Need new job!

[GrantDawg]

Hey everyone! I know I haven't been on very often recently, but my work has required me to keep a lower profile online. Basically I was up for a national postition with a church-based (and very anal) program and didn't need the unwanted "attention" that I might get if someoine linked me to post on here (they are very political, and wouldn't like my feelings on certain things). Be that as it may, I have pulled out of the running for that job because they have been dragging their feet for months, and it'll probably be next year before they actually hire. :rolleyes:

That brings me to this. I have stayed at the job I'm in for as long as I can stand. As you all may know, I am a minister and have been in the full time ministry for 13 years. It is basically the only "grown-up" job I've ever had. Well, I have finally put in my notice, and as of the end of the year will be unemployed. This needed to be done, and should have been done long before this.

I now need a job, very preferably a secular position. I need the job like now! I have no hope of unemployment when this job ends (churches don't pay unemployment, not to mention I quit), so I HAVE to have something by January 1. I am very open to anything that pays decent. Travel is no problem, but relocation could be. My biggest problems are that a) I have a bachelor's degree, but from a church-based, non-accredited institution. I have further eduacation (in computers and regular liberal arts courses), but most HR poeople I believe are just counting me as "High-school" level education. b) Other than church-work, I have no experience in the "real world."

Anyway, I know a number of you are in the Atlanta area, so I was hoping you might have some ideas, input. I know I can't get a job spell-checking, but other than that I am wide open :D

[sovereignstar]

I am very open to anything that pays decent.

Take it off! Take it off!

[GrantDawg]

Take it off! Take it off!

They'd pay me to put it back on.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm sure you had your reasons, but if you absolutely can't be out of work, why did you quit before locking up a new job?

[st.cronin]

In today's world, there are really only two options: Higher education or open your own business.

[Eaglesfan27]

No job idea, but it is good to see you back on here.

[mrsimperless]

Can you rescind your notice? If it were me I think I'd look into that STAT...

=)

[GrantDawg]

I'm sure you had your reasons, but if you absolutely can't be out of work, why did you quit before locking up a new job?
Because of several reasons, but most importantly I cannot use the contacts that I have to find a job without annoucing that I'm looking. Once I announce I was looking, then we had to set a time frame because the congregation must find a replacement. If your unfamilar with the way congregations work, it may look confusing, but I really had no choice.

[mrsimperless]

On a more serious note, I had a friend who managed an EB Games store for a couple of years out of college. It gave him some good experience for other jobs, paid decent, and allowed him to be around something that he enjoyed all day.

Given that you likely have great people skills from working as a minister, this might be a decent fit if it's something that interests you.

[GrantDawg]

On a more serious note, I had a friend who managed an EB Games store for a couple of years out of college. It gave him some good experience for other jobs, paid decent, and allowed him to be around something that he enjoyed all day.

Given that you likely have great people skills from working as a minister, this might be a decent fit if it's something that interests you.
That is something I am considering. I'm going to go by Gamestop tommorow and check out what I need to do to get a resume in there. I'm also going to a local job fair with a good number of local companies represented tommorow.

[RPI-Fan]

Very few of the retail store managers in the store I work have college education. They don't make awful money, and there is a little growth potential.

[GrantDawg]

Very few of the retail store managers in the store I work have college education. They don't make awful money, and there is a little growth potential.
Which store do you work? EB? I know at one time the starting salary that I saw wasn't bad.

[Craptacular]

They'd pay me to put it back on.
Double the money.

[Galaxy]

In today's world, there are really only two options: Higher education or open your own business.

I agree with him here.....I am working on the first, want to do the second (why work just as hard to make others money?)

[RPI-Fan]

Which store do you work? EB? I know at one time the starting salary that I saw wasn't bad.

I work in a sporting goods store. We do about $10mil per year and I think the sales managers make generally .3-.4% of that. I don't know if that is in the range you were hoping for, and it is also kind of shitty hours. But I know that for someone who needs a job badly you can usually find something fairly quickly, and they give good enough benefits, etc.

[sabotai]

I hear Wal-Mart is a good place to work.... :)

[GrantDawg]

I hear Wal-Mart is a good place to work.... :)
That's funny, because I was at a job fair and did give a resume to work at the Walmart disribution facility. Looked like good pay and great benefits.

[GrantDawg]

Well, updating the job search...

I have an interview Monday to see about working with a local company that packages CD's. I would be up for one of three jobs, but the starting pay for all three positions are half of what I am making now (at least for the first 90 days). Two of them are set hour jobs that leaves me open to find a second job, so I'll look at them.

Tuesday, I am interviewing with a car dealership. I have already been offered a job through a placement service for car sales, but unfortunately you have to go through this two day training seminar that I'll be out of town for. I am really hesitant to get into car sales because of the risk. You can make a lot of money, but it seems 9 out of 10 people don't last three months on the job. Anyone have any car sales experience you can tell me about? The good news on it is that it seems most companies are no longer doing the straight commision/draw that they used to do. You now have a base salary with bonuses for sales.

Anyway, I'm still listening for suggestions. I'm worried about taking these early offerings because something better might come along, but then again I am afraid to not take these offerings because maybe nothing will. :)

[st.cronin]

Well, updating the job search...

