Model T and Your Sales
I just finished a book titled, The Progress Paradox by Gregg Easterbrook. Mr. Easterbrook writes that we as a society have never had it better in terms of income, education rates, and even life expectancy. Even though we have never had it better, in surveys we say that our parents and grandparents had a better lifestyle. Mr. Easterbrook goes on to theorize that one reason this is the case is because we aren’t grateful for what we have. He also blames the media for our current level of unhappiness, but that’s another post.
Lets talk about how this relates to the car business. In 1908, when the Model T came out, it was $850. Factor in inflation, a dollar in 1908 is worth $23.20 today. That means if the Model T was released tomorrow it would cost $19,754!
For $850 you got front and rear live axles, hand operated band brakes, artillery wheels, and 20 horsepower. Think about what $19,754 will get you today.
Let’s get our heads in the game! Use this analogy: You are camping with some friends, and it’s cold. You can sit around and think about how cold you are, which will only make you colder, or you can talk about how to get warm. .
I’m not trying to say that we are in a tough economy right now. All I am saying is that the salespeople who look for opportunities are the ones who will succeed. Henry Ford said it best, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a think, you’re right