These are the times that test men's souls

A couple months ago, the editor of BOAT and MOTOR DEALER asked me to write an article for their December issue with my thoughts on what’s ahead for the industry in 2009. I said “yes” and quickly moved on to the next thing on my list.

As the deadline for writing the article got closer and the economy kept getting worse and worse I started to wonder what I could possibly write in October that would bear any connection to reality by the time someone reads an article in December. Predicting what is going to happen next week is challenging enough to say nothing of next year. Since I was committed to the editor, I soldiered on and focused the article on 10 principles that I thought might be helpful regardless of where the economy stands in December.

If you are interested, look for the long 1,500 word version in next month’s issue of BOAT and MOTOR DEALER. In the meantime, I hope one or more of these thoughts might help keep your head above water until then:

1. Watch your attitude--Attitude is everything and negative attitudes can become self-fulfilling.

2. Work together – Everyone should get behind “Grow Boating.” If you aren’t a member of your local or regional marine trade association, join. If you don’t have one, start one. There is strength in numbers. Join a 20 Group. You have more in common with your competitors than you think.

3. Identify and implement Best Management Practices – Businesses are always striving to find the best of the best, and this is particularly important in “down” cycles. So, read about what other dealers are doing. Talk to your peers, comb their website, and see what they can offer.

4. Network – Get out of the dealership, meet new people, and learn some new ideas. Join the local Rotary and/or Chamber of Commerce. Get involved in community service. Think long-term.

5. Dealers should diversify revenue sources as much as possible.

6. Don’t forget that boating is a “fun business.” – Post daily reminders that our business is to deliver fun to customers. We are not dentists specializing in root canals. People come to our dealerships, our marinas, and our boatyards looking for fun, looking for opportunities to relax and get away.

7. Plan the Work and Work the Plan – Get out your business plan, review it, update it and keep it close to you. Review it monthly and update I as needed. If you don’t have one, write one. If you don’t know how, go to Google and type in “Business Plans for small business.” There are 29 million results just for that one phrase. Learn from others, so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

8. Look for mentors – Nothing is new in the world. If you are a small, closely-held corporation, find 2-3 people you respect and ask them to volunteer and serve on your board. Thank them by taking them fishing, taking them cruising, wakeboarding or water skiing. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to pay them back. An outside set of eyes will help you look at things from different angles and challenges can melt away with new ideas and solutions.

9. Continuous learning and improving – Now is a great time to get a finger on the pulse of your own city, community and region. Read the business sections, the business publications and find out what is going on right around you.

10. Be involved –Years ago a mentor told me: If it’s going to be, it’s up to me. Repeat that affirmation every day, give it a try. It might make all the difference.

With warm regards,

Michael Campbell
President

P.S. I hope to see all of you at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 9 so you can hear firsthand what your association has done for you in 2008 and what is planned for 2009. Details are on page 7.