It usually happens when I'm talking to a dealer.  We may be discussing a hiring campaign, an idea for advertising, a specific sales practice or even a way to cut costs in service.  I'm at a point where I can actually feel this statement before it's even uttered.  My skin starts to crawl and I feel a shortness of breath.  I want to jump up and put my hand over the mouth that is about to speak, but it's always too late.

"We tried that once.  It didn't work."

Ooooooh! There it is. Now it's out there.  What do you do except feel hopelessly trapped in a past life that was none to kind.  It reminds me of a customer responding to that stupid question, "Can I help you?"  They get galzed eyes and respond, "Just looking."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCia2LZycQ&feature=related

That question draws scorn from even the newest dealers.  Yet, they have no problem uttering an equally rediculous seven words, "I TRIED THAT ONCE.  IT DIDN'T WORK"

Let's give the person saying this the benefit of the doubt.  Afterall, this statement may have saved them from some pretty sticky situations.  I think we should take it literally and never repeat anything that didn't work.  How would life be then?  Let's just see.

Here are some things that you may have failed at the first time.  What would your life be like if you lived by the rule, "I TRIED THAT ONCE. IT DIDN'T WORK."

• Taking your first step.
• Learning to ride a bike.
• Learning to drive.
• Taking a test in school.
• Asking someone on your first date.
• Applying to your first college.
• Interviewing for your first job.
• Attempting to sell your first car.
• Your first day as a dealer.

I know, you're asking yourself what makes me such an expert on dealing with failing and rejection.  To tell the truth, I actually did write the book on it.  And, I was actually turned down by over 100 publishers before finally signing a book contract.  REJECT ME - I LOVE IT led to 10 books being published and over 1.5 million readers.  Imagine how different my life would be if  I had tried it once and it didn't work.

John Fuhrman is the Senior National Trainer for Carolina Automotive Resource Services, a unit of The Dealer Resource Group.  http://www.thedealerresourcegroup.net.   - Permission to reprint this post in its entirety, including contact information, is hereby granted.