We’ve had plenty of exciting times on our boat when we’ve landed big fish and filled the cooler, but the time eventually comes when we have to haul anchor, leave the hot spot behind and head back to the marina, having enjoyed a great day. It always triggers thoughts of the next great adventure.
Recognizing when the time is right time to stow the rods also applies to Dealer Outlook. Like a day of rapid reeling, it’s time to weigh anchor, and this will be my final blog post.
How well I remember when then-editor Lois Caliri in May 2008 invited me to create a dealer-focused blog. I’m grateful to Soundings Trade Only for publishing more than 1,600 of my posts. That number makes even me shake my head.
The concept behind Dealer Outlook was to present ideas and news of interest that could be helpful primarily to the retail side of our industry. Over the years, it also allowed me to report and comment on many related topics, like management and marketing concepts, political impacts, marine trade association accomplishments, industry leaders and much more.
I’ve also been amazed and grateful that so many of you have told me you read Dealer Outlook regularly. Indeed, past surveys have indicated some 22,000 readers monthly.
As I cast off for new adventures, I’m reminded of what an exciting industry we are all part of. And I have no doubt that success is ahead for those who recognize the opportunities to take and the connections to make. And of course, that starts with membership in your local marine trade association.
While we recognize national groups for their good work, including NMMA and MRAA, state and local MTAs are on the ground every day doing things for their members that no dealership could tackle on its own. Moreover, MTAs create selling opportunities, such as local boat shows and marketing promotions; educational initiatives and scholarship programs; and community outreach events. And their lobbying for member interests on local and state levels is critical. An MTA is the single, most beneficial membership any dealer can have.
Perhaps more than ever, dealers need to listen to the voices of experience. Life’s fast pace, the financial changes and challenges, and the impact of digital spaces are triggering constant transformation. But change is good for those who pay attention, and accept and implement new ideas from experts presented in such industry publications as Soundings Trade Only.
While we’re in a bit of a down cycle, I lived through four major downturns, and each time, our industry has come out of it and risen to new levels. I have no doubt we’ll see that same turnaround success, and that it will begin later this year.
Finally, I express my genuine gratitude to the many people I’ve been privileged to work with at Soundings Trade Only, and to all of you who have faithfully read my blog. I’m excited about what’s on my horizon. So let the adventure begin because I know the best is yet to come!
