MRAA Blog

What’s in a Name (Tag)

What do you think about your crew wearing name tags? If it was up to me, I would have the customers wear them too! I’m the worst at remembering names, even two minutes after an introduction. As a customer, I love it when the employees I meet are wearing name tags. It allows me to […]

How to do Mergers and Acquisitions Right

If there’s one thing it seems you can count on in the marine industry’s news this year, it’s mergers and acquisitions. This trend doesn’t discriminate: it touches dealers, marinas, boat builders and suppliers alike. And probably other boat business sectors too. I’ve been through a few of them in my career. My husband has endured […]

Don’t forget the ING

I know, I know, I’ve heard from ALL of you on the phone, emails, texts, Facebook and at dealer meetings: You are too busy this time of year! But to keep this thing called boat sales rolling for years to come, we need to remember to promote the “ING” in boating. It’s easy when times […]

How to Get More Done Faster

Over the weekend, I stumbled over something that might help both of us in the heat of the season – the boating season for you, and the product development season for the team at the Marine Retailers Association. While you’re busy selling and servicing boats, we’re busy working with industry experts to create new workshops, […]

How to Coach In the Heat of the Season

Memorial Day Weekend is a memory. The winter shows are over. The spring cleaning is done. All the boats once in storage are now in the water. The units sold at the shows have been delivered. And sales training is complete. Wait a minute! Do we ever stop learning or practicing our skills? Do athletes […]

A Seat at the Table

Today’s boating industry could teach politicians a thing or two about coming together for the greater good. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll get the chance. This week, the industry is gathering in Washington, D.C., at the American Boating Congress, which attracts people from just about every corner of the recreational marine business. While the No. […]

Marketing Certification to Consumers

One of the most frequently asked questions by dealers considering getting Certified is: “What is the industry doing to make consumers aware of the benefits of doing business with a Certified dealer?” The answer is: Quite a bit! First and foremost, we believe in empowering YOU to tell your story of how Certification makes you […]