Learn to effectively lead change

Back for a second year, the Dealer Day Keynote Lunch from 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 will feature Steve McClatchy, president of Alleer Training & Consulting and author of the New York Times bestseller “Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example.”

“My presentation this year will focus on driving the business forward and improving every aspect of it,” McClatchy says. “We will examine every system and process in the business and look for opportunities to make it better. With improvement comes change and with change comes resistance. I will also be presenting strategies and principles needed to effectively lead change.”

McClatchy will present ways to both manage and lead in his session: Lead Your Team, Don’t Just Manage the Process; Align Systems & Drive Measurable Results. In this thought-provoking and inspirational presentation, dealers will learn when a team needs management and when a team needs leadership. Dealers interested in creating a world-class team that is committed to excellence will earn to:

·        Create a compelling team purpose, list of values and team goals.

·        Correct misalignments and remove obstacles in the way of the team’s success.

·        Keep the team motivated and focused on producing measurable results.

“The most significant difference between leading and managing is the result produced,” McClatchy says. “My definition of leadership is improvement.  My definition of management is maintenance.”

For example, management would be meeting payroll, while leadership would be attending GIE+EXPO. “One prevents your business from going backwards and the other will drive your business forward,” he says.

The session is sponsored by Gravely & STIHL. A $25 fee includes box lunch, and pre-registration is required.

Dealer Summit

Popular with dealers, these sessions offer insights to help dealers grow their business. Thursday and Friday mornings will begin with panel discussions that include a light breakfast. Both are sponsored by the North American Equipment Dealers Association.

Thursday, Oct. 22

8 - 9:30 a.m.

Dealer Summit Breakfast: OPE Manufacturers’ Panel. $25

Representatives from leading outdoor power equipment manufacturers will discuss the key industry issues and address dealer questions related to enhancing the dealer/manufacturer relationship and industry profitability.

10 - 10:50 a.m.

Dealer Summit Special Report: Social Media Mastery. $15

Chuck Bowen, editor of Lawn & Landscape, will share top tips for outdoor power equipment dealers on how you can best use social media to connect with landscape contractors and lawn care operators. You’ll learn what platforms you should be on, which you can skip, what you should share and how you can use Facebook, Twitter and other services to grow your business.

Friday, Oct. 23

8 - 9:30 a.m.

Dealer Summit Breakfast: Top Customer Panel. $25

What are your top customers saying about your dealership and more importantly what do they want, need and expect from your business and employees. Learn how key commercial lawn care, landscape and municipal customers expect your business to address their special requirements now and in the future.

Latino Link

New this year, dealers will have the opportunity to attend a breakfast session presented by the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA).Pre-registration is required. $25 includes breakfast.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Latino Link Dealer Breakfast

Growing your Business by Better Engaging Local Hispanics (in English)

The growing wave of Hispanics in the landscape industry is the opportunity that wise dealers are riding to achieve higher sales and profitability. Dealers will learn why landscape industry jobs are appealing to U.S. Hispanics, why the significant landscape industry market penetration by Hispanics is likely to grow, and what Hispanics most value in a dealer relationship. In addition to the presentation, this seminar will include small group discussions. The presenter will be Juan Torres, principal & consultant, Next Step Solutions & president, National Hispanic Landscape Alliance.