I have an interview Monday to see about working with a local company that packages CD's. I would be up for one of three jobs, but the starting pay for all three positions are half of what I am making now (at least for the first 90 days). Two of them are set hour jobs that leaves me open to find a second job, so I'll look at them.

Tuesday, I am interviewing with a car dealership. I have already been offered a job through a placement service for car sales, but unfortunately you have to go through this two day training seminar that I'll be out of town for. I am really hesitant to get into car sales because of the risk. You can make a lot of money, but it seems 9 out of 10 people don't last three months on the job. Anyone have any car sales experience you can tell me about? The good news on it is that it seems most companies are no longer doing the straight commision/draw that they used to do. You now have a base salary with bonuses for sales.

Anyway, I'm still listening for suggestions. I'm worried about taking these early offerings because something better might come along, but then again I am afraid to not take these offerings because maybe nothing will. :)


I was in car sales for about a year. It's easy work - I made good money that year. The downside is that pretty much everybody in the industry is absolute scum. I had two different co-workers pull a gun on me, and that was in Madison, Wisconsin, which has a non-existent crime rate.

[GrantDawg]

I was in car sales for about a year. It's easy work - I made good money that year. The downside is that pretty much everybody in the industry is absolute scum. I had two different co-workers pull a gun on me, and that was in Madison, Wisconsin, which has a non-existent crime rate.
That's always fun. That is another thing I'm leary on. I know many people in the industry are just greedy-evil. I have met several that have been successfull that didn't go down that route. though.

[Galaril]

I was in car sales for about a year. It's easy work - I made good money that year. The downside is that pretty much everybody in the industry is absolute scum. I had two different co-workers pull a gun on me, and that was in Madison, Wisconsin, which has a non-existent crime rate.


The army? Navy? Air force is always hiring and they are always in need of chaplains especially these days. ;)

[GrantDawg]

The army? Navy? Air force is always hiring and they are always in need of chaplains especially these days. ;)


Ummmmmmm.....no. Been there, done that, and burned the t-shirt. :)

[GrantDawg]

GRRRRR......

I got a call from a company last week setting up a phone interview today 10AM. Here I sit at 11:15 and no call. Next time, I am getting a call-back number. I've never been asked for a phone interview before, but I never dreamed they wouldn't cal me. The thing that sucks is this is a job I really want.

[GrantDawg]

So, over a month later and I have zilch. I have until December 31 to find a job or I am dead. I'll have no job and no paychecks coming. Looks like I might be asking "would you like fries with that?"

[Anthony]

with the holiday season coming up i'm sure you won't have a hard time getting a job at some retail company.

[Breeze]

So, over a month later and I have zilch. I have until December 31 to find a job or I am dead. I'll have no job and no paychecks coming. Looks like I might be asking "would you like fries with that?"


If you're not opposed to sales, call Ackerman Security. They hired my brother with very little sales experience, and he's done quite well with them. Can't give you a whole lot of information about salary/commission, but from the looks of it, he's going pretty well.

[BuffaloHuskey]

I think you would be perfect for most sales jobs. I would imagine that based on your experience as a minister, you are comfortable talking to people and over the years you have developed a presentation style which allows people to warm up to you. I think you would be able to leverage this expereince during both the interview proccess and ultimately when you land a job.

[Glengoyne]

Because of several reasons, but most importantly I cannot use the contacts that I have to find a job without annoucing that I'm looking. Once I announce I was looking, then we had to set a time frame because the congregation must find a replacement. If your unfamilar with the way congregations work, it may look confusing, but I really had no choice.
I'm heading up the pastoral search for our church right now, and none of the potential candidates have informed their congregation that they might be leaving. As far as a time frame allowing the congregation to find a replacement....We started our search in July, we should have a pastor by February or March.

[GrantDawg]

I think you would be perfect for most sales jobs. I would imagine that based on your experience as a minister, you are comfortable talking to people and over the years you have developed a presentation style which allows people to warm up to you. I think you would be able to leverage this expereince during both the interview proccess and ultimately when you land a job.

I agree, but so far I haven't gotten to the interview process! I have had a couple of people look over my resume, so that isn't it (at least I don't think). I am wary of most sales jobs (my emergency fall-back job is car sales, but I would prefer not to have to work every Saturday).

I just got off the phone with a company that has some potential. It is b2b sales, selling POS credit card and checking readers. They provide all appointments, and all I do is sell. It might be a good start.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Have you checked some of the temp services?

With your background dealing with people, if you could tolerate it, I'd think you'd be a vast improvement on most of the "1st contact" telephone/front desk people I run into.

Just a thought.

edit to add: I'm thinking more as a short-term solution here, but short-term provides more time to find the right long-term job. Beats the crap out of 12/31/05 anyway.

[GrantDawg]

I'm heading up the pastoral search for our church right now, and none of the potential candidates have informed their congregation that they might be leaving. As far as a time frame allowing the congregation to find a replacement....We started our search in July, we should have a pastor by February or March.
I know, but I was trying to use church contacts to look for a job outside of preaching. I couldn't do that without announcing. I promise you, I didn't let congregations know before hand when switching churches until I knew I had the job.

[GrantDawg]

Have you checked some of the temp services?

With your background dealing with people, if you could tolerate it, I'd think you'd be a vast improvement on most of the "1st contact" telephone/front desk people I run into.

