Training young Saudis

One of the major challenges facing car dealers worldwide is how to attract young sales people and keep them motivated for the long term.
The young love jobs that give them social satisfaction in addition to financial security.
They are more mobile and tend to change jobs more than mature employees and are more influenced by the opinion of their peers.
An American Fiat dealer in Florida recorded some notable success in attracting young sales people and promoting those who displayed dedication and commitment especially under pressure and at busy weekend sales sessions.
This idea is suitable for the Saudi market where talented young Saudi nationals can be trained by dealerships to take over sales and marketing, in a fast-growing market fueled by demand from young drivers.
Dealers in Saudi Arabia know that the market is growing fast, by 18 percent annually according to one estimate.
Most of the new demand is coming from young drivers entering the market for the first time.
Saudi nationals under 26 years of age represent about 60 percent of the population.
It is obvious that the most successful salesman to a young Saudi is another young citizen.
They mix in the same circles, use social media and know what motivates youngsters.
They can pin-point the trends young Saudis love about their cars and can persuade them of the cars they ought to test drive before making a purchase decision.
Employing and training young Saudis to take over sales departments in dealership is the hidden key to success in these departments toward a successful future.
The way to recruit and retain young Saudi nationals is by making the jobs seem like a lot of fun to do but at the same time open up real opportunities for promotions and careers.
This approach would ensure loyalty and commitment and would be translated to more success in the market place.
Companies are advised to give young Saudi nationals the opportunities they deserve.
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Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
Email: [email protected]