why survey? no hard data on seo opinions build cohesiveness better redirect our efforts seos...

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Jan 2014 SEO & DEO Survey


Why Survey?No hard data on SEO

opinionsBuild cohesivenessBetter redirect our effortsSEOs closest to our

customers


• Bob Brandenstein• Bob Palmer• Don Fiander• Tammy Brown• Gene Molteni• John Malatak

AUTHORS


• The scope and content of our current educational product line

• Form of Course Material• Putting students in the seats• Following up on Leads• Succession and Procedures

CATEGORIES IDENTIFIED


• The scope and content of our current educational product line

• Putting students in the seats• Following up on Leads

Survey the deletions in June 2014

CATEGORIES SURVEYED


• 400 SEOs• 33 DEOs

Responses received220—Response rate of 50%-

•Excellent Response

SURVEY POPULATION


There are a number of boating-related topics which we could feature in future courses or seminars. Some topics may be helpful to the boaters in your area and your Squadron, others may not be.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-FUTURE COURSES OR SEMINARS


With one being least important and 6 being most important, Rank the topics below in their order of value to the boaters in your squadron’s geographical area.


Jan 2014 SEO & DEO SurveySCOPE AND CONTENT OF

COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-FUTURE COURSES OR SEMINARS

1)Chart Plotters 4.69

2) Outboard Engine maintenance 3.99

3)Boat maintenance-solvents, caulking, leak treatments, vinyl and canvas maintenance

3.36

4) Boat finishes and touch-up coating and applicators, their use and maintenance

3.31

5) Automated Identification System 3.13

6) Personal Locator Beacons and EPIRBs 2.53

Rank


List additional desirable topics in the box below



Sample comments:Advanced Engine Maintenance (take grads of EM and have them bring questions to instructors with strength in Engine MaintenanceInsurance coverage and recommended limits



Sample comments (cont.):

Trailering & Launching Using radarArea tides and charts Navigation Rules, Horn Signals, etc. in busy ports and approaches



Many of the suggested topics already exist within the current product line.Conclusions: Free form responses suggest that-The SEOs know that these features exist but have no experience with them or….We do a terrible job at making SEOs aware of what is in our CURRENT product line.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF COURSESQUESTIONTOPIC-FUTURE COURSES OR SEMINARS


Distance-learning creates a virtual classroom in cyberspace using software such as Skype, GoToMeeting, or Webinar, for example.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-INTEREST IN DISTANCE LEARNING


Would your Squadron also benefit from being able to do so, if given help from others on how to set up and run courses in a distance-learning mode? Y, N, Not Sure

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-INTEREST IN DISTANCE LEARNING


SCOPE AND CONTENT OF COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-INTEREST IN DISTANCE LEARNINGAnswer Choices – Responses –Yes 42.59% No 21.76% Not sure 36.66%


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-INTEREST IN DISTANCE LEARNING

Sample Free Form Responses

Already using go to meetings for inclement weather and when student is traveling. Do not need assistance .instructor will miss vital feedback.we have an older audience that are not as attracted to distance learning.Using GoToMeeting in my District now.We get folks involved in our Squadron activities. We feel this is best done by getting people in the door.


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-INTEREST IN DISTANCE LEARNING

Conclusions:

Definite interest in Distance Learning.Two to one “yes” v “no”

Free Form responses are lukewarm.

Better reading going forward as more Squadrons try distance learning. We need to help Squadrons understand this idea going forward.


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-COURSE CUSTOMIZATION• Course material and topics could be made readily available in downloadable electronic modular form. If the material were available in this form,

• Do you think that doing so would increase participation in your Squadron’s educational programs? Y, N, Not Sure. If no or not sure, why?


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-COURSE CUSTOMIZATIONAnswer Choices – Responses –

Yes 67.44% No 9.30% Not sure 23.26% Total 215


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-COURSE CUSTOMIZATIONHave not received many requests for

such.Necessary portions of a class would be neglected and perhaps the additions gut the next class. This would involve significant time to do it. I prefer to order books and manuals.We're already doing that. Have one course built on "How to buy a boat"



COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-COURSE CUSTOMIZATIONCourse and topic customization is

viewed favorably.Many Squadrons have already done so in some form.

Conclusions:


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-MARINERS LEARNING SYSTEMWill the Mariners Learning System

Coast Guard license preparation courses, which we now offer through the Ship's Store, be attractive to boaters in your Squadron's area?


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-MARINERS LEARNING SYSTEMAnswer Choices – Responses –

Yes 25.46% No 21.76% Not sure 52.78% Total 216


COURSESQUESTION TOPIC-MARINERS LEARNING SYSTEM

Conclusions:

Half the respondents are evenly divided between “Yes” v “No”The other half are unsure.Free form responses confirm that most are unaware.

Better reading in six months after we do some internal marketing.

