LinkedIn Groups Benefit RV Park Industry

Over 10,000 members representing every sector of the RV industry have a presence on LinkedIn, the powerful professional social network, extending their reach and influence. As opposed to the inter-personal chit-chat of Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn functions as a best practices roundtable and prides itself on a B2B model “connecting” users representing over 150 industries, including executives from all of the Fortune 500 companies.

A number of individuals in the RV park and campground business are among those exchanging views through LinkedIn in what amounts to an ongoing virtual, Internet-age “crackerbarrel” session for industry professionals.

LinkedIn’s premise is that relationships matter and users are encouraged to connect with “trusted contacts.” Once connected to an individual, you may invite a connection within their network, thus growing your circle of influence. For instance, David Gorin, a consultant, park operator and president of Best Parks in America, finds his LinkedIn connections a substantive resource.

On occasion, as a client question arises, Gorin seeks out experts in his network for answers and insight. “My support network is greatly enhanced with LinkedIn,” he reports. “I’m also fascinated by how the system works – suggesting connections – similar to the ‘six degrees of separation’ concept, but in reality it’s much less than six,” he added.

One of LinkedIn’s most commanding tools is the wide-reaching collection of “groups.” By starting or joining a group you can follow industry or topic leaders, share your professional news, partake in discussions – even connect to your college’s alumni association. A search of the keyword “RV” under the group directory returned 75 search results including RV Park Biz, RV Dealers International Convention/Expo and RV Rental Dealers Group. Industry players may be interested in joining Outdoor Recreation and Travel Industry Marketing Network or other groups focusing on branding, social media marketing, customer satisfaction or even green business practices.

RVDA’s active RV Dealers International Convention/Expo <http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1941545&trk=anetsrch_name&goback=%2Egdr_1282506991533_2> group provides a venue for engaging back and forth exchanges. In addition to the convention/expo, the group is a touch point for the RV Learning Center and RVDA legislative issues.

Phil Ingrassia, RVDA communications vice president, noted that the group is yet another tool — not a replacement — to reach out to industry members via social networking. “The entry cost is low, simply a matter of the personnel cost of posting and maintaining the network, and the participants are highly motivated to contribute and exchange ideas,” said Ingrassia. “We use Facebook for the same purpose and have had success there. However, LinkedIn has a greater long form functionality allowing for in-depth dialogue as opposed to ‘sound bites’ via our Facebook page.”

Randall Hendrickson, president of Horizon RV Resorts, started the RV park business group in 2009. “The wonderful thing about LinkedIn is the diverse groups of people from various backgrounds, each with his/her own take on a particular topic,” he remarked. “I really don’t know of another venue that allows for such an exchange of expertise; I always come away with a perspective I didn’t have previously. Discussions posted by group members introduce me to several great views of a subject from colleagues that have analyzed the issue from well-informed perspectives.” This group, like most, boasts an extensive membership of business consultants, technology leaders, management gurus, financial experts – thought leaders in an assortment of fields.

Today’s social networking possibilities offer a smorgasbord of opportunities. With a limited amount of available time in each day the decision on where to place attention can be a challenging one.

Deb Kohls, a vice president of Leisure Interactive Inc. and owner of the Outdoor Recreation and Travel Industry Marketing Network, advises that it’s important to have clear goals in social networking, and LinkedIn participation offers an incredibly high payoff. “I often observe our industry striving to connect with consumers, and that’s valid,” Kohls noted. “But there’s so much to be gained by connecting to others with similar marketing needs and business experiences in the B2B realm. I recommend setting aside one hour a week to network with peers, support and learn from one another.”

“It requires a commitment to regularly log in and view the running dialogue in the various groups,” Hendrickson added. “But, once done, there is inevitably a great conversation about topics that matter to my business.”

While you may belong to an unlimited number of groups, choose your groups judiciously or you could be inundated by too much information to process, rendering the benefits of shared knowledge null and void at the click of the delete button. Instead, seek out LinkedIn groups that will provide specific wisdom to help you and your company thrive and you will be on your way to building your own circle of experts and developing a strong personal brand.

Learn more about LinkedIn and join the network of global professionals by visiting www.LinkedIn.com <http://www.LinkedIn.com> . Connect with author Evanne Schmarder at http://www.linkedin.com/in/evanneschmarder.

