What are you doing this Thursday?  Besides eating and some football.  Some will travel a bit and some will stay home.  But too many may find themselves forgetting that this day is more than just a day off in the busy lives of those in the car business.  I'm hoping to change that.

This year I am thankful for the new associations I've made.  I am grateful for all of those who took the time to teach me more about this business as I grew.  I want to sow my appreciation to the hundreds of sales people I have worked with, trained, managed, and helped succeed over these 30 some odd years of hanging around dealerships.  My gratitude for an industry that allowed a guy like me to have a great life, provide for my family and bring me friends that will stand the test of time.

I am especially glad to be in a country where someone like me has the freedom and the support to go out on his or her own to create their own opportunities by sharing their knowledge and experience with others.  I am also obliged to the dealers who trusted us to come and make a difference in their stores and look forward to continuing this in the coming years.

Thanksgiving comes at the end of the month when we scramble to get the last units out.  It comes at the time of year that the customers are wrapped up in holiday shopping and their own end of year planning.  It even comes on a Thursday which breaks up the momentum of the week.  But, in spite of all that, the timing is perfect.  It's a time to take a breath.  Be thankful for the year you've had when so many aren't working.  Have some gratitude for the customers who chose you to help them in their decision making.  And be especially glad that your dealer gave you a shot at a career.

Finally, remember to thank your family. They are patient while you got going.  They are forgiving when you have a bad week or month.  They are understanding when the bonus is a bit smaller.  And, they are your biggest cheerleaders when you have a great month or even a really good day.  They believe in you at times when you even doubt yourself.  Make this Thanksgiving about them.

This Thursday, be thankful for the business that made your special meal possible.  Then take a deep breath and enjoy the extra time you have with the people who benefit from your efforts.  Share your day with those who don't get to see you as often as they would like because of the late nights, working on days off, and the weekends so that they can live a better life.

Be grateful that all this is even possible and enjoy the day.

John Fuhrman is the Senior National Trainer for Carolina Automotive Resource Services, a unit of The Dealer Resource Group.  His ten books have reached 1.5 million readers and he has trained sales professionals around the world.  Our Trainers are ready to work for you and develop a sales team you can be proud of.  Email us by Wednesday and we're in your dealership on Monday ready to interview. When your dealership needs amazing results hiring new people, visit http://www.thedealerresourcegroup.net. ATTENTION DEALERS:  VISIT OUR WEB SITE AND REGISTER TO KEEP UP ON MONTHLY TRAINING SAVING SPECIALS. Our trainers are ready to show you our "WOW!" factor.  (c)2011 by John Fuhrman - Permission to reprint this post in its entirety, including contact information, is hereby granted.