NEW SMC VIDEO

60-Seconds

Facebook - Parking Reservations

SMC announced at its first annual User Conference a powerful, leading edge tool only found with the big boys, and by big boys, I mean Delta, Marriott, Hertz, etc.  Please click here to find the first parking company in the world to have a Centralized Reservations System (CRS) on their Facebook page.  (NOTE: if you have problems with this link, please go to Facebook (enter facebook.com/purchasepark2fly) and click the Reserve Now link on the left side of page.  Simple, Fast, Friendly and Rate/Inventory Controlled.

IT'S HERE:    FACEBOOK RESERVATIONS SYSTEM

SMC is ready if you are.  And if you are not, you need to prepare your business accordingly for 2012.  Social Networking is here to stay and a proven strategy will drive customers into your business.

Simply said, if it is so easy to embed a real-time Centralized Reservations System (CRS) on a Facebook page, why has it taken so long for the online industry leaders in TRAVEL to make it happen?  The quick answer is ... time, money and resources.  SMC has spent countless hours to bring our customers the "best of the best" technology, not to mention years of expertise pertaining to internet marketing tactics.    

For those of you who attended our User Conference, your cost to embed the reservations system on your Facebook page is only $200.  If you did not attend, and we are sorry you could not join us, your cost to embed the reservations system on your Facebook page is $300.  Both promotional prices are good through January 31, 2012.  For any request to embed the reservations system on your Facebook page after January 31, 2012, the cost is $400.

All orders will be delivered by March 1, 2012.  

Verizon: $2 Convenience Fee Fiasco

If Donald Trump is famous for anything, it is his "You're Fired" on the Apprentice TV show. Similar to the "That was easy" button by Staples, you can purchase writing pens with Trumps voice.

I can see the Verizon boardroom when the decision was made to charge consumers a convenience fee for paying their bill online.  I would have loved to be a fly on the wall.  I can assure you that one or more executives made this statement... "Just because the banks failed at charging a convenience fee does not mean that VERIZON will not get away with it."  This deserves mentioning again - GET AWAY WITH IT!  If we the people are willing to pay a self-serving convenience fee, then why not, right?  Imagine pulling your vehicle up to a gas station and you are prompted with a $2.00 convenience fee to fill your own tank when paying with a credit card. Hmmm...

Hello, most consumers, the majority, are no longer stupid to these tactics.  It is true that some are naive, but this will surely change over time. 

My point is simply this.  Any company who charges consumers a fee (convenience or whatever) to transact online will face scrutiny and eventually experience some brand damage.  Could your participation on a third party website create a bad experience for your customers?  If the answer is yes, maybe or not sure, for whatever the reason, remember VERIZON.  Story!

One of Six Trends to Watch Out for in 2012

SOCIAL SHARING. Ideas, opinions, media, status updates are all part of what makes social media a powerful and often disruptive force. The media industry was one of the first to understand this, adding sharing options to content, which led to more page views and better status in search results. What comes next in social sharing is more closely aligned with e-commerce or web transactions. For example, Sears allows a user to share a product or review with their networks directly from the site. Sharing that vacation you just booked, or recommending a product, or service from any site to a social network is where sharing goes next. We probably don't know what we are willing to share until we see the option to do it. 

Isn't it about time we show you how to add a "Reserve A Space" link on your Facebook page?  And then direct your follower to a page for transacting and tracking?  This is the future and you can have it now.

We will share the "LIKES" of this strategy at the Client User Conference.

This is last posting for 2012.  

Happy Holidays from your friends at SMC!

Have you ever said to yourself or others? "I wish I took the time to learn more about ..."

2012:  Please think for a few minutes on what consumers (you and your customer) will be introduced to with respect to information (the expanded fast moving, internet highway), technology (simple cloud-based software accessible anywhere), devices (mobile apps managing daily routines) and media (socially connected through various channels) in the year ahead.  Transformation, also known as change of circumstance, is very scary to most people, especially in business!  Why?  Because management will have to adapt or simply get left behind, thus resulting in lost market share.

For the entrepreneur, executive vice-president, general manager, or recent college graduate, I highly recommend you begin preparing yourself to take advantage of market opportunities and help ensure growth, whether personal or business. 

I found an excellent 20-minute presentation on YouTube that I want to share with everyone.  We can always use fresh information in our business life.  And if I had to take a guess, the audience in the room paid over $500 to attend this conference. But for you, it's FREE.  Enjoy!

20 Things to know about the Internet

Click Here to Read

2012: What is your online strategy?

A successful online marketing program is more than just a web site. It’s integrating online marketing with your overall business goals. It’s using the best technology available to reach the right customers at the right time. It’s identifying measurable goals and developing the best programs to achieve those results.
Building an online strategy consists of:

• Search engine optimization (SEO) programs
• Pay per click (PPC) campaigns
• Directory listings
• E-mail marketing campaigns
• Setting up channel partners
• Social Networking

In review of the above, if you do not have a clear understanding of these strategies, I strongly recommend you take the time to learn, and quickly.  To get the most from any of these, you need to exploit the unique advantages of each to achieve specific goals.

The Client User Conference will help you: 

• Define your business goals
• Identify your Key Performance Indicators and Measurables
• Learn what your competitors are doing
• Understand your targeted users and determine how your site and all your online marketing programs will help them achieve their own goals

By visually showing you, SMC will develop your online strategy that will ensure a strong return on your time and investment, drive conversions and sales, and grow your business.

SMC cares about your business.  Let us help you thrive in 2012!