Bates Blog
Message from the President
by Sandra Bate
Campgrounds & RV Resorts
RV Parks are an integral part of the recreational vehicle industry; they are also known as RV campgrounds, RV resorts, as well as, tent and travel trailer camps. Many RV facilities are independently owned and operated. Conditions and amenities, at each location vary depending on the area, climate, time of the year and several other factors.
It's important to research before planning your road trip. Swimming pools, washer and dryers, various amp ratings, gravel or hard top, length of pads, sewer, and water hookups are all things to consider when searching for an RV Park.
Helpful Hints
- RV parks often have differences in water pressure; it's always advisable to use a pressure regulator on the water line, during your stay, to prevent internal pipe damage.
- Shower facilities and pool access is often available at RV parks. Differences in climate can affect your stay at a RV park; especially during certain times of the year, i.e. winter. Some RV parks post notices at check in to inform you to disconnect your water supply for the night to prevent pipes from freezing and breaking. Others will not allow you to use their water supply at certain times of the year. If temperatures drop below freezing, it is advisable to know if your undercarriage storage is unheated or if your pipes are exposed. If either of those conditions exist, it is advisable to avoid climates that drop below freezing.
- Many people prefer to dry camp (stay at a location without hook ups). If your RV has a generator then dry camping is not a real issue. Dry camping without a generator can be tricky. The potential for battery drain followed by failure to start your RV the next day is the biggest challenge. If you don't have a generator, plan on staying at RV parks that have full hook ups.
- RV parks are often found near tourist attractions and historic locations. When planning or at check-in always determine if special offers or discounts are available at the park as well as to the local attractions.
- An RV park can be a safe and economical way to stay for a day, week, or month. Many RV Parks will have discounts for multiple day stays. Monthly rates in most locations are your most cost effective way to stay, so always ask.
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Message from the President
by Sandra Bate
This is the time of year that we should all anticipate the beginning of a great 2012. While you ponder New Year's resolutions may I suggest an important one? Take it easy, most especially when you're behind the wheel!!! Resolve to arrive safely rather than quickly. Life in the slow lane might also be a great way to cut down on stress and allow you better health. You might even find yourself more helpful and considerate to others while driving.
The reality is that most of us are concerned about unsafe drivers, yet we tend to think it's the other guy behaving badly, not us. Every time we venture into traffic let's resolve to remember good habits. For example use your blinker before a turn or lane switch. Come to a full stop at posted intersections. Give another driver the opportunity to change lanes when needed. Avoid the bad habits, i.e. don't eat that sandwich, don't text, don't use your phone, and keep control of your temper while driving.
Here's to a happy, healthy, and safe New Year.
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Message from the President
by Sandra Bate
The franchise community offers valuable lessons for all entrepreneurs. Business owners can gather a variety of information and insight from talking with -- and listening to -- one another. Franchisees are the very essence of the entrepreneur. Every day, they're on the front lines, they find out what works and what doesn't, and they never stop innovation.
America depends upon the franchise economy. The franchise business expanded in 2010, following a contraction in 2009. According to projections released from the International Franchise Association (IFA), by the end of the year the industry's nearly 800,000 establishments will employ 7.8 million Americans and boast approximate revenues of $740 billion.
As the business landscape changes to adapt to economic realities, the drive to identify diverse leadership talent is changing as well. This requires new ways of thinking to achieve positive results.
Harvard Business Review on Consumer Pricing
Today's consumers are more price-sensitive and cost-savvy than ever. Set prices too high and it limits the market. Price too low and not only is money left on the table; it may damage the brand or ignite a price war. Do the necessary research; manage pricing strategy with confidence.
Comments from franchise businesses:
- One of the world's most successful franchises, 7-Eleven, has a corporate culture based on "servant leadership," according to Joseph DePinto, the company's CEO; he said this means "leading with influence, versus leading with power."
- Lynnette McKee, a senior vice president at Checkers Drive-In restaurants, believes entrepreneurs and employees alike "should have a Plan B-and a Plan C."
Some people define an entrepreneur as the person who started the business. With years of business experience as president of Bates Int’l Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc. it is my belief that every business person is an entrepreneur.
IFA Chair Jack Earle, a McDonald's franchisee, said the iconic franchise encourages innovation. Your business must remain current "and meet the changing needs of consumers." As McDonald's founder Ray Kroc said, "When you're green, you're growing. When you're ripe, you rot."
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Message from the President
by Sandra Bate
You may or may not be good at playing chess, but to succeed as an entrepreneur you must cultivate the skill of looking at least a move ahead. In business, there are many more variables than chess, because the rules constantly change. Looking ahead is a great skill to acquire. If you anticipate your marketplace the rewards can be spectacular. The following are areas to consider:
- Create distance from your business to gain perspective. It's important, whenever possible, to remove yourself from the business so you're working on your business and not in it.
- Act before you're totally ready. It's rare to have everything you want in place. Expect to regularly be out of your comfort zone and slightly ahead of your time.
- Don't assume anything. When you see a spike or dip in sales or traffic, what does it indicate? What are the changes in other areas? Do you have enough data to create a trend? Can you use the trend to better your position?
- Don't anticipate validation. When operating ahead of the curve, you often interrupt conventional wisdom. You're out of sync with what most people consider normal. Your competitors are likely to laugh or ridicule you; it doesn't mean you're wrong, it means they don't have your vision.
- Focus on directions. Think about the outside forces that could affect your business and from what sources. Have a plan of action ready to direct you closer to obtaining your goals.
Remember that the fastest path through a tight turn is to begin the turn just a fraction earlier than most people would think proper. Those are the advantages that will make a significant difference on your income statement.
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Bates' President Blog Achieves
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