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! 

Private lots take away parking revenue from Tampa International Airport

U.S. Airport Authorities are aggressively seeking ways to increase revenues, efficiencies and positioning its brand in the market place.  With many confirming that their parking business is the 2nd largest revenue source, it is only a matter of time before some Airport Authorities implement a reservations system.  Although many off-airport parking companies think "...why would they do that", there are 20 good reasons.   

To read a recent article on an Airport Authority "preparing to fight back", please CLICK HERE.

Text Messaging in the USA

CLICK HERE NOW TO READ SOME STAGGERING STATISTICS AND TRENDING!

Ever heard of Zingle?  What's a Zingle??

Please click here to learn more about this company.

Late last year, I spoke to a small parking operator who removed his company information from the baggage claim area of the airport and saved over $10,000 annually.  This company implemented Zingle's program.

Earlier this year, we learned that over 70 airport operators were using Zingle at their company for sole purpose of providing a text messaging service for returning parkers (pick-up at the airport).  And when asked about the new digital customer service concept, many of these operators said their customers "love it".

A few months back, Zingle contacted SMC for a possible integration partnership.  After several meetings, SMC decided to move forward in working together with Zingle.  In the weeks/months to come, SMC will be testing this system integration service in a few markets.  With Zingle attending the User Conference in January, we hope to provide a demonstration to you.

If you would like to reach out to Zingle, please contact Henkel Smith at 858.207.6324 or hsmith@zingleparking.com.

PCI DSS: The Importance of Securing Payment Information

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a widely accepted set of compliance policies, rules and procedures designed to ensure the security of credit and debit card transactions and protect cardholders against identity fraud, America's fastest growing crime.

The goal of PCI DSS is to ensure the security of payment card data by education and issuing a set of standards. The card brands require that processors have compliant merchants, and the processors in turn require the merchants to comply. Fines and loss of credit card acceptance are the risks to the business.

Click Here Now to familarize yourself with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).  Why?  Because PCI DSS is important to a business wanting to avoid fines and the risks of noncompliance in the event of a breach of security both internal and external.

Q: To whom does PCI DSS apply?

A: PCI DSS applies to ALL organizations or merchants, regardless of size or number of  transactions, that accepts, transmits or stores any cardholder data. Said another way, if any customer of an organization ever pays the merchant directly using a credit card or debit card, then the PCI DSS requirements apply.

If you would like to learn more about PCI DSS, Register Now for the Client User Conference where we will share our experiences in order to help you prepare your business for the inevitable.