 NewsUSA) – Even if you’ve never so much as sold candy door-to-door for a school fundraiser, you have sales experience. You sell an idea when you persuade someone to your point of view or an image when you meet someone for the first time. So, even if you don’t plan on becoming a professional salesperson, you adapt some of the traits of a master salesperson.
“I’ve met a tremendous amount of talented, successful people. They’ve taught me a great deal, and I’ve appreciated every one of them,” said the late Paul J. Meyer, author of “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks.” “When you look closely, it’s no secret how they arrived at their present income and position.” In his book, Meyer listed five basic qualities shared by every master salesperson: 1. All master salespeople are persuasive and convincing. The ability to persuade isn’t limited to leaders — any time you help someone see something your way, you have made a sale. Top salespeople use every technique at their disposal, including stories, dreams, color and humor. 2. All master salespeople focus on service. Meyer cited the “golden rule” of service — serve others as you would like to be served. A salesperson who goes out of their way to focus on service will likely win their customers’ loyalty. 3. All master salespeople are honest. If you’re a known liar, no one’s going to trust you enough to buy what you’re selling. “Top salespeople are honest, keep their word, work hard, are responsible, incredibly dependable and act with complete integrity in all they do,” said Meyer. 4. All master salespeople are self-motivating. Master salespeople motivate themselves to accomplish goals, no matter how they feel or what other people say. “Self-motivation requires the development of inner strength, conscious will power, overwhelming desire, and the determination to reach any goal you personally want to achieve,” said Meyer. 5. All master salespeople care about other people. The best salespeople genuinely want to leave their clients better off than they found them — they’re not selling to make money, but to give their clients a needed product or service. For more tips from Paul J. Meyer, purchase the book “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks.” |
Shape Yourself Into a Master Salesperson
12 Must-Read Car Repair Tips to Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
Car breakdowns are never a good thing. But breakdowns in freezing temperatures and on icy roads are just plain dangerous.
This winter, make sure you and your family are protected when you take to the roads. Get your car checked out by a trusted repair shop as soon as possible.
To help you find the mechanic that’s right for you, check out these 12 car repair shop tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE):
1. Don’t Wait ‘Til It’s Too Late: Start shopping for a repair shop before you need one. That means now!
Earth-Friendly Tips for Motorists
 NewsUSA) – Some day, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be commonplace, but in the meantime, motorists who want to go “green” don’t have to change vehicles to help the environment. The experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair, say that drivers simply need to change a few habits. “Regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits are two strategies that virtually every vehicle owner can embrace,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director at ASE. The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious care today:
* Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual. * Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Inflated tires reduce the engine’s effort and gasoline consumption. * Find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians’ credentials. ASE-certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign. * Have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service. * Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations; both habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. * Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Remove that rooftop luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag. * If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government for information. Visit www.ase.com for more seasonal car care tips and for information about the benefits of using ASE-certified technicians for auto repairs and service. |
Spring Is the Season for Auto Care
 NewsUSA) – After a season of winter driving, a springtime check-up for your car might be in order. Most anyone can do routine automotive housekeeping chores: Remove unneeded winter gear from your trunk, clean out trash and clutter, and wash and wax your car to remove accumulated grime and salt deposits. The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following advice for more ambitious automotive projects:
Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for an orderly repair shop with modern equipment in the service bays and qualified automotive technicians as evidenced by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced courses and ASE certifications. Have engine performance problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling — corrected now, before summer’s demanding stop-and-go vacation traffic. For comfort in hot weather now’s the time, too, to have a marginally working air conditioning system serviced. Flush and refill the cooling system according to the service manual’s recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.) A qualified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses, but you can look for signs of wear, cracking, or fraying. Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual. Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires “cool down” before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, “cupping,” vibrations, or “pulling” to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system. If applicable, have snow tires pulled and replaced with seasonal tires. Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner’s manual. Often neglected, this simple service is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your vehicle. ASE was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for more car care tips. |
A New Year’s Resolution For Your Car
 NewsUSA) – Getting more organized is a common New Year’s Resolution — whether it’s a harried taxpayer’s pledge to be a better record keeper or a pack rat’s promise to de-clutter. “Getting organized works wonders for the family car,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). “The money saved from approaching your vehicle in a systematic manner is a pretty strong incentive to keep your resolution.”
The following tips from ASE will help motorists get and stay organized. - Record Keeping. Keep a copy of every completed work order, from oil changes and brake service to major repairs. In addition to helping document any warranty work, a complete service record is very appealing to potential buyers. - Service Reminders. Read your owner’s manual and follow the service schedules listed. Some shops send out automatic reminders to their regular customers. Many of today’s manufacturers include e-mailed reminders and even remote satellite diagnostic reports. Timely, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by helping your vehicle run efficiently. - Tactical Care. Don’t ignore service-engine lights, poor engine performance, rough handling, fading brakes or other issues that present themselves. Neglect can cost more in the long run by making minor issues worse. For example, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than are brake rotors. - Housekeeping. Don’t use the trunk as a catch-all. Keep only essential items there. Remove roof-top cargo carriers as soon as your trip is over. Less clutter means less weight, which means better gasoline mileage. Keep your vehicle’s interior clean of trash and clutter and vacuum the seats and carpeting on a regular basis to prevent premature wear and tear and staining. Wax your car at least once a year to help preserve the paint job (and its resale value). - Heal Thyself. Other automotive resolutions are less about your vehicle and more about you. Avoid jackrabbit starts; sudden accelerations waste fuel and are hard on the engine. Slow down; speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon. Hard stops wear out brakes. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care tips and information about certified automotive technicians. |
Be Prepared When the Rubber Meets the Snow
| NewsUSA) – Millions of motorists will be taking to the highways and byways for holiday travel, so the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind drivers to have their vehicle checked out before heading out. “Breakdowns in winter conditions can be especially dangerous,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director.
