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!

The Complete Package

This week, we splashed out on our marketing. We already had our new video in the pipeline but the challenge has been deciding where to use it.

For a while we have had exhibitions planned with our video on show. At the same time we asked, if this is the first impression a potential customer has of DrivenByQ is it enough?

To overcome any doubt, we have purchased a professional TV stand; a supply of our signature ‘pink champagne truffles’; invested in additional exhibition equipment and taken delivery of ‘branded’ USB sticks.

We want to ensure our planning and expectation of growth is reflected in our exhibition stand. In other words we need to exude confidence. After all, who wants to be associated with a pessimist?

Turbo Charging

Sometimes I get caught behind other cars waiting to overtake a tractor. It can be a few miles before an overtaking opportunity appears but when it does some drivers slow down so much they disengage from the thought of making progress at normal speed.

Somehow it is strangely reminiscent of when I left school and briefly worked in the County Court. I  saw people who lost their jobs, homes, possessions and even their marriages - seeing that can leave you extremely fearful when the road ahead is uncertain.

Lately, I’ve noticed business passengers changing. They are no longer pessimistic or strained but instead focused on opportunities and growth. They are developing plans and are excited about increasing market share.

Just like the road straightening in front of the tractor. I believe there is a change happening. You have to ask if now is the time to change gear, hit the throttle and go for it. Or maybe you should risk the security of being left behind?