Critical, moment-defining skills can often be associated with fields like aviation and the military, but the same principles can also apply to our Marine, Powersports, and RV dealerships. Training isn’t just about knowing the steps; it’s about executing them confidently, without hesitation. That’s the impact of consistent, hands-on training.
Insights from Sully
Captain Chesley Sullenberger, who many may recognize as Tom Hanks in the movie Sully, was a pilot who famously performed the near-impossible by landing a jetliner in the Hudson River, saving everyone on board. Sullenberger touched down tail-first at the exact optimal angle of 11 degrees which, if any steeper, would’ve torn the entire fuselage apart. Before his commercial flying career, Sully was a trained U.S. Air Force pilot, where he built much of his expertise through continuous training. Reflecting on that day, Sully credited his quick thinking to years of preparation. In his own words:
“For 42 years, I’ve been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education, and training. And on January 15, the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal.”
For dealerships, each hour spent training is just that: a deposit. When it counts most—whether during a major sales event, a complex repair, or a customer negotiation—your team will have the experience to perform seamlessly and make a positive impact.
Conditioned Responses – Lessons From the Military
In the military, muscle memory saves lives. Much like Sully’s training, military personnel perform countless drills to ensure they can respond without hesitation. While a dealership may not face life-or-death moments, the concept still holds: regular practice builds natural, effective responses.
The 2024 Marine Industry Global Workplace Study* reinforces this. It highlights that 61% of marine professionals view their work as more than just a job, reflecting the passion and commitment within the industry. However, the study also warns of looming skills gaps, with 44% of workers’ skills expected to face disruption within five years. Training ensures your team is equipped to handle both current challenges and future disruptions.
For dealerships, this means your team can handle the unexpected: a busy showroom, a complex repair, or a difficult service request. Thanks to ongoing training, they’ll know exactly what to do and how to do it well.
How Training Directly Impacts Your Dealership’s Success
Let’s break down specific areas where training has real returns:
- Boosting Revenue with Sales Training
Consider sales scenarios where understanding product details or knowing how to recommend complementary items makes the difference. For example, training staff to suggest accessories with an RV purchase or add-ons with a powersports vehicle can drive up the ticket size. Regular product knowledge sessions turn these into natural, everyday upsells. - Improving Speed and Efficiency in Operations
Efficiency in day-to-day tasks, from check-ins to service appointments, means shorter wait times for customers and smoother overall operations. For instance, trained staff who know the ins and outs of inventory management can quickly locate parts or identify service needs, keeping customers happy and operations flowing smoothly. The 2024 Workplace Study also found that less than half of marine professionals have access to ongoing training and leadership programs, a gap that dealerships can address to build stronger, more efficient teams. - Minimizing Errors in Complex Transactions
Training on compliance, financing, and documentation helps avoid costly errors. For instance, ensuring the paperwork for a new boat sale is handled smoothly and accurately can prevent future legal issues and keeps customer trust high. This confidence in handling complex transactions benefits both your bottom line and your reputation. - Creating Lasting Customer Relationships
When service staff are trained to listen actively and resolve issues on the spot, customer satisfaction soars. For example, empowering staff to make minor adjustments or offer quick fixes where appropriate builds loyalty, showing customers that your dealership values their time and satisfaction.
Making Training Your Competitive Edge
Training is much more than an expense; it’s an investment in your dealership’s long-term success. The 2024 Marine Industry Global Workplace Study* emphasizes the importance of leadership and mentorship programs, particularly as a significant portion of the workforce nears retirement. Younger employees shadowing experienced staff ensures critical knowledge is passed down, reducing risks associated with skills gaps.
Just like Sully and the military, dealerships benefit when their staff are prepared to excel in critical moments. Regular skill-building equips your team with confidence and ensures they’re ready to deliver exceptional service, even on the busiest days.
So, make training a priority and watch it pay off in satisfied customers, streamlined operations, and an engaged team that’s ready to handle any challenge.
Take the First Step Toward Mastery
Every moment counts, and the right training can turn your team into a well-oiled machine, ready to excel in critical moments. Whether you’re looking for onsite training or virtual sessions, Lightspeed offers customizable training options to fit your dealership’s unique needs.
Accessible directly from your Lightspeed home screen by clicking the “Get Help” button, these tools are designed for both new users and seasoned pros looking to refresh their knowledge:
- Knowledge Center: Step-by-step guides for key processes, vital during and after go-live for continued success.
- Lightspeed Learning: Self-paced modules accessible anytime, ideal for learning or refreshing specific workflows. Accessible via the Lightspeed Client Portal – and then selecting the Lightspeed Learning button.
- Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT): Ongoing live classes focused on specific topics like Sales, Service, Parts and Accounting. Dealership employees can join as often as needed while contracted with Lightspeed. Access the full catalog of Lightspeed courses via Lightspeed Learning portal.
- Virtual or Onsite Training: Personalized training sessions tailored to your needs. These are available in 8-hour increments and can be scheduled through your sales representative.
Training That Makes Every Moment Count – Start Today!
* The data referenced in this article is sourced from the 2024 Marine Industry Global Workplace Study, conducted by the Soundings Trade Only Group in collaboration with industry leaders and research partners. This comprehensive study provides actionable insights into workforce trends, highlighting the importance of training, retention, and leadership development in the marine industry. For more details, visit Trade Only Today.
Chris Kulaga
In my role as Product Manager at Lightspeed, I am focused on understanding the product roadmap needs of our Marine dealerships. I have been a Lightspeed team member for more than five years and have held various roles within the company. As someone who takes pride in my expertise on the Lightspeed solution, I find it rewarding to help customers achieve their business goals. Before joining the tech sector, I served in the Air Force where I honed my leadership and technical skills. Today, I apply these skills to my role at Lightspeed, where I am responsible for defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap. I currently reside in Tri-Cities, Washington with my wife, two pets, and a kitchen where I love to cook. When I'm not working, I enjoy lifting weights and exploring new places. I am also passionate about all things Marine and love learning more about it whenever I can.