Best Parks in America Inc. Extends Invitation

Now 63 parks strong and growing, Best Parks in America Inc. is offering a special summer savings opportunity for campgrounds to become part of its dynamic marketing and networking program exclusively for highly rated parks across the U.S. and Canada

Become a Best Parks affiliate by Aug. 15 and add a complimentary four-plus months (through Dec. 31, 2010) to the selected affiliation term, according to a promotional e-mail from Best Parks President David Gorin. Join for multiple years and the savings are even greater.

Additionally, affiliating by Aug. 15 guarantees the new member will be included in the 2011 RVing & Camping@the Best Parks in America print directory and inclusion online at www.BestParks.com immediately.

The brand benefits include:

• Premium brand positioning.
• National online and print advertising.
• Broad reach consumer marketing.
• Easily accessible online directory.
• High quality print directory.
• Complimentary consumer affiliation club.
• Professional, experienced management.
• Affiliate-only benefits from the industry’s top suppliers.
• Complete operator independence.

The promotion notes that Best Parks affiliation save campgrounds money because there are no franchise fees, no royalties, no legal fees or documents, no long-term commitment, no expensive signs or equipment, no reports or mandatory meetings, no name changes, no loss of independence and no special colors.

To contact David Gorin, call him at (703) 448-6863 or e-mail him at david@bestparksinamerica.com.

Best Parks Sponsoring ‘Best Camping’ Contest

Best Parks in America is sponsoring a “Best Camping/RVing Experience Ever” contest to collect campers’ stories.

The network of 60 RV parks across the U.S. and Canada is asking campers to submit their stories in 100 words. First place will be awarded a $200 VISA gift card, second wins a $100 VISA gift card, and third takes away a $50 VISA gift card.

All stories must be true and may be in any format (story, poem, etc.) but must be 100 words or less. One entry per camper and all contest submissions should be sent via the Contact Us page at www.BestParks.com no later than June 25. Entrants will receive an email confirmation and the winner will be announced in an upcoming Best Guests newsletter as well as on the Best Parks in America website.

“Camping/RVing is an all-American pastime. Each trip – from the very first one to the annual family camping/RVing vacation to a snowbird season in the South – creates lasting memories and plenty of terrific stories. We eagerly look forward to hearing many, many tales – no doubt, the competition will be stiff but we’ll have a ball reading each and every one of them,” remarked David Gorin, president/CEO, Best Parks in America.

Visit www.BestParks.com to enter the contest.

Lock 30 Woodlands RV Resort Earns High Praise

Columbiana County officials in eastern Ohio have organized a new group to promote local travel and tourism.

But meet Karen Anesi, who runs Lock 30 Woodlands RV Resort in Lisbon, Ohio, and who has been bringing in tourists for years, according to the Youngstown Vindicator.

The campground takes its name from the number of the nearby lock on the Sandy & Beaver Canal, which operated in the early 1800s and eventually closed because of the growth of railroads.

The 68-acre campground was recently lauded by Ohio Magazine for what has been called “glamping” — a cross between glamour and camping.

Anesi calls her campground a “boutique” operation with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and a garden where people can pick dill to add flavor to their meals. Campers are parked so everyone can see the creek, she said.

The resort is open from April through October, and it has all the amenities, including a pool, clubhouse, water and electric, and a bocci court. Events include a dog show and a talk on wildlife cooking.

Anesi’s husband and children also work at the site.

Anesi said that she has drawn people from Chicago, New York, Ontario and Florida, but the average camper comes from within a two-hour drive.

Ken Weimer, a retired airline worker, and his wife live in nearby Columbiana but stay at the campsite in the warmer months.

“It’s the best place we ever went,” he said.

Lock 30 is one of 60 members of Best Parks in America network. Woodall’s said Lock 30 is the highest rated in the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

There’s also an old firetruck on the grounds that’s not there for fires. Anesi said it’s used for small parades they have at the grounds for the kids Saturday mornings.

More Management Tips from ReV up in Reno

One of the seminars that took place during last month’s ReV up in Reno convention focused on the “20 best business practices” in marketing, finance, operations and management.

