Some of the bigger companies in the area, just by the sheer amount of properties they own, are clearly doing some type of facility maintenance that we should be tapping into. You have to be proactive in doing that.

Yanmar introduced its new sub-compact tractor lineup this spring and Keith Wainwright, agriculture equipment business unit manager, says there were two main factors behind the introduction: demand from a growing segment of the rural lifestyle market and the company's decision to offer customized equipment.

As a leader, you're going to face conflict. It comes with the territory. But before you try to deal with a conflict, you first need to stop and ask yourself the following question: Is it hot or cold? To help you answer this vital question, consider these two definitions:

"Social media is a platform of engagement. Based on a recent study by Social Habit, 42% of consumers who complain in social media expect a response in 60 minutes. Does this mean you need to stay alert 24/7 to respond to a 2 a.m. comment? Not exactly. What it does mean is you should make Facebook monitoring and management a priority in your dealership.

You can read management books or spend hours in the classroom to improve your leadership skills — or you can just follow some simple shortcuts.

How to manage cashflow is one of the four decisions that every business must get correct to be successful (along with people, strategy and execution). Think of your financial results in this way: Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king. Without cash, dealerships will starve.

Coufal-Prater Equipment puts education first when building relationships with rural lifestyle customers. The dealership holds an in-store rural lifestyler clinic and participates in area educational opportunities with the goal of becoming a trusted source of information.

You need a plan for your business. So you think about writing a business plan. But the very thought makes you shudder. The problem is that huge, complex business plans created to satisfy banks and loan officers got equated to all business plans.

Pauley Equipment started as a rental business and that expertise influences retail strategies at its three Southern California locations. Read more about Pauley Equipment in the spring issue of Rural Lifestyle Dealer.

The turning of the seasons pro- vides a perfect advertising and marketing opportunity for rural lifestyle equipment dealers. This time of year is an optimal time to encourage people to think about outdoor activi- ties. But what's the best way to reach new -- and existing -- customers?