Five steps in five minutes gets great results
A new social medial program is available for dealers.
Norm Schultz
Articles From This Author
MTAM succeeds in a variety of ways
The Marine Trades Association of Maryland is an example of how to advocate for the industry.
Keep these employees away from unhappy customers?
Great technicians don’t always have the best people skills.
Two calls for fishing action
Recreational anglers need to make sure their voices are heard.
National Boating/Fishing this week; Houston show next week
How dealers can help introduce new boaters and anglers to the water and a positive outlooking in the Lonestar state.
Dealers, be prepared for the storm
As the 2018 hurricane season looms, dealers should have contingency plans in place.
NMTC meeting hits wide range of issues
Marine trade association executives from around the country met in Newport.
New European Regs will hit US dealers/brokers
U.S.-based businesses who communicate with European customers need to know about this.
Are bans on wakesurfing coming?
“If they’d ban these wake boats on our lake, it couldn’t come too soon,” said a well-dressed couple standing behind a new surf model, “because the wake they throw is a homeowner’s nightmare.”
How to get customer feedback
Dealers need to hear from customers to know what the business is doing right — and wrong.
Busted in Florida; Workforce issues at NMTC meeting
Law enforcement cracks down on thieves on West Coast of Florida. Marine Industry officials meet in Rhode Island.
How to join industry efforts to reach youth
There are some great programs already in place to attract younger boaters and anglers
How to keep your customers coming back
Sometimes a simple “Thank You” can go a long way.
Will rising gas prices impact boat sales?
As our industry prepares for next week’s American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., there’s no question a priority issue will be the crucial need to stop the increase of ethanol into our fuel supply and revise the broken Renewable Fuel Standard.
“Telepathy” available free; Miami marine stadium gets recognized
RBFF’s No. 1 rated PSA is available to dealers and Miami Marine Stadium is added to National Register of Historic Places.
Video influences consumers; the boat run in Chicago
Today’s webinar is designed to help dealers focus their message and a sign of spring in the Windy City.
A key webinar; Ole Evinrude’s motor; Twiggy retires
How dealers can improve their marketing, recognizing an outboard pioneer and a water skiing squirrel says goodbye.
News and notes of the interesting kind!
Improved fishing access, reducing plastics in our waterways and cleaning up the Great Lakes.
Let’s change Trump’s mind now
President Trump vows to make E15 available year round despite marine industry’s objections.
A good news-bad news summer for Great Lakes
High water levels bring positives and negatives.
Money won’t keep your employees
Money talks but it’s probably not the reason why employees bail
“Welcome to the Water” is coming back!
A popular campaign returns to entice new boaters.
Could sexual harassment hit your dealership?
It’s a real concern that all dealers need to take seriously.
Chefs oppose changes to fisheries management
I expected the commercial fishermen to oppose our quest for changes in federal fisheries management. I also accepted misinformed environmentalists might speak against us. But I must admit, I didn’t foresee the attack of the chefs. (No, not a typo – chefs.)
What the Toys “R” Us closing can tell us
Dealers need to make more efforts to get kids out on the water.
Learn latest in digital marketing; Weigh in now on Gulf red snapper
Dealers can take a free webinar on digital marketing and they need to support proposed red snapper rules.
Email remains an important tool for dealers
It’s all in the effort that dealers put into their message.
MIACF does Discover Boating, but not at a boat show
Florida marine industry organization thinks outside the box to attract new enthusiasts.
Push for E15 by ethanol producers as strong as ever
Dealers need to push back against E15 for the good of the industry.
Training could help solve tech shortage
Dealers need to make sure they provide adequate training to keep technicians current.
SWFMIA forum to address thefts at dealerships
The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association will hold a special forum to address the growing theft problem impacting dealers along the sunshine state’s west coast.
VIDEO: Recreational fishing needs dealer influence, too
Boat and equipment dealers need to support the Modern Fish Act Now.
Growing means being customer centered today
Entrepreneurs who want to continue to expand their business know that it all starts with customer service.
Miami show boosted by Strictly Sail addition
Sailboat sales were just as robust as their powerboat counterparts at 2018 MIBS.
Our coral reefs are dying – Part 2
There is no doubt our coral reefs are important to the future of saltwater fishing and boating.
Our coral reefs are dying – Part 1
As you read this, I’ll be on my way to man the Discover Boating Center at the Progressive Miami International Boat Show that opens Thursday.
Some encouraging news about millennials
More millennials are buying homes and starting families. This is good news for the boating industry because home ownership often leads to boat ownership.
Trades Council sets meeting; Four NMMA shows go big
Trades Council sets meeting; Four NMMA shows go big. Make sure you set aside the date for the 2018 NMTC annual meeting. Dealers are excited after the first regional boat shows of the year.
Does your dealership suffer recognition deficit?
No one should want unappreciated people working in their organizations. Here are three ways to recognize, reward and celebrate achievements.
Email marketing requires more attention than ever
Building a continuing relationship with customers using email is the best way to communicate with customers, but it takes more than the occasional blast. Effective email marketing is purposefully planned to engage a customer. That means sending communications that resonate with a customer’s interests and activities.
Gen Xers an unheralded but important market
Members of Generation X, now 35 to 50 years old, are entering their prime earnings years and enjoy spending time with their children. Gen Xers represent a significant boating market, and dealers that have a strong social media program should have no trouble reaching them.
Winter boat shows have been a hot ticket
Ten winter shows from Houston to Minneapolis received a warm welcome — strong attendance and sales — and that should have exhibitors at this week’s multiday events in New York, Baltimore and Seattle anxious to get started.
Customers are royalty; treat them that way
The customer is king! Yes, you say: I know that. But do you take that standard seriously? As Customer Guru co-founder Vivel Jaiswal notes, consumers today have plenty of options for buying things and telling the world about the experiences they have while doing so. Be sure they sing your praises after doing business with you.
Miami International Boat Show grows in size and appeal
Bigger this year with the relocation of Strictly Sail Miami to Virginia Key, the Miami International Boat Show, coupled with the Miami Yacht Show at Collins Avenue, will put visitors at the heart of our industry and everything it has to offer.
Making your boat show exhibit better
Capturing the attention of boat-show visitors these days requires dealers to design exhibits that enable potential buyers to envision themselves in their own boat, enjoying the family benefits of the lifestyle we cherish.
Interior Department proposals on oil drilling are poor policies
Proposed Interior Department policies on offshore oil drilling lack support and are dangerous to the environment that we as boaters cherish.
Nautical fun on National Trivia Day
Do you know the origin of the term “letting the cat out of the bag,” and do you know why pirates pierced their ears? In honor of National Trivia Day, let’s examine 15 familiar nautical expressions and practices.
New year looks promising for our industry
Increases in new-boat sales, housing starts and new- and existing-home sales, and income gains for consumers suggest that 2018 will be a year of opportunity for the recreational marine industry.