Just a thought.

edit to add: I'm thinking more as a short-term solution here, but short-term provides more time to find the right long-term job. Beats the crap out of 12/31/05 anyway.

Yes, I've looked in to it. A temp job like that is a huge paycut (like half of my current salary or less). That is another "if I find nothing else" idea for a month or so from now. The good thing about those positions is it would allow me to work a second job if I had to. It is just then trying to find a second job that has decent income.

[GrantDawg]

BTW, the thing I am kicking myself for at this point isn't resigning. It is turning down a job at a large congregation the next town over from me. I just didn't want to pulpit preach anymore, but at least I could have put off this search and had good pay to boot! The good news in that is my Brother-in-law got the job, so I'll most likely be attending there after the end of the year.

[Mike D]

Have you tried Monster.com and things like that?

[GrantDawg]

Have you tried Monster.com and things like that?

Yes, about 12 different services. I'm sending out 5-10 resumes a day.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Yes, about 12 different services. I'm sending out 5-10 resumes a day.
When you find a job, let me know how you found it, because I'm desperately looking for one, too. :D

[GrantDawg]

When you find a job, let me know how you found it, because I'm desperately looking for one, too. :D
If your interested in sales, then this job I'm going for Monday might be good. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Cringer]

The road is whispering in your ear...... :D

Naaa, I wouldn't try to talk you into driving. You didn't sound very high on having to go into it the other week, which probably isn't the best way to go into it.

[GrantDawg]

The road is whispering in your ear...... :D

Naaa, I wouldn't try to talk you into driving. You didn't sound very high on having to go into it the other week, which probably isn't the best way to go into it.

The travel part real does appeal to me. That is the biggest selling point. The problem (as I was telling my wife) is that I just don't know if I could drive the big old things. I'm not that good at driving with a boat! When I was younger, learning would have been no problem, but the older I get the more I question my ability to do it.

[Mike D]

LOL, I was actually going to mention that you should be a truck driver, because while I only know one, he really likes being a trucker. Plus you get to taunt assholes in Jetta's on the interstate. Something to think about. :)

[GrantDawg]

Update on job:

Went through training class and recieved a lot of information on the product and service (CC machines and proccessors). I'm excited about the opportunity, though there definitely some down points to it. Made my first calls today, and they went fairly well. The day before thanksgiving is not the best time to be calling on small business owners, but I still had some success. I'm off until Monday, and I think next week will really tell the tale of whether this will work out or not.

[CamEdwards]

good luck, GD! If you became a raging conservative, I could help you get a job in talk radio :)

[GrantDawg]

good luck, GD! If you became a raging conservative, I could help you get a job in talk radio :)

How about an ex-raging conservative. :)

[GrantDawg]

Update on job:

Went through training class and recieved a lot of information on the product and service (CC machines and proccessors). I'm excited about the opportunity, though there definitely some down points to it. Made my first calls today, and they went fairly well. The day before thanksgiving is not the best time to be calling on small business owners, but I still had some success. I'm off until Monday, and I think next week will really tell the tale of whether this will work out or not.

So, on futher review, this company is totally ripping people off on the machines (like 1000% mark up). I am once again job hunting, and I am this point in panic mode. :(

[judicial clerk]

The Holidays are not the right time to find a job. Many businesses are not doing special projects like hiring new people this time of year. Instead they are having christmas parties and taking time off. The good news is that after the first of the year, businesses should be hiring for the positions they put off filling because of the holidays.

It reads to me that you only have job prospects from sales-type jobs you might find advertised in the paper. Often times, the good job you want is not going to be advertised or the position is already being held for somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody. You need to be that guy. I recenlty changed careers and I left my old job on good terms. Before I left, my boss got 2 resumes per week wanting my job. When my boss advertised my job, we got about 400 resumes. You know who got the job? The son in law of a guy that went golfing twice with my boss when he vacationed in South Carolina.

you need to network. Let all your friends and associates know you are looking. For me, this is not a fun process, but it is the way to a better job.

[DaddyTorgo]

Grant...how do you feel about retail? Starbucks is a good job, working with people in some way/shape/form. Good company to work for, but not sure it's for you. I could tell you more if you were interested though.

[GrantDawg]

Grant...how do you feel about retail? Starbucks is a good job, working with people in some way/shape/form. Good company to work for, but not sure it's for you. I could tell you more if you were interested though.

Interested. I'm interested in anything. :)

Yeah, I wouldn't mind Starbucks, it is just the pay that has me nervous. At this point I may just have to sell stuff and teach my kids to eat Ramien Noodles.

[WrongWay]

Have you ever though about being a teacher?

Should be able to slide into a Private School pretty easy with your Church Degree.

[DaddyTorgo]

Interested. I'm interested in anything. :)

Yeah, I wouldn't mind Starbucks, it is just the pay that has me nervous. At this point I may just have to sell stuff and teach my kids to eat Ramien Noodles.
well i'm not sure what the payscale is down there in GA, but I could definately find out with a quick phonecall. i'll do that tomorrow and shoot you a PM to see if it's even anywhere near what you'd need it to be.

that private school teaching idea sounds good too, especially if you were to find a religious school so you could use your church experience as a hook in...

