Many groups form and take the discussions further by establishing regularly timed twitter chats focused on their interests.  For example, there are twitter chats any day of the week around topics ranging from bloggers and social media to farming (#agchat) to dogs  to astrology (#astrochat) to Justin Beiber (#JBchat) – yes, Justin Beiber chats!

In general, there are some chats focused on cars (#carchat), but the continued innovation and integration of technology, transportation, consumer electronics and telecommunications and more still fragments markets.

The convergence, innovation and integration of related industries like mobile phones, traffic, infotainment or wifi and the related new tools, devices, services and companies is inspiring.  The always-on connected vehicle is here to stay and yet continues to evolve.

In order to recognize the convergence and integration of these industries, I am  starting a weekly chat using #digicar as our focus.  Short for digitalcars, it also includes the integration of ITS systems, telematics and innovation such as mobile apps.  Join a growing group to discuss relevant topics about the always-on connected vehicle.

We will pick one or two relevant topics per week and hope to encourage the community to share thoughts in the discussion.

The first session will be held on Oct 15 at 1:00 EST.  We plan to build and grow the discussion around weekly topics, such as telematics, traffic, ITS systems, GPS tools, distracted driving, wireless devices and more.

Our chats will be fed to another service that gathers our discussion. With the archive, anyone can return and review the discussions and possibly use for research, blogs or content.

As mobile phones and always-on connectivity advances within cars, our first topic will be around the growing integration of mobile phone apps and their use.

Our first topic of discussion will be:   What are some of the latest trends for integrating mobile apps into the car? Join us for our newly starting twitter chat Fridays at 1:00 EST! Always use the #digicar tag to focus the discussion.

How to prepare:

• Join us for the first session on Oct 15 at 1:00 pm EST. And every Friday.
• Always use the hashtag #digicar
• Inform friends that you may have lots of tweets during the session
• Have some blog links at the ready to feed quickly to the discussion.

What future topics interest you? We hope to hear from your regarding interesting topics but hope you join us as we ramp up.

Kevin Shannon

@ConnectedCar

For those between jobs, this means in integrated approach that is consistent, clear and focused.  From the elevator to your business cards and your social media profiles, your message needs to stand out and come across easily to have others find you and help.

Several venues matter when trying to stand out, from the in-person message to your online profiles.  Your business card is one of the first steps to introduce your self for the first time and first impressions matters.  Key words, a nice look and quality cards are important to giving what is often a first and also lasting impression.

While unique certainly stands out at times, it can be a hindrance to getting a clear and focused message across.  During a recent networking meeting, I sat at a table with eight people.  Four at the table at the table had the same card – not a great way to stand out.  In another example, placing a dolphin or an elephant on your cards might work if you are a zoologist, but is not likely to work if you are an electrical engineer.

As in resumes, you only have a few seconds to interest someone in you and have them ask for more.  Your elevator pitch is your opportunity to give a concise introduction.  For example, “I am a corporate story teller with a focus of spreading the good news through traditional and online media including marketing, advertising, public relations and corporate communications.” That message provides a clear focus and known skill set to a reader.  Or another “I am a customer focused parking marketing, business development cultivator and relationship builder” also provides a clear profile.

An elevator pitch not focused will confuse and not allow others to help you.   The message needs to be clear, concise and  consistent and integrate with your offline and online profiles.

With scanning tools, key words are more important that ever in getting found.  The ease of changing minor words or even tailoring to a specific position will often pull you to the top.

Beyond the resume, your LinkedIn profile is a key element in standing out, networking and getting recognized.  Key words, phrases and industry terms often are way for recruiters, colleagues or anyone to find you.  Consistency, integration, and a fully developed profile help you to stand out.  Use and involvement in groups, applications, and quality connections help to stand out and be found.

Twitter as a networking and information tool is key but integration with other elements is also important.  For example, my Twitter account did not have a link to an outside web site.  After posting my LinkedIn profile to on my Twitter page, I received requests to connect with others. I am now connected through LinkedIn and Twitter and have written several articles for a blog, and had phone conversations as a result of my links and connections.

A few lessons are key to develop a coherent profile message and stand out these days.

Be consistent

Like segmenting a market, you should be consistent with your profile when sharing with others. Tailor your resume with specific and key words.  But be consistent and focused with industries and specialties. Your messages needs to be concise and  consistent and integrate with your offline and online profiles.

Integrate

Be sure to have links that complement each other.  Be sure to include links to your Twitter profile in LinkedIn as well as links on Twitter to a profile.

Test (and refine)

Testing your message and refining it are important.  Ask your friends and family. Test versions on LinkedIn and see who is reading your profile.  Change your key words to see what come up in LinkedIn search or in Google search.

In the end, you have to use what you feel comfortable with and what helps tell your story.  Use all the tools to be consistent, focused and stand out while always paying attention, testing and revising to get recognized.  This all assumes you have a plan, but that is another issue.

http://intelematicstoday.com/2010/03/02/social-networking-and-phone-apps-enable-smarter-carpooling/

While the installation of telematics systems for OEMs is here and growing, the use and integration of smart phones apps, GPS and location based services combined with social networking are creating opportunities beyond the OEMs.