Randall Hendrickson, president and founder of Phoenix, Ariz.-based Horizon RV Resorts, a campground and RV park management firm that manages 2,300 RV and park model sites and motel units in seven states, shared several kernels of wisdom on the marketing front. Among them:

• Develop a marketing calendar. Know when your advertising renewals are coming up and be prepared to make changes to your listings to make sure they are as up to date as possible. Also be sure to schedule updates to your website as well as your listings on GoCampingAmerica.com and every other website you do business with. “If you have inaccurate or out of date information (on your website or in other forms of advertising), you’re really shooting yourself in the foot.”
• If you’re cutting back your spending on print advertising, don’t pocket the money. Instead, spend it on increased online advertising to promote your park.
• Consider using ReachLocal.com to maximize your “pay per click” online search term advertising.
• Make sure you are utilizing and participating in all of the public relations and marketing services that are available to you through your state and national campground association memberships.
• Conduct an analysis of your website traffic to determine where your website visitors are coming from.
• Use the GuestRated survey program. “I don’t know what we would do without it,” Hendrickson said, adding that the data collected is “beyond imaginable.”
• Regularly monitor RVParkReviews.com, a website where campers post comments about their experiences at campgrounds and RV parks. “You have to be informed about what others are saying about you,” Hendrickson said, adding that it’s also helpful to “Google yourself,” pairing “your park’s name” and the word “review” as search terms.
• Keep in mind there’s a difference between “transactional hospitality” and “experiential hospitality.” That means having front desk staff members who are friendly, professional and helpful to your guests, both in person and on the phone. “If you fail to deliver at the front desk, you have failed miserably,” he said.

John Croce, managing member of Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Team RV Management LLC, whose properties include Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging in Groveland, Calif., offered several financial management tips, based on his 40 years of experience managing real estate, including RV and mobile home parks:

• Develop an accurate financial statement using established accounting systems. You need to know exactly where you stand financially so you know what you can afford to do. You also will need to provide accurate financial data if you need to refinance or sell the property.
• Don’t hide income because it will cost you down the road. “Your net operating income is how banks and buyers look at your park,” Croce said. “The higher the NOI, the more you can get in refinancing or to sell the property,” Croce said, adding that no one really cares how much money you put into the park or what you paid for it. It’s the park’s ability to produce revenue that counts.
• Find a good CPA and a good attorney. Croce said that financial and legal counsel can advise you on more issues than taxes and business problems. They can also help advise with business opportunities as they come up and also provide other counsel to help you make the most of your business.

James Urquhart, CEO of Petaluma, Calif.-based Campground Management Group, offered his advice on ways park owners can improve their operations. His recommendations include the following:

• Check out ChaosOver.com. It’s a training program that will help you improve your organizational skills and efficiency, and give you some breathing room.
• Use a computerized reservation system: Urquhart said a web-based systems that enable you to process real-time reservations are best so that guests can make reservations at their leisure.
• Make sure your Internet service provide (ISP) can support your Web-based reservation system.
• Develop a standard operating procedures manual for your park by department and by job function. Develop a calendar or timetable for the completion of all park tasks.

David Gorin, a former president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), longtime campground industry consultant and founder of Best Parks in America network, offered these tips on campground and RV park management:

• Manage by walking around your park every day. “Leave the desk and see first hand what’s going on,” Gorin said.
• Set measurable objectives and inspect what you expect. How many times does the phone ring before someone picks it up? How often do the restrooms get checked? How long does trash sit outside people’s rigs before it gets picked up? How long does a tear in a screen door remain as is before it gets repaired? How often is touch up painting done? Do you have a system for reporting scratches in paint and other repairs that need to be addressed? These are just some of many issues that should be addressed.
• Provide your staff with all of the tools they need to do their jobs
• Honestly evaluate your employees’ compensation. Are you paying them enough?
• Stick to your strengths and use outside resources for projects or services, such as tree trimming and Wi-Fi, which often require specialized expertise.
• Consider direct mail for outreach. Lists can be good and very effective, he said.
• Consider some of the things you could do to be a good corporate citizen.

Vendors Shows Their Wares at Convention

While last month’s ReV up in Reno convention in Sparks, Nev., provided private park operators with close to 20 educational seminars and cracker barrel sessions, twice as many campground industry suppliers offered their own form of education as they explained new products, discussed the pros and cons of joining franchise networks and troubleshot some of the problems they were having at their campgrounds.