[GrantDawg]

well i'm not sure what the payscale is down there in GA, but I could definately find out with a quick phonecall. i'll do that tomorrow and shoot you a PM to see if it's even anywhere near what you'd need it to be.

that private school teaching idea sounds good too, especially if you were to find a religious school so you could use your church experience as a hook in...

Thanks, I would appreciate it much. Not enough private schools in this area of my affiliation. Most others have different requirements. I did explore that option with no luck.

[GrantDawg]

Well, I'm out of the company that was ripping people off, but I am now a independent representive for good company that provides machines for a reasonable price. How about free! Unfortunately, this is completely independent position, so I'm going to have to generate my own business. I'm not going to do this full time, but as a side project.

So, if anyone in Atlanta (or actually anywhere, since I can sign you up on-line) needs a credit card processor, let me know. :)

[GrantDawg]

Well, it looks like car sales it is. I've all but taken a position at the local Toyota dealership. Not my dream job, but one I think I can enjoy. It is going to stink being away from the family so much, but you eventually got to make a living.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Well, it looks like car sales it is. I've all but taken a position at the local Toyota dealership. Not my dream job, but one I think I can enjoy. It is going to stink being away from the family so much, but you eventually got to make a living.If we lived in GA we'd buy a car from you. You don't strike me as a sleaszy car salesman. Quite refreshing.

[GrantDawg]

If we lived in GA we'd buy a car from you. You don't strike me as a sleaszy car salesman. Quite refreshing.

*blush*

[Pumpy Tudors]

If we lived in GA we'd buy a car from you. You don't strike me as a sleaszy car salesman. Quite refreshing.
I echo this. Congratulations on finding a job, GrantDawg. I know how hard it is.

[MacroGuru]

If your standout and a good guy, you will get word of mouth business from people as well....I hate to say it, but I know several people that are car salesmen, some good, some bad....the good guys and honestly, the good guys are making better money than the guys that act like jerks.

[GrantDawg]

If your standout and a good guy, you will get word of mouth business from people as well....I hate to say it, but I know several people that are car salesmen, some good, some bad....the good guys and honestly, the good guys are making better money than the guys that act like jerks.

That's my plan, but I know it is going to be tough. The dealership is going to try their "one size fits all" approach, but I have every intention of shooting straight and doing people right.

[GrantDawg]

Well, I sold my first car. I have been training for the last week, and was just let loose on customers yesterday. It was late before we got through with the deal, but when I got back from delivering the car everyone in the dealership came over and the sales manager cut my tie. It is a rush to sell, no doubt about it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Congratulations, GrantDawg! Now when are you gonna hook up FOFC members with some new wheels?

[sterlingice]

Congratulations, GrantDawg! Now when are you gonna hook up FOFC members with some new wheels?I'm sure he has a "great deal" he can offer us now, but we'd better accept because a couple other people are looking at it ;)

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm sure he has a "great deal" he can offer us now, but we'd better accept because a couple other people are looking at it ;)

Well, maybe he can work something out ... he's gone to talk to his sales manager, that is, IF we're really serious ;)

[Oilers9911]

They'd pay me to put it back on.There you go. Walk around naked and collect money from people with the promise of getting dressed again. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[digamma]

Congrats!

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats Grantdawg! :)

[FrogMan]

congrats on the sale! So this means you need a new tie then? Dang, a man can never win :D

FM

[GrantDawg]

Well, maybe he can work something out ... he's gone to talk to his sales manager, that is, IF we're really serious ;)

Can you sign this saying that if we get your number you'll buy today?

Actually, no joke. If your in the area (maybe even if your not) and are interested in a car, this weekend is the time to buy. We are having a "red tag" sale with every car basically priced at what you'd have to argue four hours to get.

[Craptacular]

Did you convince the guy to buy the undercoating?

[RPI-Fan]

What's the difference between the GT and the GTS?

[GrantDawg]

What's the difference between the GT and the GTS?
I believe GTS is "Grand Touring Sport."

[RPI-Fan]

I believe GTS is "Grand Touring Sport."

Sorry, I think "GT" is "Guaranteed Tremendous" and "GTS" is "Guaranteed Tremendous Safety".

[GrantDawg]

Alright, time for an update (maybe I should have a dynasty, though I don't know if anyone really cares about this stuff). I sold a truck last Sunday to a guy who came in at closing and paid cash (well, a check). I knew there were people who did that, but it was interesting to see someone actually do it. He bought a Tocoma with the TRD Offroad package (basically fully loaded) with BBS wheels. A very nice truck.

After that....nothing. I've spent all week spinning my wheels. I have had several "teases" (people acting like they are going to buy and then at the last minute saying they want to wait a couple of months), but I really haven't seen very many customers at all this week. I am also begining to understand the common salesman refrain "buyers are liars." I have been lied to constantly. "I am buying today (then "I'm really not buying until I get _____ check"). "I have good credit" ("Well, all those judgements against me are really not my fault"). "I only owe $24,000 on my vehicle" ("Oh, it is $35,000? I must have paid more than I thought"). Etc., Etc., Etc.

