For a company with Apple’s huge wealth their product range is, when you look at it, relatively small. For Apple to continue its astronomical growth it is likely that they will have to expand their portfolio before too long.
Well according to iDownloadblog, Apple may well be moving into the automotive sector. At least that is what could be inferred from a recent job listing.
Apple is, apparently, in the market for an automotive engineer for an undisclosed project. The posting, filed two weeks ago under LinkedIn’s “Automotive” section is seeking a “new Product Integration supervisor” with knowledge of CNC machines and die casting.
A CNC machine is, according to Wikipedia, a computer numerical control device. This doesn’t help narrow down what is being worked on in the slightest, which is a bit of a shame!
A section of the job listing reads:
Apple (China) Looking for SQE/NPI with over 4 years Mechanical engineering background familiar with CNC/die casting/stamping/plastic injection, can use APQP/PPAP/SPC to control product quality.”
So what are the chances of us all driving around in an Apple iCar come 2015? Frankly, slim to none but its fun to dream isn’t it?
This ISN'T an Apple iCar ...
I would say the most likely result of this job listing, if it is genuine, will simply be iOS integration into future dashboard components or maybe Apple’s own GPS device. Either way I’m very interested to see where this will go.
The trend for the last 3 or 4 years has been for businesses to try to tap into social media as a broadcasting tool. It's not universal, but many (most) see social media as a place to post their messages to prospective clients in hopes of switching on the social media faucet that touches a billion people worldwide.
The promise of social media for businesses, particularly local ones, has only been seen by a small percentage. Most believe there's something there, but they aren't certain that their efforts are going anywhere. In many cases, they're not. It's not that social media is so challenging that only the select few can get in, nor is it that there's no value in it.
It's about intention. Those with the intention of sheer marketing with social media will likely be met with limited rewards. People don't go to Facebook or Twitter to see what they want to buy or which services to select. They go to engage, to have fun, and to experience the virtual filter on the real world that social media has to offer them.
In other words, they don't want to see marketing. If and when they're ready to interact with a business through social media, it's because they have questions or needs that can be fulfilled through easy-access communication. This is the part that most businesses are missing.
The real promise of social media is not just to business, but lies an the center between business and consumer. More internet time is spent on social media than any other category; in fact, it's equal to the next three on the list (games, email, and portals) combined.
Businesses want to take advantage of this fact and many are trying, but customer service management is still 3rd on the list of initiatives they perform on social media with brand reputation management and driving promotions above it. This is backwards. Most businesses can achieve their top two goals by focusing on the customers themselves.
It comes down to a lack of understanding. Those who are able to focus their attention on their customers through social media will gain a better reputation and find it easier to broadcast their promotions as a result. It's counter-intuitive to all other forms of interactions with customers, but it makes sense once one realizes the true capacity of the medium.
Sean V. Bradley Interviews a General Manager of a Chevrolet Dealership in NJ About Being a One Price Dealership... http://www.dealersynergy.comRead more…
Auto Dealers Build Trust by Personalizing Follow-Up Emails http://www.drivingsales.com http://www.dealersynergy.com
REPOST from DrivingSales.com Writen By Justin Braun. Auto dealers know the follow-up process is one of the most critical elements of lead conversion. This is especially true for leads generated through automotive live chat. To be successful in this business and build trust with consumers, dealers must follow-up with leads quickly and be precise and specific in their communication. For leads generated from automotive live chat, the chat transcript holds vital information about the prospect’s desires and how far along he or she is in the conversion funnel.
But, how can auto dealers be specific, personal and build trust in a timely manner?
Understandably, auto dealers hate to email out a price without first talking to someone. Dealers should simply focus on continuing to build the relationship with the prospective customer that was initiated by the live chat conversation while providing information that move the customer forward in the sales process.
In this blog, we analyze a real-life situation in which a dealer failed to follow-up appropriately with a chat lead. Then, we discuss appropriate and effective ways to follow-up with chat leads (and all Internet leads) so that they convert into sales and move forward in the sales process.
Below is an example of a failed follow-up process, straight from the chatter’s mouth…er, their fingers.
“Hello. Not too sure if you can answer my question. But how long does it usually take to get the bottom line price on a car? I originally inquired on 1.26.12 and then again yesterday. I have received the same auto reply/generic email thanking me for my interest.