Startups are emerging and gaining traction to serve carpoolers, vanpoolers, fleets and buses by integrating many of the same innovative smart phone tools and apps, GPS and LBS services, social networking strategies and even payment systems. Efficiencies in fuel savings, time, and cost savings benefit individuals and companies. Think of them as carpooling meets Facebook meets Loopt meets  PayPal and eBay!

Although regions differ, 77 % of the US population drives alone, and people are spending more than 100 hours a year commuting to work which creates a big opportunity to fill many open seats. One company estimates each open seat is worth $3,000 and AAA places annual car costs at $9,000 per year. With gas price fluctuations, congested roads, HOV time-saving opportunities, parking challenges, and climate concerns, significant growth opportunities may be on the horizon.

Traditional Ridesharing
Basic carpooling or vanpooling services are often funded by regional governments or planning organizations in an effort to reduce road congestion and pollution in more dense urban areas. Most regions are serviced by expensive software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers and promoted by those government agencies or non-profits, but startup companies are emerging to compete with larger providers.

Dynamically formed carpools, called “sluglines,” are the ultimate social network that benefits drivers and riders, saving money, time and resulting in an improved quality of life for each. Sluglines exist in the Washington DC area, San Francisco and other cities to a lesser extent. This simple example allows people to engage in trusted carpooling that works for everyone’s benefit.

The “carpooling industry” continues to face challenges related to standard terms (rideshare, carpool, liftshare, etc.) safety concerns, flexibility, or finding the ideal ride partner. Those ideal ride partners are often based on time (e.g. when you have to get to work) and departure and arrival location. Economics often plays a major role in the decision to seek a shared ride.

Startups Integrate Convergence of Tech and Social Networks
The combination of location aware devices, location based services and social networking strategies provide numerous easily integrated solutions. Like any social network, volume is the key to creating connections and efficiencies and the related personalization of its users. Closed networks, like universities or internal corporate programs, offer the safety of known people within a trusted group. Volume and quality or closer connections is a key factor in these groups taking off as research often sites safety and security as a top concern for carpoolers and vanpoolers.

These startups are gaining traction within the natural networks of university environments and large corporations. At some companies parking challenges and space needs fuel the need for these programs, many of whom also service and integrate shuttle services. GPS tracking and real-time location information pushed through SMS notifications are often provided by these startups, resulting in a more informed and prepared traveler.

Common features amongst many of the providers include:

• Use of location aware devices and smart phones
• Regularly scheduled and one-time, real-time rides on demand
• Privacy settings to allow for personalization and trust within the system
• Individual profiles to view and match potential riders
• Feedback system to rate or rank experiences
• Closed network of common, trusted members
• Public and open ridematching
• Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reductions
• Emissions reporting
• SMS information pushed based on settings

The startup integration of converging technologies may serve a growing need. Think of them as carpooling meets Facebook meets Loopt meets eBay meets PayPal and eBay.

Look for a more in-depth overview of these companies to come. For now, the company names and their partial tag lines tell their story.

Avego – Real-time ridesharing for the iPhone generation
Carticipate – An Experiment in Social Transportation
GoLoco – The Ride Revolution
GooseNetworks – Enterprise Commuter Management Technology
RideCell - Web based software to make carpooling and using public transit easier and safer for your employees.
PickUpPal – On Your Way – Drivers and Passengers Connecting Online
Zimride – Community powered, Sustainable Transportation

While the right tool for a task is always appropriate, the larger task is to integrate activities.  Whether using marketing tools or constructing a specific device, today’s efforts must be pulled together.

Many organizations are layering their marketing by integrating all facets to reach your customers.  It’s not about silos anymore as the silos create isolated units, turf fighting and a lack of a cohesive understanding of the overall organization.  Priorities?  Yes, but not silos at the expense of the overall effort.

Social media tools in the listening, communications and customer service area can pull together all areas.  From direct mail to special events, trade shows, email campaigns, to road warriors, there should be consistency in the messaging and value proposition.  However, social media can often put a face and personality to people.  For example, on Twitter, Ford allows many of its communication staff and SYNC product managers to directly respond to questions and engage.

In the end, it is all about listening, learning and engaging your customers, no matter industry or market – and getting out of your silo!

One of my best friends is an architect and also good around the house in building or fixing things.  Me, not so much.  Over the years, he has taught me that a few things, clichés all, but appropriate to the task.  First, is to use the right tool for the job.

Constructing or building something for the architect is much like the marketer who is trying to reach a specific audience.  Do you use email?  Social media?  Direct mail, Events or conferences?  Which association should you use? What is the right tool for the biggest or most promising market?  What tool do you use for what segment?

My friend would say to look at your task first and then decide on the tool with the old adage of measure twice and cut once.  However, he also knows how to improvise and at any time, although like any improvisation, it cannot be often and it has to fit the situation.

The architect, like the marketer, must use the right tools, at the right time and for the right job.  Taken as a whole in building something, the larger task is to integrate everything together – but that is the next story.

Communicating these days means integrating and not just through their typical email newsletters to members.  From open tools like Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter to their own dedicated social media tools, they need to demonstrate leadership for their members and the industry they serve.

Here is a good article highlighting these changes, particularly a need to be relevant.

http://expertsinmembershipmarketing.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-discussions-centered-around.html