My favorite was a guy who drove through last Monday looking at trucks. He had a five year old in the truck, so he didn't want to test-drive. He said he was pricing to come back this week-end. I showed him really neat truck and told him about the sale price. He calls me 10 minutes after he left and told me he wants the "out the door price" because he is going to get his credit union to cut a check. I tell him and he says he'll either be back that night or the next day to pick it up. The next day, I call him and he says he has the check, and he'll be there at 5:30-6 to pick up the truck. At 6:15 I call him and he says he'll be there in 45 minutes. After that, he won't answer the phone and I never hear from him again. I guess he gets his jollies playing games with people. Oh, well.

Anyway, hopefully this week will pick up. If not, then I'm going to be back looking. I'm finding people don't want an honest salesman, because then they don't feel as guilty lying to them.

[RPI-Fan]

GrantDawg:

Good update. I'd encourage you to give it another month or so, rather than a week.

[Anthony]

at first i was sympathetic to your cause, Grant, but now i'm ambivalent. you don't know what you want, and you don't seem willing to put forth the necessary time to get good at whatever your flavor of the month occupation might be.

you need to get into public service, perhaps running a soup kitchen, being a teacher or maybe being a fire fighter. you don't have the cut-throat, do what it takes drive to succeed in a capitalistic environment. you need to get out of sales - it doesn't fit your personality.you might say "those jobs don't pay enough", well, those type of civil service jobs don't have great salaries but you really don't seem to be placing money as a priority; you have other factors in mind and to be good in sales you have to place money before your morals. the jobs that pay great salaries and bonuses are normally sales-type roles. those jobs are for people with Type A personalities, confident people who can impose their will on others so that the client is compelled to buy buy buy. you're a Type B personality. you want to be Honest Grant, the salesman who does right by his customers and will put in an honest day's work, ethics be damned. you don't have the drive to succeed and perhaps not the hunger to keep at it. you need a different environment that's doesn't require a dog-eat-dog kind of mentality. you also have a weak will, and you get down easily when things don't go your way (or so it appears from what i've read). you don't have the fortitude to stick with something during the lean times when you can't even sell firewood to an eskimoe. one bad week and you're already jumping ship. that seem right to you? does that seem like the actions of someone who has their heart into it? you just gotta go into a role where success isn't defined by how much you sell. you aren't a good salesman. when you see someone walk through a door you see someone you want to help. when a real salesman sees someone walk through the door - they see dollar signs.

like i said, at first it was cute, but now it seems you're putting yourself in situations that aren't a good fit for your skills and goals. i don't know if you're looking for sympathetic pats on the back or anything, but it's becoming pretty clear that you're doing this to yourself. good luck man, hope your next move is a more long term one.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm finding people don't want an honest salesman, because then they don't feel as guilty lying to them.

While I'm not going to attempt to be as eloquent as HA was, I think I have to agree with a big part of his basic premise -- I'm not sure that you're going to find anything involving sales that doesn't cause you a lot of personal/ethical/ emotional grief.

Consider this: I'm a stark, sometimes raving, cynic ... and I am perpetually dismayed, disappointed, disgusted, and discouraged by what I see when there's selling & buying taking place. That being the case, I have a hard time seeing you ever being really happy dealing with the behaviors that go with that particular aspect of the world. I'm not saying you can't do it, but I will say that I don't believe you'll like what it does to you/what you have to do to deal with it.

I'll even go so far as to stick my nose in a little more & suggest that you take a "Grant Day" at some point soon & ask yourself "What do I really want to be doing". If there's not a concrete answer to that question (and I get the feeling from this thread that there might not be right now), then break it down more to the level of "What sort of situations, outcomes, activities do I think I would find enjoyable right now?" Then let those answers help steer you. Having read this thread, I think you might have gotten so strong on the notion of what you don't want to be doing that you're letting those negatives have more influence than some positives. And you sound like you really could use some real positives right now, not just the absence of some negatives.

I hope you find them.

[KWhit]

Well, it looks like car sales it is. I've all but taken a position at the local Toyota dealership. Not my dream job, but one I think I can enjoy. It is going to stink being away from the family so much, but you eventually got to make a living.
I missed this before. Are you at the one in Conyers (I'm not sure if there is a dealership in Covington or not), I think it's called Toyota Mall or something like that?

We might be in the market for a Highlander and I'd certainly like to throw business your way. But don't get excited, we probably won't buy one for a while yet! I think we may want a hybrid. Do you guys have any on the lot? We'd want to drive one for sure first.

Although let me repeat, it will probably be a little while (a few weeks or more) before we buy.

:)

[GrantDawg]

Jon and Ha: Fair enough. I want to be the salesman that I want to deal with, but maybe you just have to be a lying cheat to succeed. I somehow don't believe that, but does seem to look like the case. I'm going to stick it out as long as financially feasable. I really do enjoy most aspects of this work. Sadly, I also enjoy feeding my kids and having electricity and I'm not far from being unable to do that.

[GrantDawg]

I missed this before. Are you at the one in Conyers (I'm not sure if there is a dealership in Covington or not), I think it's called Toyota Mall or something like that?

We might be in the market for a Highlander and I'd certainly like to throw business your way. But don't get excited, we probably won't buy one for a while yet! I think we may want a hybrid. Do you guys have any on the lot? We'd want to drive one for sure first.

Although let me repeat, it will probably be a little while (a few weeks or more) before we buy.