“Most people (who come to see me) have a problem of some kind,” said Eric Stumberg, president and CEO of Austin, Texas-based TengoInternet, which provides wireless Internet service to campgrounds and their guests.

Stumberg said one of the biggest challenges park operators face comes from international guests who use Skype and Vonage to place Internet phone calls. But many parks haven’t yet invested in sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the needs of multiple Skype and Vonage users.

“You either have to have higher bandwidth or set expectations appropriately for your guests,” he said.

While attendance at the tradeshow was not as high as many had hoped for, several vendors said their business levels were improving this year.

“Our business is exploding,” said Leo Ganley of CheckBox Systems LLC, a Gray, Maine-based Wi-Fi service provider, adding that growing numbers of parks are recognizing that having Wi-Fi service is a “baseline requirement” for their guests.

Many of the vendors attending the show displayed items that had environmentally friendly applications, such as biodegradable pet waste products and non-polluting campfire fuels.

Wade Elliott of Utility Supply Group was also on hand. But this time he wasn’t only showing power outlets and utility pedestals, but energy efficient hand dryers for bathrooms, which are manufactured by Xlerator. Elliott said the systems, which can dry one’s hands in less than 15 seconds, are so efficient that they pay for themselves in less than a year in electricity and paper towel savings. He said the manufacturer has a calculator at www.exceldryer.com, which park operators can use to calculate their potential savings based on their electricity and paper towel costs.

Elliott said the hand dryers were selling like hot cakes. “I’ve sold more of these units in the first three or four months of this year than I have in the past two years,” he said, adding that park operators are becoming increasingly interested in the paper saving units because of the rising cost of trash pickup.

Elliott said he is also seeing increased interest in compact fluorescent light bulbs, electric meters, timer boxes and lighting equipment with photo cells, which can turn the lights on and off depending on the amount of sunlight or darkness outside.

Meanwhile, Paul Croteau of Eaton Corp. was showing off several types of solar-powered lighting for RV sites, pathways and boat docks. “They’re a heck of a lot nicer than what you’d find at Home Depot,” he said.

Campground insurance providers were also available, explaining their latest campground insurance offerings, including Evergreen USA of Lewiston, Maine, and Sturgis, S.D.-based Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Inc., which was promoting a new campground insurance program offered by Firemen’s Fund.

Representatives for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts and Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) were also meeting with independent park operators to talk to them about joining their respective franchise systems.

A few steps away, David Gorin of Best Parks in America offered a special show rate for park operators interested in joining his network of 52 high quality parks. “We’d like to get some new affiliates in California,” he said. “This is a way for independent parks to leverage a well-known brand.”

High Plains Camping Joins Best Parks Network

High Plains Camping located near Oakley, Kan., has been designated as one of the Best Parks in America. The resort is one of the newest affiliates of Best Parks, a national network of the top 10% of America’s RV parks and campgrounds as rated by the industry’s rating companies and consumers.

High Plains Camping is owned by Mary Arlington and is entering its ninth summer serving the RVing and camping public under this name. The park offers guests its friendly resort-like treatment as RVers make their way to their vacation destination. They’re open all year, offering something for everyone: adults, children, and pets. Last year they added their highly anticipated and well loved U-Pick Organic Garden for those staying at their facility during the summer and fall seasons.

“For eight years we have been renovating this established park while we strived to provide exceptional vacation experiences, exceeding expectations of guests with amenities, friendliness and cleanliness. Affiliating with Best Parks in America is a crowning achievement,” said Arlington.

Best Parks in America currently has a network of over 50 of the nation’s highest rated parks located in more than 22 states and new parks are becoming part of the expanding network each week. The network’s website, www.BestParks.com, allows RVers and campers to easily and quickly identify the very best places to stay. Best Parks will be publishing an annual print directory that will appear for the first time in 2010. The organization is headquartered in McLean, Va.

“We are delighted to welcome High Plains Camping as one of the newest Best Parks in America and congratulate Mary on this achievement,” said network president David Gorin. “The park truly represents the best of the RV park and campground industry and we’re delighted to have this park as an affiliate. Achieving the high ratings required to be part of Best Parks is no easy task and Mary is to be commended on delivering such high quality to her guests.”

