Chauffeur Blog Of The Century

So here it is! Blog 100! In all honesty, when I started a ‘chauffeur blog’ I wondered if I’d still be writing original content after authoring this many. Initially, the blog was meant to enhance the presence of DrivenByQ on the Internet and demonstrate technically proficiency but nowadays it is so much more important than that. It plays a major role in my thought process each week and it forces me to focus on topics very analytically.

Looking back over previous blogs many posts attempted to differentiate DrivenByQ from other chauffeur companies. Mentioning how our mobile technology and processes are so far ahead should have triggered a deep thought process for anyone still using pen and paper. Strangely as the ‘cloud’ becomes more main stream DrivenByQ is reaching a similar level of maturity.

Thinking about IT, the truth is, I like to plan ahead. Even if obsessive sometimes, I think it is a key strength. Looking toward the future and visualising what our operation could be like helps engineer out many of the problems a growing business encounters. It ultimately prevents crisis situations occurring when demands on the business increase or systems are pushed beyond their original requirements.

Coincidentally Blog 100 comes at a time when we are achieving the aspirations of our original business plan so it is time to revisit all that we do and ask if our processes are still fit-for-purpose. The Toyota Lean Principlesadopted by DrivenByQ work well but when I recently toured one of their factories, I experienced something never mentioned in any of the books! It was eerie. It felt clinical and obsessive about theory. There was a distinct lack of fire fighting or mayhem sometimes associated with production environments.

Seeing this for real was a valuable lesson. Witnessing such little drama combined with genuine objectivity regarding the process provoked me in to recognising we need to implement this principle at the heart of any future plans. We certainly have the time and the money and the opportunity available like never before. It makes me ask, if the resources are in place to support rapid growth, constant improvements and continual development, what will happen to the future of DrivenByQ?

Almost There

Welcome to Blog 99. It’s an odd number 99. It poses all sorts of conundrums. Just take 99% for example. It sounds great to some people but for others, it leaves 1% uncertainty or room for improvement. Or how about 99 widgets – wouldn’t you rather have a nice round hundred?

For me 99% is very relevant right now because the three year plan we had at the inception of DrivenByQ Ltd back in 2007 has almost run its course – yes we have had setbacks due to the global recession but we have achieved our original goals (although it took two years longer than expected).

 

So in reality, it is time to sit down and create a new business plan. It is especially relevant now we have our second operation up and running. This in itself has brought challenges we didn’t anticipate and it has highlighted our original business model needs adjustment.

 

Apart from a new business plan and evolving our business model, we should also analyse and dissect our culture too. After all why would any member of our team want to persistently put in time and effort to grow a business if they are never rewarded or acknowledged for it?

The Numbers Game

Rarely do I feel as if persistence pays off but as I get close to writing blog 100, I feel inclined to take a look at a few numbers. I wouldn’t say they are critical but nonetheless they are a small achievement for me personally.

First off, I’m nearing the prestigious 500 connections on LinkedIn. This has taken me a few years to achieve but I’m proud of the fact I’ve never knowingly accepted an invitation without having meaningfully engaged with the person first.

Next, we have nearly 400 followers on Twitter which is tiny compared to some larger companies but even so, for the relatively small effort we put in it is not too bad I suppose.

We have ‘likes’ on Facebook too but we deal business-to-business so it is not something we take too seriously.

I suppose the only other figure to consider is turnover? I’m not going to disclose it exactly but let’s just say I’m content with a near 20% increase on this time last year.

Hi-Tech Sexy Info

They say sex sells! I agree. Whenever I buy something I want a product or service to look good, feel great, perform well and deliver real value for money. I don’t want to spend money on something ugly, flimsy or lacklustre.

This week we have a stand at a two day exhibition. A lot of thought and planning has gone in to it but I know the unique selling point is something I still find difficult to communicate with people. Our cutting-edge cloud technology!

Maybe we should quote Bill Gates about his theory of differentiating a business from the crowd with ‘How you gather, manage and use information will determine whether you win or lose’.

So how about “DrivenByQ, an executive car company who are very good at managing information”. Hmm. There again, maybe I will just tell people how reliable we are and how well our drivers are informed.

Something In The Mirror

I’m looking for a new mobile phone. There are lots of new devices due for release but they haven’t developed much from my last phone - except for processor speeds and things like near-field-communication.

I suppose the next major development would be something like Project Glass which does away with hand-held devices and replaces them with wearable technology like smart glasses.

4G will be rolling out across the mobile networks too so obviously the speed of communications will increase along with the functionality of new devices which connect to the Internet.

Just like Google, DrivenByQ are ahead of the crowd with cloud technology but what I’m not so sure about is Google’s latest development of creating a self-driving car!