:)
Yes, I'm in Conyers, but we are no longer with Auto Mall. Yes, we have three hybrid Highlanders, and any time you want to test drive one let me know. No pressure (except research the tax credits available this year. That tax credit will run out for Toyota products in the next few months). I'm here every day but Wensday and every other Sunday (like I'm working today but not next Sunday).

[Desnudo]

The auto sales field isn't exactly renowned for ethics and morals. As a matter of fact, I don't know any industry I've been in where the sales force isn't at least lightly joked about as being sleazy. That's the way it is when you are trying to get someone to buy something. I've known a couple of car salesmen, and according to them the industry is filled with sleazeballs.

I know you're probably tired of lecturing after HA's input, but I think you need to realize that sales isn't any easier than any other profession, if you want to do well at it, you need to learn how to do it. That doesn't mean being a liar and cheat, it does mean learning to understand what motivates and drives people's decisions and leveraging that knowledge to get them to yes.

Personally, I found sales abhorrent when I tried it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

... but maybe you just have to be a lying cheat to succeed. I somehow don't believe that, but does seem to look like the case.

It may not be absolutely true that you have to be one, but it is absolutely & completely true that you willhave to spend a great deal of your time dealing with those who are. And that appears likely to cause you a great deal of grief.

[GrantDawg]

It may not be absolutely true that you have to be one, but it is absolutely & completely true that you willhave to spend a great deal of your time dealing with those who are. And that appears likely to cause you a great deal of grief.
Not really. I get along with just about everybody. As long as I don't have to be them then I'm fine.

[GrantDawg]

I know you're probably tired of lecturing after HA's input, but I think you need to realize that sales isn't any easier than any other profession, if you want to do well at it, you need to learn how to do it. That doesn't mean being a liar and cheat, it does mean learning to understand what motivates and drives people's decisions and leveraging that knowledge to get them to yes.

Personally, I found sales abhorrent when I tried it.That is what I'm learning. Here is the problem, I need the time to develop those skills (I have some, and I know I must sharpen others). The problem with time is I only get paid if I sell. This dealership doesn't offer any salary (other than minimium wage that they are require to by law), and since I'm here 12 hours a day 6 days a week I can't get another job to suppliment my income while here. I would love to have three months to really get in the swing, but I've basically have a month or I'm going to be homeless. I have put a lot on the line to be working here, and making huge sacrifices. Those aren't a problem if I'm at least able to keep the heat on.

[Desnudo]

Well, as a short term workaround, can I recommend How to win Friends and Influence People? It may be an old book, but the concepts still apply today.

[Anthony]

Jon and Ha: Fair enough. I want to be the salesman that I want to deal with, but maybe you just have to be a lying cheat to succeed. I somehow don't believe that, but does seem to look like the case. I'm going to stick it out as long as financially feasable. I really do enjoy most aspects of this work. Sadly, I also enjoy feeding my kids and having electricity and I'm not far from being unable to do that.

sorry Grant, for my rant. i'm a firm believer in there being no such thing as negative criticism - any advice that allows me to be better is always welcome (no matter how blunt it may be). no sugar coating - just give it to me. that's my mantra when it comes to my career. i forget sometimes people don't want to hear what they need to hear.

you just can't fit a square where a circle should go. rather than lament that fact, rejoice in knowing now that you aren't a good fit for certain roles so you know not to waste your time. i'm only now coming to the realization that i'm in the wrong line of work and that what i'm doing isn't proving to be as lucrative as i envisioned. i also am not in a career that is playing to my strengths (so i don't foresee ever being the great success that i could be). so i'm at that fork in the road - do i stick with what i'm doing and simply move on to another company in the same field and be happy with the bump in salary OR do i realize that if i'm not going to make what i'd like to make i might as well be doing something i enjoy and something that utilizes my natural talents? decisions, decisions.

the important thing is knowing and being content to face the truth. at that point you can make more informed, and most importantly, more accurate decisions.

[Izulde]

Maybe you want to try a sales course at the local community college?

[Craptacular]

GrantDawg,

I don't envy your situation at all. Honestly, I think the biggest problem is with the way most autos are sold. Even though I have never owned a Saturn or Scion, I like the premise. This is how much it costs. Take it or leave it. Just like most other merchandise in this country. I haven't had to do much haggling for a car because I do my research, know what I'm willing to pay, and have no problem saying "no thanks" if it's over that. I think most people feel like the dealer is trying to screw them over, and they in turn need to act the same way to get a good deal. Why should I pay $1000 more/less for the exact same car as the next/previous guy? I believe the internet is evening things out, as you can research, shop, and get quotes without ever setting foot in a dealer showroom. Face it, it's a pressure situation sitting in a showroom with someone telling you how great this is and why it's worth so and so. Most people do not like that situation. We're not used to bartering for goods and services.

[GrantDawg]

GrantDawg,

I don't envy your situation at all. Honestly, I think the biggest problem is with the way most autos are sold. Even though I have never owned a Saturn or Scion, I like the premise. This is how much it costs. Take it or leave it. Just like most other merchandise in this country. I haven't had to do much haggling for a car because I do my research, know what I'm willing to pay, and have no problem saying "no thanks" if it's over that. I think most people feel like the dealer is trying to screw them over, and they in turn need to act the same way to get a good deal. Why should I pay $1000 more/less for the exact same car as the next/previous guy? I believe the internet is evening things out, as you can research, shop, and get quotes without ever setting foot in a dealer showroom. Face it, it's a pressure situation sitting in a showroom with someone telling you how great this is and why it's worth so and so. Most people do not like that situation. We're not used to bartering for goods and services.

