Dealer Outlook

EPA looms big and troublesome for boating and fishing

mlabella — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:35:27 +0000

While President Obama proposes billions more dollars to “boost small business,” including some provisions that ostensibly might also help our boating industry, his administration at EPA is poised to issue troublesome edicts affecting all boating and fishing interests on two fronts. (more…)

Latitude will be needed for marine industry’s oil spill claims

mlabella — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:11:13 +0000

To date, it’s really unknown whether marine businesses will be fairly and fully compensated for lost income resulting from BP’s well from hell. While final claim criteria isn’t expected for several weeks, comments already made that “proximity” to the spill may be a prime factor in assessing damage raises immediate concerns about fair treatment. (more…)

Taking prospects for a ride!

mtrocchi — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:14:34 +0000

A prime result of exhibiting in this fall’s boat shows will be the follow-up demos. But how salesmen approach each demo should be viewed as much more than just another part of the sales process. (more…)

Is accessing social media reducing productivity at work?

mtrocchi — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:06 +0000

Computers. Smartphones. Social media. Facebook. YouTube. MySpace. PDAs. Blogging.Texting. Sexting. Tweeting. Where does it end and does it all call for company policies? (more…)

Random thoughts on leadership and attitudes

mtrocchi — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:55:09 +0000

Overheard at the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show last week: Two salesmen from different dealerships were talking across the dock to each other about how bad sales have been this summer . . . while visitors were walking by! (more…)

Michigan City sets good pace for industry’s fall shows ahead

mtrocchi — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:00:41 +0000

If the results of the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show are any indication, the industry’s fall boat shows are heading for more success over a year ago. Boosted by good weather, the show finished with an 11 percent increase in attendance and a very upbeat feeling on the part of exhibitors. (more…)

A small gesture can get a big return

mtrocchi — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:19:58 +0000

Ever wonder why at some restaurants you get a piece of candy with your check? It’s a fact that restaurant servers who leave a piece of candy with the check will get a bigger tip than those who don’t. Moreover, according to studies reported in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, if two pieces of candy are left, the tip is even more! (more…)

Dealers aren’t buying boat show space!

mtrocchi — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:02:28 +0000

The industry’s fall boat show circuit will officially kick off this week when the 31st Michigan City In-Water Boat Show opens on Thursday near Chicago. After that, major fall shows will take place in locations like Detroit, Cedar Point, Newport, Norwalk, Atlantic City, Annapolis, Ft. Lauderdale, to name just a few. (more…)

NMMA’s oil spill survey highlights importance of MTAs

mtrocchi — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:13:15 +0000

I had planned to write about another subject today . . . that was, until I read yesterday’s TradeOnlyToday and the report on NMMA’s survey of the fallout from BP’s oil spill. I was genuinely taken aback by some readers voicing negative comments about NMMA’s action. That bothered me all day, so I gotta blog about it! (more…)

The two-minute “store tour”: An idea worth adapting?

mtrocchi — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:20:50 +0000

When that new customer makes his first visit to a dealership, the “store tour” could be a great way for the sales team to highlight what is offered, as well as an unusual, but comfortable way, to “break the ice.” (more…)