(0:57) This past week we attended the Krogen Rendezvous in Solomons, Maryland. It is one of our favorites for a variety of reasons - great people, good events, and a terrific party on the final night. But one thing that always stands out in my mind is how much these boaters really use their boats. No "dock potatoes" here!(0:49) As I was giving talks and mingling with the other boaters, I received comments about my Marina Minute newsletter. Some boaters receive these Minutes and some had just heard about them. The feedback they gave all started with, "You should tell them" and then followed with a pet peeve or an outstanding experience - some bit of advice they wanted me to pass along to marinas to make their experiences better.
(0:40) As I listened I found that there were actually just a few things that were being said over and over. I also realized that each one was something I had written about in a Minute - more than once.
(0:35) So listen up. The following are the three things that active cruising boaters, your customers, want you to know are important. I've included links to the most relevant Minutes for each.
(0:30) 1. Improving dockhand skills including listening to the boat owner and basic line handling skills:
Calming a Boater's Nerves - Part 1 of 2
Calming a Boater's Nerves - Part 2 of 2
What's a Bitter End???
(0:24) 2. A Good Welcome Packet - I've referenced this series many times but apparently not enough:
The Welcome Packet
The Welcome Packet - Start at Home
The Welcome Packet - Check Out the Neighborhood
The Welcome Packet - What's Happ'n
The Welcome Packet - Extras
And just 3 weeks ago, Where's Your Welcome Packet?
(0:16) 3. Easier ways to find slips and marina staff:
Straight From the Horse's Mouth
Small Stuff
(0:12) Nothing here is complicated or expensive to provide. Each is easily within reach of any marina to accomplish. Think honestly about how you measure up on each of these items and what you can do better.
(0:06) Give your customers what they want and they'll give you more business.
(0:02) And that's the marina minute.
