The first part of this story requires me to advise: ‘This is an opinion!’
Two championship football games, two years apart, [the only two games attended in person], illustrated to me a great lesson that translates back to every automobile dealership.
The first was the SEC Championship Game played on December 2, 2023, between Alabama and Georgia. Make no mistake, I am an Alabama fan whose interest was rekindled with the arrival of Nick Saban, since before that I had become a casual observer after my football career ended in the 11th grade.
The second game was this year’s Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. What I saw when the overhead lights sparkled off the Eagle’s midnight-green helmets, rekindled a vivid memory. On this day, the Eagles were a one-point underdog against the back-to-back defending SB champs, but in warm-ups, it was obvious who had more pep in their step, more positive interaction, and more of a swag attitude. I could tell before kickoff the Eagles were ready, and they proved it…no KC three-peat in NOLA!
This year’s Super Bowl had the same pre-game thoughts I experienced before for the Dawgs and underdog Alabama kicked off in the Georgia Dome. Once again, too obvious to miss. In their crimson jerseys and helmets, you could see the confidence in every player’s action, and the swag in their step – this was a team on a mission to end the defending SEC champ’s 29 game winning streak…and the Tide did.
If I attended more regular games, maybe my excitement before a championship match-up would not be so keen. But there was no doubt what I observed: four great teams, built on a foundation of hard work and preparation, but it was the winning teams that showed up as the most highly, and confidently, motivated.
This is no longer an opinion.
For over 20 years of my day-to-day business life, I have enjoyed the opportunity of visiting 100s of dealerships across the country. Nothing gets me more pumped than walking onto a spotless showroom floor, the overheads sparkling on the polished sheet metal and chrome, the purposeful energy of employees, a friendly smile, and a sincere greeting, “Welcome, how can I help you?” It is the fruit of preparation and hard work, and it is too important to ignore. You only get one chance to make a great first impression on every visitor to your dealership.
As certain as I was of Alabama and the Eagles, your customers recognize and support a team prepared for success…that’s how championships are won, and dynasties built, year after year.