Yeah, I like showing the Scions. "Here's the price" is very nice. I wish more people did there research before they hit the dealership. If they knew they had a realistic idea of what the car is selling for (check Edmunds "What others are paying"), you could get in and out the door in a couple of hours with a lot less headache. It is the idea people come in with that we have huge margins on cars that is the problem. I had someone saying "Well, you can drop $2000 off this Corolla" and there is just no realistic way of doing that. They barely have $1000 in them at sticker.

But for the most part, my biggest peoblem is just the volume of customers at the dealership. I'm not the only one at the dealership that did not sell a car this week. We just didn't have anybody coming through the show room. We only sold two cars on Saturday, and that is off by a wide margin. It had been a good month up to this weekend, so I really don't know what happened. Maybe things will pick up this week. This job is great fun when you're dealing with customers. It is rough when your sitting around doing nothing or trying to call someone for 100th time when they refuse to answer the phone.

[GrantDawg]

Maybe you want to try a sales course at the local community college?I'm working 60-70 hours right now. There is just no time. That doesn't mean I'm not doing what I can to learn, but basically my selling skills are pretty good. I just need more practice closing on cars. To do that, I need to see more customers, and to see more customers I need more customers. :D

[Fouts]

I'm pulling for ya. If you were in California, I'd buy from you. My wife needs a new(er) mini-van, and I'd ok it if she found one for no more than $21k. She's still looking.

I just hate dealing with car salesmen. You tell them I want a van for 21k, they come back with how about $400 a month. WTF is that?

I have a 2003 Tacoma, and I love it.

[GrantDawg]

Ok, update time for the few who are interested and the haters to hate.

Begining of the month was dead, dead, dead. I talking tumble weeds blowing across parking lot. No one coming in, and nothing much to sell. I did end up selling a Scion xB to a guy paying cash (talking bills. Dropped $16,800 on the counter). Other than that, nothing in the first 10 days.

Then things started happening. One weekend I sold a Tundra 4x4, a Corolla, and then had a Prius in the "box" (in other words, in finance). Sadly, they walked out of the box. The finance guy (who is usually the best closer in the store despite being a jerk) couldn't close them. I later found out these people have driven another salesman crazy about a car that they never could pull the trigger on. I made it my mission to close them on something, and later that week got them in a xB. :)

So, so far this month I have sold 7 cars, and should have another sold today. Now, 8 is not a great month, but considering the top salesman this month has 10, I'm doing pretty good. The money has sucked so far (and it is across the board. We had a Sales Manager "quit" because of lack of customers. He was in charge of advertising), but there have been bright spots. At one point, I had more self-paced tests passed than anyone in the dealership. I have been praised for my professionalism, and was given a large bonus on a sale of a 2005 4Runner that had been on the lot for a year. The biggest compliment, though, was from the other sales staff. They were talking about me (usually not a good thing) and I over heard them. They all agreed that I was becoming a good closer and will probably be in contention for top salesman soon.

The other great compliment came last night on a sale. It had been raining all day, and it was dead. I was talking on my cell to a preacher friend, and I saw a guy rolling through looking at trucks. He was in a GMC Sierra that was only a couple of years old. It was hard for me to see this guy buying a truck without him being hugely negative in his current truck, but I figured I'd see what was up with him. Sadly, I couldn't stop him before he got off the lot. BUT, when he got on the road, he was still rolling slowly looking at the trucks. So I hand signalled him *you* *drive* *truck*. I could see him laugh, and he rolled down the window. He said "how much will you give me for my truck" I told him come in and see. Long story short, I pulled a guy off the road and sold him a Tundra Double cab. He at one point had to pick his wife up from shopping, and she had to be sold as well as him. Before she left, she told me I was the nicest salesman they have ever dealt with, and that was the only reason I got the sale. :)

So, now I'm just trying to keep my house and lights on until we get through next month. I'm convinced by the end of March, I'm going to be doing great. I just need to make it until then.

[Poli]

Good story, Grant. I'm happy for you. I hope it all works out for you.

[ice4277]

Good to hear that things are turning around for you.

[FrogMan]

great update GD, very uplifting. Good luck in getting through the current rought times so you can get to better ones.

FM

[sterlingice]

Good stuff. Sales is just something I could never do.

SI

[Eaglesfan27]

I hope things continue to swing upward, Grantdawg.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, good stuff. Glad things are looking good.

[Marc Vaughan]

Glad to hear you're keeping your head above water ... :D

[Glengoyne]

Hey good to hear that you are keeping food on the table, and managing not to feel slimy about how you are doing it at the same time.

[Swaggs]

GD, Jan/Feb are generally some of the worst periods of time for car sales. Most folks are recovering from Christmas and there is frequently bad weather.

Things usually pick up pretty significantly once people start to get their tax refunds (aka downpayments) in March and April.

[Desnudo]

Good to hear of your success. It sounds like you've been able to find a balance.

