Category: Powersports Market

Managing Millennials

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date September 12, 2018

Contributing Author:
Glenice Wilder
Vice President
EFG Companies

“Millennials are just plain lazy.”

“How do you manage a group that doesn’t want to do any work, and expects rewards for just showing up?”

“I just won’t hire them.”

Do these statements sound familiar? Millennials have gotten a bad reputation from popular media. But, you’d be surprised at just how much of your current workforce is made up of Millennials.

The Center for Generational Kinetics defines Millennials as those born between 1977 and 1995. Those employees of yours that are in their 30s and early 40s are, in fact, Millennials. Would you apply the statements above to them? Probably not.

At 80 million strong, Millennials now represent the most influential generation in the marketplace. They are quickly making up the majority of consumers and employees. So, for those of you saying that you don’t know how to manage this new generation, I have good news for you. You already are managing them.

Contrary to popular belief, managing Millennials isn’t that different from managing other generations. It just takes understanding their key motivators.

Millennials are motivated by having a work-life balance, a clear path for advancement and growth, and recognition for achievement. They are also more motivated if they believe in the value of the work. Does that really sound that different from Gen X, or even Boomers?

Featured Powersports Market

Training Pre-empts a 911 Call

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date April 11, 2018

Contributing Author:
Glenice Wilder
Vice President
EFG Companies

I don’t know if you are a fan of the 9-1-1 television series on the FOX network, staring Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, and Connie Brighton. If you DVR-it like me, the 10th episode which aired March 21 should give every powersports dealer pause. The storyline included a scenario where a man purchases a new motorcycle, and rides off without the dealer checking for a license or training. In mere TV minutes, the actor is involved in a horrific crash, prompting a call to 911. The lesson for powersports dealers is clear. Always check to ensure the buyer is licensed for a motorcycle before delivering the bike! And always be sure the buyer is trained to ride the bike they just purchased!

Internal Training First

It’s easy for the sales team to “assume” the customer is fully prepared to enjoy that new bike. They asked all of the right questions and even mentioned several previous motorcycle experiences. But customers are often unwilling to admit their shortcomings or lack of knowledge. Therefore, your entire dealership team must be responsible for ensuring the buyer is fully prepared.

Take the opportunity to check the driver’s license early in the sales process. Confirm they are actually licensed to ride a bike. “Oh, I’ve ridden a bike for years!” is not sufficient. Almost every state notes a motorcycle on the license itself. Also, a quick check to the DMV database will flag the appropriate certifications.

Tags 9-1-1, Angela Bassett, Connie Brighton, FOX network, Peter Krause

Business Growth Powersports Market

Set Your Dealership Apart with Certified Mechanics!

Post author By efgmarketing
Post date October 18, 2017

Contributing Author:
Glenice Wilder
Vice President
EFG Companies

Crowd-sourced review sites are becoming more and more popular. While they don’t replace the more intimate word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted friend, they are certainly a go-to resource for anything from a good dinner to a mechanic. And, speaking of mechanics, how do yours stack up? Do their skills set your dealership apart from the competition, or do your customers even know you have any onsite? And, if you have mechanics onsite, are they certified?

While the powersports industry does not have an official certification body, dealers still have several options to certify their mechanics.

Available Training Options

Whether you already have mechanics on staff, or are looking to hire, understand the training options that are available. There are several educational entities that offer certified training. The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute housed within the Universal Technical Institute offers several hands-on courses and partners with all of the major bike OEMs. General mechanical skills, brand-specific electives and CPO training are all available. Online courses are also available, but lack the necessary hands-on instructor component.

Some community and vocational/technical schools offer an introductory course on automotive and motorcycle engine repair. If you have this type of school in your area, visit the campus, speak to the instructor, and get a sense of the skills required for graduation.

Tags EFG Companies, Glenice Wilder, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Universal Technical Institute