Little changes can have a big payoff for boat dealers

Have you ever heard the saying, “Little Hinges Swing Big Doors?” I first heard it from a mentor of mine, legendary copywriter and marketing guru Dan Kennedy. I’m sure he pulled it from someone before him.

But, it does make you think, doesn’t it?

In every business, there are several little things that can be done, changed, improved or stopped that can have dramatic impact on the bottom line.

Dramatic changes on the way you enjoy your boat business.

Dramatic changes in your overall enjoyment of life.

Yes indeed, little hinges swing big doors!

So, let me tell you about a little change my wife made, based on a passing comment from her Aunt Donna.

Our little girl Emery was about 2 months old and always crying. Spitting up her bottles. Well more like refunding her entire bottle almost daily. Plus she was not sleeping as well as her big sister Avery. Everyone told us, that’s just the way it is with the second child. hey are never as easy.

But, Donna mentioned that sometimes babies are allergic to the chlorine in tap water (which is what we were using). And we should try filtered water. Being sleep deprived parents, we would have tried about anything.

Sure enough, a week later Emery was 100 times improved. Sleeping better, eating better and all around happier!

Sometimes it’s the passing comment that makes all the difference. Are you listening for them?

It was a passing comment that could have easily been missed. Even ignored because Donna’s a little bit of a hippie tree hugger into a lot of “whoo-whoo” stuff my wife and I are not.

But, this little change made all the difference. A simple little change that cost maybe $10/month but gave us precious sleep and enjoyment.

As I said, little hinges swing big doors.

Now, I’m not sure what the biggest challenges you personally have in your boat business.

• Maybe it’s a lack of prospects (ups) coming into your dealership

• Maybe it’s a lack of prospect conversion

• Maybe it’s a lack of inventory

• Maybe it’s the employee behaviors

• Maybe it’s an issue with hiring in your service department.

Whatever your biggest problem, I am certain there is a solution. There is likely a simple and elegant solution to that problem that will swing a very big door of change in your boat business. Just like changing to filtered water made a major improvement in our lives.

So, here is my challenge to you. Stay on the lookout for those little hinges that could swing a big door in your boat business. Pay attention to other business (especially outside of the marine industry). Read books, attend trainings and seminars (like MDCE) and participate in coaching programs or 20 groups. Then, keep your ears, eyes and mind open for that little idea that could be worth time, money or increased enjoyment of your boat business.

With that in mind, I wanted to offer you a free book that may just have a few little hinges for you.

Just for asking, I’ll send you a free e-book copy of my book; Marine Marketing Strategies which is available at Barnes and Noble for $29.95. But it’s yours free for being a subscriber and reader here at Boating Industry. Just visit www.HowToSellMoreBoats.com for a downloadable copy of the book and a special bonus.

Matt Sellhorst is the Author of the book “Marine Marketing Strategies” and Head Profits Coach at Boat Dealer Profits. Sellhorst was also the winner of the MDCE Best Ideas Contest, Boating Industry’s Movers and Shakers Bold Moves award, a top producing boat salesman and a speaker and presenter at the Marine Dealer Conference and Expo. He now helps dealers, brokers and manufactures sell more boats with proven sales and marketing systems.

To receive a free copy of the only business building and marketing book for the marine industries; Marine Marketing Strategies, visit www.HowToSellMoreBoats.com to receive instant access (and your special bonus training). More info at www.BoatDealerProfits.com.