!! We all get discouraged at times; it's just part of our nature. The lemon idea or change up is both good ideas. Here's another, Check your attitude are you pushy? Doe's your pitch have the attitude of desperation? I know it sounds funny but we are so vested and close to the situation or outcome it is sometimes tough to see how we are presenting ourselves. It's the kiss of death if you come off this way!! I remember when I was on the other side (I worked used cars right out of high school) when the vinyl guy or white wall guy or the striper showed up lookin desperate it killed the sale for him and while we rarely deal in that arena I still see folks who sell this and other related products wearing that kiss of death look on their face and they just cannot pay for a sale!! When things get tough Remember the product that we offer is a great value and if you are performing your job correctly than only fools turn down an offer to change their oil or fix their WS You see that is what we do maintain glass or WS' sand the very second a person says no it's time to thank them for their time and if you would like to press for a sale that is your business but I find it better to just move on to the yes's. The prospect will wonder why you didn't push and the fact you left them wondering is good. They are thinking of you and you did leave a card right. Chances are they won

[repare-brise]

As others have said in the past you shoulden't expect different results from doing the same work. You want motivation go to a class, read a book, volenteer at a hospital for sick kids(you ain't seen better motivators), or spend time with your family to remind yourself why you wanted to work for yourself in the first place. If you want results go out and work, if what you have been doing doen't work, go out and do something else.

Enjoy