DECEMBER 2ND, 2011
By TIM CALHOUN - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, LEOVINCE
I think we are all guilty of waiting for “It.” From the movies we watch, the stories we read, the news we hear, “It” is all around us for most of our lives. It seems like (at least in my case) I have found myself falling into “Its” web despite knowing better. “It” is that breakthrough product, that new unit, that one sales strategy, that new employee, that new marketing plan that we think will reward us with the one big pay day. “It” will make our economic woes disappear, change the balance sheet, finally put us on the map, change the outcome of all future actions. Read more >>
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2011
By MARK HOADLEY - NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, V-SEPT INC.
Scenario: A man visits a Midwest dealership looking for a cruiser class motorcycle. The salesperson asks about his favorite local places to ride and learns he is new to the area, having moved for his new job. The man has done his research, decided on a bike, and the bike is in stock. Continuing the sales process, he completes a credit application. The credit results are not good – nothing catastrophic, but the score is below the manufacturer requirements and alternate source minimums. The prospect is surprised at the news. He explains he has paid down balances incurred while he was unemployed and always had decent credit in the past. A co-signer is not available, as the customer is single and new to the area. His down payment is fixed, as he has incurred costs associated with the move. The prospect leaves the dealership embarrassed and disappointed. Read more >>
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2011
By FRAN O'HAGAN - PRESIDENT, PIED PIPER MANAGEMENT CO.
Too many hard-working motorcycle dealerships today are holding on for survival, trying to grind out a living relying on the same number of customer “ups” in a week that they used to see on any given day. First of all, yes, you are in good company; there are plenty of other dealerships in exactly the same predicament; and yes, most would agree that you and your team didn’t cause the downturn. On the other hand, you and your team are the ones who can change behaviors to drive success at your dealership right now. Read more >>
SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2011
By TIM CALHOUN - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, LEOVINCE
Recently I have found myself in more than a few discussions with friends and colleagues where I have mentioned that although I have recognized a year filled with personal and professional success, it is getting harder to recognize a win. Read more >>
MAY 6TH, 2011
By TIM CALHOUN - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, LEOVINCE
As the season drives forward at full speed there are signs of recovery and growth. OEMs have new financing, unit sales are up, and there seems to be a small national sigh of relief. But is your business aligned for success? Read more >>
MARCH 14TH, 2011
By NEIL PASCALE, EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
Escalating bad debts and loan delinquencies. Read more >>
FEBRUARY 25TH, 2011
By NEIL PASCALE, EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
It’s a simple question, but a potentially powerful one in this climate. Read more >>
FEBRUARY 1ST, 2011
By NEIL PASCALE, EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
Greg Heichelbech, the new Triumph North American CEO, brought up a topic repeatedly during the brand’s recent dealer meeting that should be uniformly addressed throughout the industry: Discounting. Read more >>
JANUARY 24TH, 2011
By TIM CALHOUN - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, LEOVINCE
As if we added race gas to our tank, it seems there is a burst of acceleration, and the business bike we have all been cruising along on seems to just be running a little bit stronger. Read more >>
JANUARY 21ST, 2011
By LIZ HOCHSTEDLER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR - POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
Numbers released this week by the Motorcycle Industry Council look grim on the surface. Read more >>
