How Modern Learning Trends Are Revamping Training and Performance
Car dealerships aren’t exactly the first places that come to mind when you think of innovative learning and training environments. But make no mistake, the winds of change are blowing through the automotive sales industry, creating a new era of educational practices. Gone are the days when training was an afterthought, something squeezed in between sales meetings and customer interactions.
Today, savvy dealerships are leveraging modern learning trends to enhance performance, foster employee engagement, and improve customer satisfaction. Let’s explore how these emerging learning approaches in dealership training are reshaping the dealership experience.
On the Job Training
Traditionally, training in dealerships happened in a classroom, away from the hustle and bustle of the sales floor. However, on-the-job training is gaining ground as an effective way to teach skills in real-time, in the actual work environment. Picture this: a new sales associate equipped with augmented reality glasses that guide them through the vehicle features as they interact with a customer.
Or imagine a service technician learning about a new diagnostic tool while using it, guided by real-time feedback from a senior technician. The benefits are clear. Real-time training not only enables immediate application of knowledge but also increases the chances of information retention.
Personalization
One-size-fits-all is becoming increasingly obsolete in education, and dealerships are no exception. With the aid of advanced algorithms and data analytics, training modules can be tailored to suit individual learning styles, strengths, and areas of improvement. So instead of going through a generic training program, each staff member receives a personalized curriculum that allows them to develop skills more relevant to their role.
Personalization elevates the learning experience and can lead to quicker mastery of skills, higher job satisfaction, and, ultimately, increased sales and customer satisfaction.
External Integration
Learning isn’t an isolated activity anymore. It’s not just about what happens within the confines of the dealership. Integrating external resources like vendor tutorials, online courses, and even social media groups into the training landscape has become easier and more effective thanks to technology.
This external integration offers a richer, more diverse source of knowledge and expertise that can greatly enhance employee skills and broaden their perspectives. For instance, a service advisor could access real-time updates about a particular car model’s common issues and solutions, enhancing their ability to provide accurate advice to customers.
Driving Micro-Behavior
Traditional training often focuses on broad goals and objectives, but what about the small, everyday behaviors that lead to long-term success? New learning trends are shifting the focus to micro-behavior training—essentially teaching employees the tiny but impactful actions that can make a big difference.
For example, understanding the subtle cues in a customer’s body language and responding appropriately could be the difference between making a sale and losing a customer. Teaching these micro-behaviors can be facilitated through various techniques, including gamification, where employees receive immediate rewards for correct behavior, reinforcing the action and encouraging repetition.
Social Recognition
Recognizing and rewarding good performance isn’t new, but how it’s done is evolving. Social recognition systems, often integrated into modern learning platforms, provide instant public praise for achievements, both big and small. Imagine a leaderboard displaying the top-performing sales reps of the month, or a quick shoutout on an internal communication channel for an employee who handled a particularly difficult customer situation well. This fosters a culture of recognition and competition, driving everyone to up their game.
Constant Learning with Technology
The concept of learning as a one-off activity is fading fast. Instead, constant learning is becoming the norm, supported by an array of technologies like mobile apps, online platforms, and interactive software. Employees can continuously update their skills, knowledge, and expertise, adapting to changes in the industry, consumer behavior, or even the dealership’s inventory.
And it’s not just with formal training; technology allows for quick, informal learning moments that can happen anytime, anywhere—from a quick video tutorial during a lunch break to a podcast on customer relationship management during the commute.
Better Insights During Learning
In an era where data drives decisions, the ability to get real-time insights during the learning process can’t be overstated. Innovative analytics tools now provide detailed information on how well employees are engaging with training content, what they’re excelling at, and where they’re struggling. It’s like having a virtual coach that provides instant feedback on a basketball player’s shooting form, except this coach is providing tips on upselling techniques or customer engagement. With such granular data, it’s easier for management to adjust training programs on the fly and offer specific guidance to individuals, thereby making the entire learning process more efficient and targeted.
Connected Workflows
With the integration of learning management systems and other technology platforms, the learning process now ties seamlessly into daily workflows. Employees no longer have to disconnect from their tasks to engage in training. They can learn as they work, with training modules popping up as relevant scenarios present themselves.
For example, if an employee is interacting with a customer interested in electric vehicles, the system can immediately prompt a quick tutorial on the advantages and features of electric models in stock. This sort of just-in-time learning embedded within the workflow ensures that training and work are not at odds but are parts of a cohesive, effective process.
Thriving Dealerships Use Flexible Technology
Success in today’s fast-paced dealership environment hinges on adaptability. The technology and platforms chosen for training must offer the flexibility to evolve with changing needs and trends. Whether it’s integrating with new external resources or adapting to new sales techniques like virtual showrooms, the technology must be nimble enough to handle it. Thriving dealerships recognize that the technology they use for training is not a one-time investment but an ongoing resource that needs to adapt and scale as they grow.
Dealership Training to Refocus Your Efforts
Training isn’t just about learning new skills; it’s also about reassessing and refocusing current practices. With the industry undergoing rapid changes—from evolving customer expectations to new types of vehicles on offer—there’s always room for improvement. Training programs now incorporate modules aimed at refocusing efforts towards emerging opportunities and away from outdated or less-effective practices. For instance, if a dealership has traditionally focused on selling sedans but market trends show a rise in demand for SUVs, targeted training can help sales reps pivot effectively to meet this new demand. It’s like a course correction that ensures everyone is rowing in the same direction.
Contact DealerPRO Training to Discuss Your Dealership Training Needs
Incorporating modern learning trends into your dealership is becoming a necessity for staying competitive. And while the trends and technologies discussed here offer a blueprint, every dealership is different, with unique challenges and opportunities. That’s where the experts at DealerPRO Training come in.
With a track record of tailoring training programs to the specific needs of dealerships, we can offer insights and solutions that generic, off-the-shelf programs simply can’t match. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when you can get a custom-tailored training solution designed to fit your dealership like a glove. Reach out to DealerPRO Training to discuss your specific needs and start charting a course towards a more skilled, engaged, and productive team.