Jan 2014 SEO & DEO SurveyPUTTING STUDENTS IN

THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ABC3 EFFECTIVENESSIn the box below, describe ABC3's

performance relative to state-sponsored courses in terms of price, market acceptance, and thoroughness.


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ABC3 EFFECTIVENESSThe USPS course is better, but people want

the best price and free is difficult to compete with.A very hard sell based on free state courses in most of the states in district 5. Market prefers their offerings even though our course is more thorough. USPS is under priced. Jr. colleges and other organizations charge more.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ABC3 EFFECTIVENESSFree Form responses will be summarized and

acted on by Basic Public Education Team.

Conclusions:

Jan 2014 SEO & DEO SurveyPUTTING STUDENTS IN THE

SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-INCREASING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF ABC3Better promotional materials, use of boating simulators, digital charting, and including an on-the-water experience as a regular part of ABC3, are features which may help increase the number of boaters taking the ABC3. In the box below, please describe which of these improvements (or any other improvement) should be made to increase the attractiveness of ABC3.

Jan 2014 SEO & DEO SurveyPUTTING STUDENTS IN THE

SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-INCREASING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF ABC3O-T-W is great for the first time boater, but most boat owners do not want to take the time.All of the above.Most students taking ABC3 are taking the course solely to meet the state safety certificate requirement and want to spend the minimum amount of time.For first time we took ABC3 class for on-the-water demonstration well received.The translation of the ABC3 course to Spanish.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-INCREASING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF ABC3

Free Form responses will be summarized and acted on by Basic Public Education Team.

Conclusions:


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF SQUADRON PROMO EFFORTSHow effective have your Squadron's

promotional efforts been in attracting boaters to take our courses and seminars in 2013?

Answer Choices – Responses –Very effective- we've barely been able to accommodate the crowds 3.54%

Ok- the number of boaters showing up were about what we expected 46.97%

Not very effective - despite our best efforts at promotion, few takers showed up 49.49%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF SQUADRON PROMO EFFORTSSquadrons need help affording eye-catching

advertisements in newspapers.We don't have the resources to advertise and need assistance in figuring out the marketing. The SEO can't do this alone. I need a marketing assistant!!.Have had no membership chair nor PR lead in the past two years.My efforts to fill in as PRO were barely adequate since I have no background in marketing. We usually get requests for a class after the class has ended.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF SQUADRON PROMO EFFORTSWith the formation of the new Marketing and

PRO teams, we have an opportunity to address the issues.

Conclusions:


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-QUANTITY OF 2013 ABC3 COURSES

Average number of ABC3 courses planned 3.6Average number of ABC3 courses held 3.2Average number of ABC3 students beginning 34.8Average number of ABC3 students completing 33.2

Average number of students per class held11.0


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF BOAT SHOWS

In 2013, how effective were your Squadron's Boat Show efforts in attracting boaters to take our courses and seminars?

Answer Choices – Responses –Very effective - Many boaters who took our courses discovered us at Boat Shows. 5.95%

Ok- a few boaters who took our courses discovered us at Boat Shows. 35.14%

Not very effective - despite our best efforts at boat show promotion, few takers showed up for courses or seminars because they saw us at Boat Shows.

58.92%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF BOAT SHOWS

Conclusions:

Our Boat Show activities at the Squadron and District level are not effective, by a wide margin.

“How to sell USPS and your Squadron at a Boat Show” could improve our effectiveness.


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF HQ800HQ800 is currently the information system for

listing upcoming courses, seminars and entering ABC3 course completion data. What can be done to improve HQ800's usefulness for you?Answer Choices – Responses –Better user instructions 44.16% More available help-desk consultants 7.14% Easier ability to make changes to previously entered information 48.70%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF HQ800Better user instructions would be welcome.

We need to redouble our efforts directed toward getting more SEOs to use HQ800.

Conclusions:


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF HQ800I have had many problems when entering

students for the six month free membership. For what ever reason the information doesn't get processed.It has to be wonderful I wrote it. DanI have not personally used HQ800 but am told it is a bit tough to use.With the long interval between uses, it is hard to remember all the tricks.In my experience all USPS online education department material is unconscionably incomprehensible.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF SEMINAR PROMOTIONWith 1 being least helpful and 4 being most

helpful, please rank the following as to their potential helpfulness in your scheduling and promoting of seminars.

– Average Ranking –

1) Lower priced seminar kits 3.08

2)Easy access to internet scheduling and promotional aids

2.56

3) Professionally prepared printed promotional material 2.47

4) Broader selection of seminar topics 1.91

Rank


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-EFFECTIVENESS OF SEMINAR PROMOTIONLocal inland boaters have not expressed

interest in seminars.they are burned out. "Responsible" boating can seem to be just too much of a chore for them. Stress the fun and escape from it all.We had one seminar with one student attending.Our seminars are quite successful.We held three seminars in 2013. We averaged 6 people at each.Need a seminar on spring commissioning and fall storage.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-SQUADRONS WITH BRUNSWICK RELATIONSHIPS

Over 100 Squadrons are now in a working relationship with Brunswick boat dealers.