The following tips from ASE will help vehicle owners choose a good repair shop. * Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. * Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations, and consult local consumer groups. * Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. * Look for the ASE sign. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. * Be ready to describe any changes in your vehicle’s handling or performance or other issues. Do not be embarrassed to ask for simple definitions for any technical terms you find unfamiliar. * Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. Visit www.ase.com for more information, including seasonal car-care tips. |
Tips for Cold Weather Driving
 NewsUSA) – The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind motorists that getting their vehicles serviced for cold-weather driving should be high on their list of things to do during autumn’s milder weather. Breakdowns in winter storms can be deadly.
“Pay particular attention to engine performance problems such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Cold weather will make existing problems worse.” Other tips from ASE: * Read your owner’s manual, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. * Replace dirty filters such as air, fuel and PCV. Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. * The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.) A certified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses. * The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment, but backyarders can perform routine care such as scraping corrosion from posts and cable connections. (Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.) * Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. * Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. They can be found at all types of repair facilities from dealerships to independent garages and franchises. Visit www.ase.com for more information. |
Facing Foreclosure? Don’t Lose Hope
 NewsUSA) – Homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments should not wait until they default on a payment before speaking to their lender. Hope and help are available.
Hope Now, a private alliance of mortgage services, non-profit counselors and investors helped 270,000 homeowners keep their homes in April 2009. The organization reaches at-risk borrowers through its Web site, www.hopenow.com and community events, where homeowners can meet their lenders directly, as well as speak to representatives from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Legal Aid. Hope Now also operates a telephone hotline, where homeowners can speak to non-profit counselors, at 1-888-995-HOPE. Before calling their lender, homeowners should compile their financial information. Before restructuring a loan, lenders will want to see hard numbers stating income and expenses. Homeowners also need to be savvy — scammers have found endless ways to profit from the housing crisis. Scammers sift through public foreclosure notices in newspapers or use advertisements to reach desperate homeowners. Then they take mortgage payments, home equity or ownership of the home. To avoid being scammed, Hope Now suggests homeowners be aware of potential “red flags”: * The service guarantees to stop foreclosure, no matter what. * The service collects an upfront fee. * The service tells you not to contact your lender, lawyer or credit or housing counselor. * The service only accepts payment by cashier’s check or wire transfer. * The service encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time. * The service wants to collect your mortgage payments. * The service tells you to transfer your deed or title to it, or offers to buy your home at a fixed price. * The service offers to fill out paperwork for you, or pressures you to sign paperwork that you have not read or do not understand. To find legitimate help, homeowners need to contact their lender directly or call 1-888-995-HOPE to speak with non-profit counselors. To find out about foreclosure prevention options, read “Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do” at www.ftc.gov. |
Seniors: Good Communication Vital to Quality Auto Repairs
 NewsUSA) – A poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians indicated that drivers over 60 are among the most conscientious when it comes to taking their vehicles in for routine maintenance and repair. The experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind consumers that good communication between shop and customer can help make the repair process go smoothly.
“Professionally run repair establishments recognize the importance of two-way communications,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Just as you would with your physician, be prepared to discuss your vehicle’s aches and pains once you are at the repair shop.” The following tips from ASE should make the repair process go smoothly: Don’t ignore what your vehicle is telling you. Look for: * Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings. * Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels. * Worn tires, belts and hoses. * Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations. * Note when the problem occurs and whether it is constant or periodic. Stay involved; communicate your findings: * Be prepared to describe any symptoms. In larger shops, you’ll probably speak with a service consultant rather than with the technician directly. * Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service consultant. * Do not be embarrassed to request simple definitions of technical terms. * Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action and costs before work begins. * Before you leave, make a note of shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Keep a record of all repairs and service. ASE was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians can be found at every type of repair facility; certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com. |
Get More Miles Out of Your Car or Truck
 NewsUSA) – Due to the current economic climate, many Americans are becoming less willing to make expensive purchases. Even the nation’s long-held love affair with the automobile hasn’t escaped the penny-pinching trend.
The latest trends demonstrate that Americans are trying to stretch the mileage of their current vehicles. In 2006, the average car owner drove their car for 68 months before trading it in for a new vehicle. By the fourth quarter of 2008, the average trade-in was 76 months old. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks provided by The Automotive Service Association (www.ASAshop.org), which represents thousands of repair shops nationwide, will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and ensure safer operation: - Always consult your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil and filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. - Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission and transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle. - Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. - Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle’s suspension system. - Check battery cables and connections for corrosion, and clean them as needed. - Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals and brake and tail lights. - Check windshield wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins. - Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments. - Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition. Always consult the vehicle owner’s manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements will vary. Automotive Service Association members agree to follow ASA’s Code of Ethics, which is the automotive service industry’s standard for professional business practices with consumers in mind. For more information, visit ASA at www.ASAshop.org. |
