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- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: Other than Zoom, what software or technology has been helpful to your operation in the past few months?
Our company has focused on trying to close as many opportunities as we possibly can. During this slow period, every lead is vitally important. One area of improvement has been the flow of our website chat bot by adding menus for the most requested information and automation to place the visitor on the page with relevant content. We have also expanded and improved our quoting process by using templates for our most common trip types, from wine tours to weddings to airport transfers. The templates contain graphics, standard language, and vehicle pictures to maximize the opportunity to convert to a booking.
Randy Allen, Partner/CTO
James Limousine in Richmond, Va.
We have spent this downtime looking at ways to streamline procedures to better communicate with all employees. We have found Slack is a great communication app. You can have a conversation with an individual, department, or the whole company. This app really helps with communication while working remotely and letting chauffeurs know about available trips. We also have found Trello to be helpful for keeping track of tasks and goals. We are able to keep remote employees accountable to their work, and we are able to upload docs from Dropbox to streamline jumping between apps to review their work.
Chad Casey, President
Casey Corporate Transportation in Atlanta, Ga.
We haven’t had the need for Zoom and have yet to start using it; this is primarily because I am the only employee during these unprecedented times. Communications between us and our parent company in Calgary has never required Zoom as we are all using WhatsApp and Zipwhip for basic messages.
With that being said, before the pandemic, our team, chauffeurs, and office staff were using WhatsApp video and messaging for a good part of our communications. We use voice messages, which are safe for the chauffeurs to create and play back while driving, and our small team has found this more than adequate.
Donald Dekort, General Manager
Highland VIP Group in Calgary, Alberta
Recently, we have stepped up our game in the social media platform with regular postings of educational information for our clients. We revamped our Facebook page to be more useful for prospective clients by adding the services we offer and buttons to get in touch with us right away. We also launched a new LinkedIn page and are sharing industry education on group pages like GBTA, NLA, and other groups, where both industry members and corporate travelers alike can learn more about our company and the efforts we are taking to ensure passenger safety.
Harry Dhillon, President
Ecko Worldwide Transportation Group in San Jose, Calif.
Many of our members have utilized online training and they have been spending time building customized on-boarding training for their chauffeurs. Our Hygiene Awareness training, partnered with DRVR Training has proven to be a very popular with both drivers and operators in Australia and worldwide. Hygiene Awareness training ensures all chauffeurs are trained to keep them and their clients safe.
Toni Peters, Director
Transport Alliance Australia in Caulfield, Victoria
Prior to COVID-19 I had no idea that there was a Zoom world. Since the pandemic hit, I have participated in all-day Zoom meetings. I've remained active with my network through Zoom. Although it does not compare to face-to-face meetings we are all accustomed to, it does help with staying connected.
I have also joined Webex, Google Meets, and Microsoft Team. All are great platforms. I have found that during this time that we must stay up to date with the technology that is available to work more efficiently in our offices. Adapting to the "new norm" will help us achieve our goals and stay relevant with our audience.
Nancy Vargas, CEO
DH2 Transportation in Jamaica, N.Y.
As the lockdown has been especially strict in Spain and lasted many weeks, our main activity was to stay in touch with clients, affiliates, and providers to help us improve some operational or internet presence. In addition to Zoom, we used Webex, Jitsi Meet, and Hangouts, not only for communication but to gather valuable insight from webinars. Those were helpful to stay informed about the current state of luxury travel and transportation, among other things, and we intend to keep the habit. On the other hand, WhatsApp, once again, has proven itself invaluable for more informal conversations with employees and closer friends within the industry.
Joseph Votano, CEO
Abaser Limousine Service in Barcelona, Spain
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next E-News.
[07.13.20]
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What could be better than getting together with industry friends and savoring some wine? Although we’re separated by the miles—for now—the global pandemic can’t stop us from enjoying the (virtual) company of our peers during the New England Livery Association’s (NELA’s) Cabernet & COVID Stories on August 5 from 5-7 PM ET.
The Zoom event, which is free to attend, will feature a handful of “storytellers” hosted by NELA Director Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car/ETS including NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide, Diane Forgy of Overland Chauffeured Services, George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus, Shariff McMichael of Dav El/BostonCoach, Jeff Nyikos of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman, Briana Paige & Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Dawson Rutter & Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven. With that lineup, who knows what to expect!
Gold Sponsors: Above All Transportation, Century Business Solutions/EBizCharge, Chosen Payments, Dolphin Transportation Specialists, and Lancer Insurance.
Silver Sponsors: A&A Metro Transportation, Center Insurance Agency, Dav El/BostonCoach, and Park Avenue Limousine.
Bronze Sponsors: Alternative Claims Management, Avery Insurance, Chauffeur Driven, Create-A-Card, LA Limousine, Lexian Management, The Limousine Expert, The LMC Groups, Research Underwriters, Transport the People, and Volvo.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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- Category: Industry News
NLA President Robert Alexander
On Thursday, July 30, National Limousine Association (NLA) President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide issued a special announcement on Facebook to introduce the creed of the NLA. With the topic of inclusion being discussed in businesses across all industries, Alexander and the NLA believe that it is time reaffirm their commitment to diversity.
In his video statement, Alexander said: “Our industry is one of the most diverse industries, populated with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. I am proud of this diversity and always considered it one of our unquestionable strengths.”
The creed of the NLA is now available on the association’s webpage, and can be read below.
“Since 1985, the National Limousine Association has committed itself to representing every one of its members. The industry has always shown an incredible diversity, and it is this diversity that provides its greatest strength. The NLA will continue to inform, educate and advocate for its members, as well as provide the greatest level of benefit possible, while providing value for all—regardless of color, creed, gender, or identity—as it has for the last four decades. As a member-led, non-profit, volunteer organization, its pledge, promise and obligation is bound to the best interests of its membership, and its representation to the industry and the general public.”
“It is more important than ever before in our industry that its members remain united,” said Alexander. “As we face the current challenges of the pandemic and the uncertain future that follows, it is the responsibility of the NLA and its members to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of collaboration.”
In other news, the NLA was joined by more than 150 chambers, trade groups, and industry organizations in support of the Safe to Work Act (S.4317), which was introduced in the Senate by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) as part of the next sweeping Congressional relief package. According to the letter sent to members of Congress: “These crucial protections would safeguard healthcare workers, providers, and facilities, as well as businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions against unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible. To that end, we strongly urge you to support the inclusion of these provisions in a Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.” Congress is still deliberating on many issues related to COVID-19 relief, including that for small businesses, the extension of unemployment benefits, and others protections for industry. The full letter can be read here.
The association also announced that the eight proposed revisions to the bylaws have passed. Members can read all the revisions at limo.org.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[08.03.20]