Its okay. I just wanted to know if the manager would take the time to reply or if I should just forget about it and move on.”
Nothing is worse than spamming your leads with robotic, impersonal auto-replies. Something we stress to our auto dealer clients is to always be personal in your follow-up responses. As you can see from the last sentence of the chat, this ready-to-buy prospective customer has lost all trust is on the verge of giving up on the dealership.
So dealers, how would you salvage this situation and prevent it from happening in the future? Here are a few tips:
Send a personal email
A personal touch is all your prospects are looking for. It doesn’t have to be long – both you and the customer live busy lives – 3 to 5 sentences addressing the situation will salvage the sales process. Using the phrase, “My online sales assistant let me know you were interested in ______,” can be very effective. Fill in the blank and take it from there. Also, don’t forget to include a call to action. Never end an email with a statement! Conclude your email with a question to prompt a response.
Follow-up with relevant and specific information
Confirm special features/options on the vehicle ( something as simple as leather seats or advanced options like Bluetooth)
Confirm availability (and interior color and condition if it is pre/owned)
Send a pic of the actual vehicle and offer to send more
Give a bullet point of what the next steps are in the buying process
Explain advantage of buying from you
Remind the prospect of what is needed for the test drive( license, and whatever else they may want)
Provide info on what services or reconditioning on the pre-owned vehicle has been done
Read what is given to you
Read the chat transcript, form lead or any other consumer insights you have. Know what the customer wants and give it to them. It’s that easy! Remember that the chat conversation has already developed a relationship between your dealership and the prospective customer. An impersonal auto-response removes the customer entirely from the sales process and ruins your rapport.
By acting as an advocate in the follow-up process, auto dealers can provide consumers with information and then ask questions to assist them in moving forward through the sales process. Keep in mind that consumers don’t buy a car every day, week, month or year. Every “inside” tip you give prospects builds upon the trust already established by the live chat conversation.
Remember, the leads received through automotive live chat are a product of a two-way conversation. A template email saying thanks for your interest just stalls customers and erodes any trust built during a live chat conversation.
Remember, the leads received through automotive live chat are a product of a two-way conversation.
In addition to these tips, ActivEngage CEO Todd Smith offers additional advice that will not only help ensure auto dealers successfully transform chat conversations into leads, but will help them stand out in the marketplace during the critical follow-up process.
Afraid of Losing Your Phone? You May Have Nomophobia Like Half the Population (RePost From Mashable - Written By Samantha Murphy)
If you know the panicked and disconnected feeling of leaving your mobile phone at home, you might be one of the many suffering from nomophobia.
A recent survey by U.K.-based mobile security service provider SecurEnvoy conducted among 1,000 people found that two thirds (66%) of respondents fear losing or being without their mobile phone — a fear called nomophobia. The phobia also includes the anxiety someone feels when not in the range of a cell tower to receive optimal reception.
Not surprisingly, nomophonia is on the rise — up 13% from just four years ago — as more consumers become strapped to their smartphones.
However, women (70%) worry more about losing their phones than men (61%). According to Andy Kemshall, chief technology officer and co-founder of SecurEnvoy, men were more likely to have nomophobia in 2008 but feel less overwhelmed now. Why the change of heart? Men are 11% more likely than women to carry around two mobile devices.
Younger demographics are also more likely to be nomophobic, as 77% said they fear being without their phone. Meanwhile, those ages 25 to 34 are the second most nomophobic group, followed by mobile users over 55.
SecurEnvoy also cited a recent study published by the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology found that people check their phones about 34 times a day on average. If you do misplace your phone, it won’t take very long to realize it.
Do you have nomophobia? What tech item can’t you live without? Let us know in the comments.
As social media continues to grow in influence in the automotive industry, Nissan is connecting with that powerful force to help create an ultimate street/track 370Z, called “Project 370Z.” Launched at a special blogger media day at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
Nissan enthusiasts are invited to vote on modifications and follow the construction online through Facebook.com/nissanperformance. The finished vehicle will be revealed May 17 at the annual ZDayZ gathering in North Carolina.