[GrantDawg]

GD, Jan/Feb are generally some of the worst periods of time for car sales. Most folks are recovering from Christmas and there is frequently bad weather.

Things usually pick up pretty significantly once people start to get their tax refunds (aka downpayments) in March and April.
Thanks all!

Yeah, that is my understanding as well. Maybe I'll benefit from cutting my teeth in the lean times, and next month will be rolling.

[Ben E Lou]

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[Ben E Lou]

Dola:

This is reminding me of when Bobby Ewing ran Ewing Oil. :)

[GrantDawg]

And.....I'm unemployed. Resigned tonight. I was selling well (on my way to a good month), but a couple of things out of my hands made it impossible for me to continue. So, time for a new search. Oh, what fun.

[MacroGuru]

Sorry to hear that GD, good luck on looking. My prayers are with you.

[st.cronin]

And.....I'm unemployed. Resigned tonight. I was selling well (on my way to a good month), but a couple of things out of my hands made it impossible for me to continue. So, time for a new search. Oh, what fun.

I'm not sure exactly what, but that is a brutal business. Good luck.

[Anthony]

you shared this much, why not talk about what lead you to resign (if it was in fact job-related, and not something deeply personal)?

[Flasch186]

...as I begin working 7 days/wk. starting tomorrow. Not sure Ill make it before the inevitable burnout but me and my partner have picked up another nieghborhood making it 2 sales agents for 3 neighborhoods. ITll be tough but its a difference of about 85-100k this year so you gotta do watcha gotta do before the marriage, the eventual kids, etc. etc. etc.

[FrogMan]

ouch, that sucks. Best of luck in your search!

FM

[Craptacular]

I could use some help with traffic counts, but I'm afraid the reimbursement for your mileage might bankrupt us.

[st.cronin]

...as I begin working 7 days/wk. starting tomorrow. Not sure Ill make it before the inevitable burnout but me and my partner have picked up another nieghborhood making it 2 sales agents for 3 neighborhoods. ITll be tough but its a difference of about 85-100k this year so you gotta do watcha gotta do before the marriage, the eventual kids, etc. etc. etc.

So, by next year, you'll be a Republican?

[Eaglesfan27]

Sorry to hear that Grantdawg. I hope you find a job that works for you soon.

[GrantDawg]

you shared this much, why not talk about what lead you to resign (if it was in fact job-related, and not something deeply personal)?

Wrote long reply and it was lost. In summary, a customer survey that was negative because of something beyond my control (problems in the business office, not with me) was going to prevent me from getting pull checks (makes up about 30% of income) for the next couple of months. It made it financially impossible for me to stay.

[FrogMan]

Wrote long reply and it was lost. In summary, a customer survey that was negative because of something beyond my control (problems in the business office, not with me) was going to prevent me from getting pull checks (makes up about 30% of income) for the next couple of months. It made it financially impossible for me to stay.

damn, that's retarded! Well, good luck again. You gonna keep looking in the sales kind of thing?

FM

[GrantDawg]

damn, that's retarded! Well, good luck again. You gonna keep looking in the sales kind of thing?

FM

Most likely. Hopefully either business to business or retail.

[JeeberD]

Sorry to hear that, GD.

[GrantDawg]

As an update, I have been temping and working at Domino's for the last month. It was fun going back to my "roots" for awhile. There is no doubt that if I could make living money as a pizza deliver that would be a fun gig. I have had several nibbles (even a job offer from another congregation without even trying out, not to mention of a different persuasion than where I preached before. Still not interested in returning to that). I have finally settled on working for Schwans as a Customer Service Manager. Great pay, get to meet new people, soft-sale type sales, and real upward mobility opportunities (the job I'm targeting is training, and the guy that is doing that now started in the same job as I and was in training in a year.).

I'm excited, but apprehensive. The main thing that is bothering me is I'm still up for a national job with a large non-profit. It would be an ideal job with great pay, but require me to move to Montgomery (the arm-pit of Alabama) and will not be open for 2 more months. I'd hate to commit to this job just to quit in a couple of months, so this will be a pickle if I do end up getting the offer (about 60% chance). Anyway, the good news is I won't be homeless!

[wade moore]

As an update, I have been temping and working at Domino's for the last month. It was fun going back to my "roots" for awhile. There is no doubt that if I could make living money as a pizza deliver that would be a fun gig. I have had several nibbles (even a job offer from another congregation without even trying out, not to mention of a different persuasion than where I preached before. Still not interested in returning to that). I have finally settled on working for Schwans as a Customer Service Manager. Great pay, get to meet new people, soft-sale type sales, and real upward mobility opportunities (the job I'm targeting is training, and the guy that is doing that now started in the same job as I and was in training in a year.).

I'm excited, but apprehensive. The main thing that is bothering me is I'm still up for a national job with a large non-profit. It would be an ideal job with great pay, but require me to move to Montgomery (the arm-pit of Alabama) and will not be open for 2 more months. I'd hate to commit to this job just to quit in a couple of months, so this will be a pickle if I do end up getting the offer (about 60% chance). Anyway, the good news is I won't be homeless!

You gotta look out for #1. Don't feel guilt if you have to leave this job in 2 months.

Glad to hear things are improving!

[FrogMan]

good news, glad to hear that it's getting better.

FM