High Plains Camping is located on U.S. 83 at Interstate 70 in northwest Kansas. Learn more about the park at www.HighPlainsCamping.com. Reservations can be made by calling (888) 446-3507 or emailing office@HighPlainsCamping.com.

Keen Lake Camping Joins Best Parks in America

Keen Lake is owned by Keen sisters Jennifer Wertz, Jim Ann Petroski, Jane Kopa and Jan Keen and has been serving the RVing and camping public for 57 years. The park features a 96-acre lake, heated outdoor swimming pool, multiple play areas, planned activities and events as well as a full-time activities staff in season, according to the Pike County Press.

“Keen Lake has been exceeding guest expectations for years. The opportunity to become affiliated with a group of top-notch, service- and amenity-rich parks is a pleasure. We are honored to be associated with and recognized as one of the Best Parks in America,” remarked Jim Ann Petroski.

Best Parks in America currently has a network of over 50 of the nation’s highest rated parks located in 21 states and new parks are becoming part of the expanding network each week. The network’s website, www.BestParks.com,  allows RVers and campers to easily and quickly identify the very best places to stay. Best Parks is publishing an annual print directory. The organization is headquartered in McLean, Va.

“We are delighted to welcome Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort as one of the newest Best Parks in America and congratulate the owners and staff on this achievement,” said David Gorin, network president. “The park truly represents the best of the RV park and campground industry and we’re delighted to have them as an affiliate. Achieving the high ratings required to be part of Best Parks is no easy task and the Keen family and their staff is to be commended on delivering such high quality experiences to their guests.”

Deadline Near for Best Parks Directory Inclusion

Best Parks in America, a collection of distinguished, independent RV resorts and campgrounds throughout America, is in the process of finalizing the 2010 RVing and Camping @ the Best Parks in America print directory.

Qualifying parks that affiliate by April 30 will be included in the 2010 directory. Affiliation may be obtained by using the online sign-up form available at www.BestParks.net or contacting David Gorin at David@BestParksinAmerica.com or (703) 448-6863.

“Best Parks in America delivers a national branding presence and marketing home for independent, highly-rated RV parks and campgrounds – big brand benefits at a very reasonable cost. I would like to personally invite all qualifying parks to join this powerful marketing group – it’s an idea whose time has come,” remarked Gorin.

BestParksinAmerica.com, the consumer site, helps discriminating campers quickly locate the best affiliated RV parks and campgrounds in the areas they most want to visit via the park industry’s only niche national internet and print directories. Qualifying parks may review the details of the Best Parks program at the business website – www.BestParks.net and affiliate via the online enrollment form. They may also visit the consumer website at www.BestParks.com to see how each park is presented to the consumer.

Gorin and Best Parks in America encourages the nation’s top-rated parks to take advantage of this exclusive marketing group to build their brand and their business. For more information about Best Parks in America affiliation, contact Gorin at David@BestParksinAmerica.com or (703) 448-6863.

Best Parks in America Welcomes 4 Suppliers

Best Parks in America welcomed four industry powerhouse suppliers to their Strategic Partner Program.

Utility Supply Group, Texas Advertising, Suburban Propane and TengoInternet have joined forces with Best Parks to offer affiliate resorts product/service programs and other partnership benefits designed specifically for the Best Parks network, according to a news release.

“Much like the high standards used for park/resort affiliation, our Strategic Partners have proven themselves to be outstanding in their areas of expertise. We are pleased to partner with these four notable companies and look forward to their contribution to the Best Parks in America brand,” said David Gorin, president and CEO Best Parks in America.

Strategic Partners are nominated by current affiliated parks and companies must have at least a five-year track record of doing business in the park industry. Strategic Partner nominees meeting the nomination criteria have an opportunity to develop an ongoing, mutually supportive relationship and association with Best Parks in America and the affiliated parks. Developed in response to contacts from a number of companies that have reached out to Best Parks inquiring about a relationship with this new park brand, the Strategic Partner Program provides unique possibilities for all parties involved.

For more information on becoming a Strategic Partner or to learn more about Best Parks in America affiliation visit www.BestParks.net or contact Gorin by phone at (703) 448-6863 or e-mail at David@BestParksinAmerica.com.

Next Page »