Answer Choices – Responses –No, we do not participate 76.92% Yes, we are currently working with a Brunswick dealer. 23.08%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-SQUADRONS WITH BRUNSWICK RELATIONSHIPSCall on the dealer on regular basis. Offer

promotional materials on your squadron and for classes and seminars. Ask squadron members to do business with the dealer.Keep them informed of what’s going on.Bad question. You should have had an answer for Squadron who have signed up but no dealer activities yet.It should not be just one way relationship.Dealers might include the boating course as part of the sales pitch.



THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-SQUADRONS WITHOUT A BRUNSWICK RELATIONSHIP

Would the dealers cover the cost of an ABC class for a new customer? Find a dealer interested in working with us.Our Sea Ray dealer is aware of the program, but is not too interested.Local dealer was not interested in the program. Having a hard time just keeping in business.Get local Brunswick dealers into the program and require them to participate with local squadrons. Don't make us do all the work!

What can we do to add your Squadron Sample Free Form Responses


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-MEMBERS TAKING ADVANCED GRADES & ELECTIVES

Has the percentage of your Squadron members taking Advanced Grades and Elective courses during 2013 declined, stayed the same or increased compared to 2012?

Answer Choices – Responses –

Percentage of our members taking Advanced Grades and Elective Courses in 2013 was greater than it was in 2012. 17.80%

Percentage of our members taking Advanced Grades and Elective Courses in 2013 was about the same as it was in 2012

46.07%

Percentage of our members taking Advanced Grades and Electives in 2013 was lower than it was in 2012 36.13%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-MEMBERS TAKING ADVANCED GRADES & ELECTIVES

What can we do centrally (at the District or National level) to improve the number of your Squadron members taking courses?Sample Free Form ResponsesOur difficulty is getting volunteers to instruct the advanced courses.Course material is typically trying to cover too much. No current interest among existing members. Our older members have taken all the classes they want.What we need are new members to move up through the classes.


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ON-THE-WATER PARTICIPATION

Did your Squadron participate in the Boat Operator Certification program and/or offer Practical-On-The-Water training classes in 2013?

Answer Choices – Responses –Yes 44.39% No 56.61%



If your Squadron did not participate in the Boat Certification program and/or offer Practical-On-The Water training, please offer your comments. Sample Free Form Responses

There doesn't seem to be much interest in our area, probably because we don't promote it and we question its value. I need to do a better job with the current offerings before taking on BOC.Nobody wants to risk their boating season ended during repairs.Need some more marketing with good selling points for certification.



How should we alter the Boat Operator Certification program or the Practical-On-The-Water program to make them more attractive?Sample Free Form ResponsesMembers do not feel some of the required Seminars are of value to them. Better communication between the national committee and the district educational department.Give us some reason to get into the BOC ... something on the practical side, not lofty and abstract.


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-SUPPLEMENTAL ON-THE-WATER PARTICIPATION

Has your Squadron's use of supplemental on-the-water programs been viewed favorably by your Squadron in 2013?

Answer Choices – Responses –Yes 24.55%No 15.45%Unsure or Don’t recognize Supplemental programs 60.00%


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-SUPPLEMENTAL ON-THE-WATER PARTICIPATION

How should we alter the supplemental on-the-water programs to make them a more favorable experience? Sample Free Form Responses

That’s hard as no one wants to use their boat for the class.If I offer this additional training I now have to schedule the class time, use my personal boat and spend more personal time on the water, which is ok, but I only have so much time.Give us a boat


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ON-LINE COURSE LEAD FOLLOW-UPS

What can be done to improve your success in following up on the interest in USPS demonstrated by On-Line course-takers?Sample Free Form Responses

People seem to want the education but are not interested in the social aspect, and commitment that comes with local squadron membership.Follow on email notice, because sometimes the original email is deleted.As education officer I don't get these responses; they go to the commander. Perhaps not the person to whom to send them since SEOs are the ones who are selling classes...or send it to both.


THE SEATSQUESTION TOPIC-ELEVATOR SPEECH EFFECTIVENESS

Would an E-Mail or phone call "elevator speech" improve your follow-up results from folks who have taken ABC3 on-line, or who have taken our seminars and courses resident on the BoatUS computers? Answer Choices – Responses –Yes, probably yes, couldn’t hurt, maybe 41.82%No, probably not, not my yob 11.82%Don’t Know or no response 46.36

Jan 2014 SEO & DEO SurveyOVERALL CONCLUSIONS

High response-half (maybe more given empty SEO slots and invalid E-Mail addresses) of the SEOs and DEOs were motivated to respond.Many SEOs don’t know what is in the product line, or don’t believe that the topics are marketable.Better HQ800 user instructions would improve usage.Current Boat Show efforts are ineffective.More marketing assistance needed by the SEOs.

why survey? no hard data on seo opinions build cohesiveness better redirect our efforts seos...

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