The study guide for "Target Selling" with Pamela Rodgers of Rodgers Chevrolet, Woodhaven, Michigan as seen on Small Business School the series on PBS-member stations in the USA and the Voice of America around the world. The best little show on television about the American spirit.

The Case Study Guide

last update: May 2007

go to the homepage

learn what you don't know

Pam gave up a big paycheck and took a $6 an hour job selling cars to learn from the bottom up.

Prepare Yourself

Part of Pamela's preparation for her current success was the cultivation of a mentor. She credits him with creating breakthrough opportunities. She earned the right to take action on his ideas, but it took an established man in the industry to kick a door open for a young Black woman.

WATCH TELEVISION THAT TEACHES

Key Ideas of this episode

1.		Teach And Preach Service

2.		Cater To The Real Customer

3.		Counsel Don't Sell

4.		Prepare Yourself

5.		Do What Others Won't Do

6.		Target To Maximize Marketing

7.		Make Service Your Backbone

8.		Create Wealth For Employees

9.		Be Nice

10.		Keep Growing

Topic for Discussion: Successful business owners know that without the insight, advise and direction from people who took time to guide them, they would not be where they are today. I don't know any business owners who are operating strong companies who are not quick to acknowlege the help they have received. Why doesn't everyone have a mentor?

Answer: The biggest reason is we don't think that the people we admire would be willing to give us the time of day. This is so untrue. The other big reason is so many of us small business owners think there is something noble about doing everything alone. It is not noble, it is wrong-headed. Mentors can speed you on your way to all of your dreams.

You think about it: What mentor do you need? What do topics do you need to learn more about? Where can you gain more knowledge so you can become the person who can grow your business?

Review the transcript

The Small Business Index of Learning Companies
Click here to be listed and linked from within this site.