

Selling In The Motor Trade
Simon Bowkett
Simon Bowkett, from Symco Training, shares tips and ideas on selling in the motor trade from a sales and aftersales perspective, as well as interviews with industry leaders sharing some of their best practices.
To find out more visit www.symcotraining.co.uk
To find out more visit www.symcotraining.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 26, 2023 • 13min
Greatest Tips! (Part 2)
This week we continue our series of Greatest Tips with Dave Anderson, Frank Genobile, Jason Harris, David Peel and Chris Wiseman. If you are looking to progress your career, improve your marketing, make your business a success or be a better manager, then this episode is definitely for you. Here are the highlights: {01:25} Chris Wiseman {02:15} David Peel {04:48} Jason Harris {07:46} Dave Anderson {11:09} Frank Genobile About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Oct 19, 2023 • 17min
Greatest Tips! (Part 1)
Since we stated the podcast over 150 episodes ago, we have interviewed more than 40 Titans of the Motor Trade. This has given us a great catalogue of top tips Our episode this week, is the first in a series of golden nugget compilations, that will help you in your career, whether that’s in sales, aftersales or management. Here are the highlights: {00:37} Sean Kelly {03:46} Gavin Hydes {04:11} Patrick Tessier {05:52} David Martin {09:53} Dr T About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Oct 12, 2023 • 23min
Gap
We should offer Gap insurance to every customer so they can make an informed decision. In this session we talk about hooks that can be used early in the sales process, which then help you to explain the details of your Gap product later. Last but not least we then cover some objection skills. Here are the highlights: {04:45} What level of asset protection? {06:11} Protect the whole car {07:34} 2 Car Flip {09:15} Hooks {15:11} Phone Insurance {18:58} Feel, Felt, Found About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Oct 5, 2023 • 23min
5 Simple Phrases
We all like to think that we make up our own mind, but do we? In reality we do copy other people, and there are lots of experiments that prove this. So, when you are talking to your customers, there are 5 simple phrases that can help based on this. Here are the highlights: {01:17} We are like sheep {04:50} Busy restaurant {05:52} Stand up, sit down {08:25} Turn up late {13:33} NADA {17:50} 5 Simple Phrases About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Sep 28, 2023 • 18min
What’s Your Best Price?
A much requested topic this week. We look at when a customer asks about the best price at the start of the conversation. We talking about before they’ve even sat in the car, within the first 2 minutes. After listening to this episode, you will leave with 3 techniques that can help you navigate this question. Here are the highlights: {02:24} Small talk {04:17} Easiest part of my job {07:11} Is the car is right {12:12} Don’t take it personally {12:36} Read your customer {12.45} Slow them down, by speeding them up About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Sep 21, 2023 • 21min
I need to check with….
Lots of sales people, even very experienced struggle when a customer needs to speak to their wife, husband, partner or boss etc. This episode covers techniques to help you discover any objections, that might be masked by a decision deferral. Here are the highlights: {01:16} Deal with it at the beginning {05:52} Business to Business sale {07:00} Shaking hands {08:11} Involve everyone {10.32} Are the kids involved {11:50} Eddie Expert About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Sep 14, 2023 • 16min
Unsold Prospects
When is the ideal time to follow up unsold prospects and what should you say? This episode will give you an outline call structure, time to call and what to discuss. Another essential listen in your morning meeting. Here are the highlights: {01:33} Typical follow up call {04:39} Your introduction {05:50} Get the green light {07:01} The excuse {08:50} Questions {10:38} Scale 1-10 About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Sep 7, 2023 • 22min
Objections - Paint & Fabric Protection
A highly requested topic this time, handling Paint and Fabric Protections objections. We a look at techniques to help explain the benefits to your customers, and also give you or your sales team confidence in the product. A great listen for your next sales meeting. Here are the highlights: {01.19} Posh polish {04:28} Application {06:12} Manufacturer Approved {06:53} Profit isn’t a dirty word {09.06} Chanel No.5 {10:54} BBC Panorama {16:59} Comparisons About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Aug 17, 2023 • 18min
Starbucks
A short business story for you about the growth of Starbucks. We can learn a lot from Howard’s business journey, his dedication and resilience, and also the belief he had in selling the experience to his customers. However, the Starbucks story could have been very different if Howard hadn’t taken action in 2009 to turn its fortunes around. Here are the highlights: {01.45} Howard Schultz {02:31} How it all started {08:42} Name on the cup {11:05} Investment {13:57} Closing every store in America {15:52} What we can learn About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk

Aug 10, 2023 • 37min
Innovation, Fairness and Harmony
Jason Cranswick Chief Operating Officer at MARUBENI AUTO INVESTMENT (UK) LIMITED and Managing Director of Norton Way Group is back with us for the second instalment of his interview. We look at the importance of a robust sales process, but also having the freedom to work within it. How culture is more important than strategy and also look at the culture within Marubeni. Here are the highlights: {00:41} Robust Sales Process {07:54} Symchecks {13:00} Marubeni {25:30} How to integrate a business {33:22} Push element {37:31} Enquiring ming About Symco Training: Symco Training was founded in 2000 by Simon Bowkett and it was his belief that the business had to offer its clients something different. That difference was clear to Simon from his days in the dealership when he experienced many sales trainers who had all the answers, but were unable, unwilling or both to actually show the delegate how they could be implemented. It remains the ethos of the business today. You see, Symco only employ trainers that are committed to delivering not only in spiring and insightful training, but are equally as happy to demonstrate these skills and techniques with real customers in your own showroom. We believe in order for sales training to be effective and in Simon’s words ‘real world’, it needs to be tried and tested in the only place it matters the showroom floor. There is no room for theory when your goals are for your team to sell more cars, hours or parts and retain more profit. In dealerships around the world the focus applied by many of the sales executives is to try and sell a deal. Symco specialise in getting your teams to focus on selling themselves, the product and then supporting this with the deal. To find out more visit: www.symcotraining.co.uk