“Think of Project 370Z as a factory project car built in a non-factory way,” explained Erich Marx, director, Social Media & Interactive Marketing, Nissan North America. “Nissan Z® owners are among the most active of all on social media. We can’t wait to see how the finished vehicle turns out.”
At the show’s social media day, in the second year it has been held, Nissan also hosted a Google+ Hangout, and made sure the bloggers were introduced to culinary delights provided by a Southern Mac & Cheese Nissan NV food truck. Guests were also treated to Nissan’s new “virtual new car experience” using Microsoft Kinect technology.
Thank you for taking your time to chat with us. You and your team had a huge impact on the overall mood of our department! I am ready to relax and recharge over the weekend and come back in here Monday morning with a different mindset.
As much as we enjoyed the cow and pirate joke I thought maybe you could use some new material.
I took the time out of my busy day to find you this link of jokes.
http://www.franklincoveydealersynergy.com
Dealer Principal & ENTIRE Management Team Attends The Dealer Synergy / FranklinCovey "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" Workshop in Jackson Tennessee
These are the testimonials after a 1 day workshop!
Automakers have seen the benefits that social media can have on its brands, and as a result, are spending more time (and money) cultivating a presence on these online channels. And this effort is paying off – especially for Nissan. Nissan North America has been interacting with fans of its brands through social media and building a loyal brand following.
Nissan is seeing increased fan interaction on the big three social media venues: Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Nissan ranked #8 on list of Top 15 Brands on Twitter for 2011 (as indexed by HootSuite), joining other famous brands such as Apple and Nike. Boasting more than 75,000 Twitter followers across various Nissan brand accounts, the automaker is following the lead of automakers that like to tweet. Take Lexus – the luxury brand is rated the most active tweeter when it comes to automakers, conversing with 288,000 followers… not too shabby.
Nissan is also making great strides with its Facebook account. The company has passed the 500,000 likes count, thanks it part to the all-new Pathfinder Concept reveal that can be accessed by liking Nissan’s Facebook page. Nissan still has a way to go before catching up with BMW’s Facebook page, which boasts over 7,000,000 fans.
Considering how popular online videos are, it’s no surprise that Nissan is having increased success onYouTube. The Nissan channel views have jumped to 10,000,000, thanks to frequent and updated video content.
Out of thousands of videos that we have ever seen relating to inspiration and motivation, literally none seem to encompass the spirit of hard work and determination as this one video. “How Bad Do You Want It?” features former East Carolina running back Giavanni Ruffin along with a speech given by Eric Thomas aka “The Hip Hop Preacher”.
Giavanni Ruffin, a 6’1, 215 lb. running back, played college football at East Carolina where he mainly served in a backup role. Even as a backup, the thought of making the NFL never left Ruffin’s head.
“I’m hungry and determined,” Ruffin told Who’s Next Football. “When you start from the bottom you always want more. I’m one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet. I hate losing and I love to win. Every day, I take the necessary steps to become better for the team and for myself.”
After watching this video, you will completely understand the type of athlete and person Giavanni Ruffin is. Besides running an impressive 4.4 40-yard dash time, Ruffin may possess some of the more unique qualities found in a football player: a never-ending determination. There is nothing shallow about him. He lets his actions speak louder than words.
In this video, Ruffin is training his heart out during the NFL Lockout, hoping that someday he can make it on an NFL roster.
Hyundai has launched an inventive social marketing program called the “HYUNDAI RACE” at Times Square, one of the busiest city cross streets in the world. By downloading a controller app from the iTunes app store, participants can enjoy the HYUNDAI RACE featuring the all-newHyundai Veloster on a prominent billboard via Hyundai WiFi.
Steve Shannon,Hyundai Motor America vice president of Marketing said, “Having a large video display in Times Square certainly creates awareness among consumers through creative graphic elements. But Hyundai’s racing game takes engagement to a new level. The game invites the audience to interact with Hyundai in the middle of one of the world’s busiest venues for commerce and tourism. It’s a great example of our innovative marketing at work.”
HYUNDAI RACE is played by tilting a smart phone like one would steer a car. Players race their Veloster against the clock and their score will get posted on the billboard to be ranked amongst other players. HYUNDAI RACE will be up on the billboard in Times Square until the end of this year, and Hyundai will continue launching a number of other interactive experiences in Times Square thoughout 2012.
