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Knowledge Cafe |
Delivering Happiness
A Path To Profits,
Passion and Purpose
by Tony Hsieh CEO, Zappos.com, Inc
There's no time like the present. Here is a link to get it right away. This is available in hardcover. You will be so glad you did:
From Amazon: The visionary CEO of Zappos explains how an emphasis on corporate culture can lead to unprecedented success.
Pay new employees $2000 to quit. Make customer service the entire company, not just a department. Focus on company culture as the #1 priority. Apply research from the science of happiness to running a business. Help employees grow both personally and professionally. Seek to change the world. Oh, and make money too.
Sound crazy? It's all standard operating procedure at Zappos.com, the online retailer that's doing over $1 billion in gross merchandise sales every year.
In 1999, Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay) sold LinkExchange, the company he co-founded, to Microsoft for $265 million. He then joined Zappos as an adviser and investor, and eventually became CEO.
In 2009, Zappos was listed as one of Fortune magazine's top 25 companies to work for, and was acquired by Amazon later that year in a deal valued at over $1.2 billion on the day of closing.
In his first book, Tony shares the different business lessons he learned in life, from a lemonade stand and pizza business through LinkExchange, Zappos, and more. Ultimately, he shows how using happiness as a framework can produce profits, passion, and purpose both in business and in life.
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My comments:
Not only is the story of failing his way to success excellent to read, it was the fact that it became a team effort to create the company and its success. On the verge of losing everything several times, this is a story of sticking it out and believing in what one is doing and learning to face change with a welcome mat instead of an closed and locked door. I think, based on the story, that accepting change in that way is what made all the difference.
Whether you are in sales on the line, a manager, an independent small business owner, or CEO or a large firm, this is an excellent resource of ideas and plans to make any business better. Indeed, I bought it for our entire team!
Enjoy!
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I really enjoyed listening to Tony Hsieh read the book while I read along. I find that reading a book this way, cements it into my brain better. As I began reading just a chapter, I wanted to read more and more.
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K.C. Archive |
Here is a list of books and audio's that have been recommended in
the Knowledge Cafe.
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Revised and Updated Version) by John C Maxwell
Today and Tomorrow by Henry Ford
My Life and Work by Henry Ford
Steel Titan by Robert Hessen Rich Dad, Poor Dad
by Robert T Kiyosaki How To Make One Hell Of A Profit And Still Get To Heaven
by Dr John F Demartini
I Don't Mean To Be Rude, But. . . by Simon Cowell
The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn
Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
ReWork by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
Maximum Confidence by Jack Canfield
The Little Big Things by Tom Peters
Customer Satisfaction Is Worthless Customer Loyalty Is Priceless by Jeffrey Gitomer
Linchpin by Seth Godin The Circle of Innovation by Tom Peters Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
All Marketers Are Liars by Seth Godin
Failing Forward by John C Maxwell
Leadership Is An Art and Leadership Jazz by Max DePree The Spirituality of Success by Vincent M Roazzi
Power In Praise
by Merlin Carothers
The Go-Giver
by Bob Burg &
Hohn David Mann
The Gratitude Effect by John DeMartini
Who Moved My Cheese?
by Spencer Johnson, MD
The Power To Have It All Audio Package by Bob Proctor
The Secret - Book and Audiobook by Rhonda Byrne
Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen The Power of Focus
by Jack Canfield, Victor Hansen and
Les Hewitt
How To Talk To Anyone,
Anytime, Anywhere
by Larry King
Lead the Field Audio by Earl Nightingale
Your Invisible Power by Genevieve Behrend and The Spirit of Opulence
by Thomas Troward
You Were Born Rich Maxwell Maltz, MD
You2 byPrice Pritchett
The Magic of Believing by Claude M Bristol
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins
Success Magazine and How To Lose Friends and
by Irving Tressler
and
How To Win Friends and
Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy and How To Sell Anything
To Anybody
by Joe Girard
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling by Frank Bettger
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield Jeffrey Gitomer
Little Books
Collectors Edition:
Enterprise One To One and
The One To One Fieldbook
by
Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gitomer
Customers For Life by Carl Sewell |
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Welcome! |
Welcome to the Commercial Truck Success Idealetter!
Published every other week, the Idealetter is an informative thought starter and news source for busy commercial sales professionals and managers with numerous links to great products, the Commercial Truck Success website, Daily Blog and many other links to useful information, tools and inspiration!
Please feel free to offer comments and suggestions for future topics that are of interest to you. Also, please forward this to others you wish to share it with. There is a forward email link at the bottom of this page. I wish you success! Keep up the good work! And, never stop learning! - Terry Minion, Editor |
NEW! Dealer Truck Bargains Blog! |
As a result of inquiries to put old stock and bargain-priced units on our CTS Blog, we've started a new blog with that specific purpose exclusively. This is a FREE service.
If you have an old unit, or four our five and you want us to include it in our blog, send me the information on the unit with copy of specs or invoices to fax 707-428-3190, or email to [email protected].
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Knapheide Electric Master Lock System |
Here is a basic 1-ton single rear wheel hard working work truck with a great 8' service body shown at a dealership. This is something that works for a very high percentage of businesses and is a number one selling combination.
The chassis is a new 2009 Chevy 3500HD CC30903 with the 6.0 HD Gas V8, Automatic Trans, W/T Package, AC, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, Locking Differential, Trailer Brake Controller, Full Size Spare Tire and Wheel, Power Windows and Power Door Locks, and Camper Mirrors. Cargo capacity is a very respectable 3,300 lbs.
The Body is a Knapheide 8' Service Body with the Electric Master Locking System, Hitch, Window Guard, Forklift Loadable Rack and was installed locally by Carter Industries of Union City, CA. The electric master locking system uses a key fob to lock and unlock all compartments and also has a separate key point near the top behind the first compartment in the photo in case the key fob battery is not functioning or the key fob is not available, and it uses the same key as the service body doors.
You can see more from Knapheide at http://www.knapheide.com/ and Carter Industries at http://www.carterind.com/.
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Nissan NV Partners with Adrian Steel |
NISSAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL
PARTNERSHIP WITH ADRIAN STEEL TO UPFIT 2012 NISSAN NV
- Strategic partnership established to make it easy for buyers to upfit their Nissan NV -
Nissan Commercial Vehicles today announced a strategic partnership with Adrian Steel, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle equipment, to become an official upfitter for the all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van.
The catalog of accessories for the Nissan NV is currently under development and will include interior shelving systems, ladder racks and other items from Adrian Steel to help customize the vehicle for individual vocational needs.
The 2012 Nissan NV is Nissan's first entry into the North American commercial vehicle market. The NV's innovative design addresses many of the van segment's currently unmet customer needs, such as driver comfort, cabin functionality and cargo-area usability and is the result of more than five years of detailed research.
"We designed the Nissan NV to reinvent the commercial van segment," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles. "This partnership with Adrian Steel will help our customers - such as electricians, HVAC contractors, plumbers and builders - get the most out of their vehicle."
The Nissan NV was designed with upfitters like Adrian Steel in mind. For example, the reinforced mounting brackets on the roof are designed to facilitate easy installation of ladder rack systems without piercing holes in the sheet metal, which can lead to corrosion and water leaks. The standard "upfitter pre-wiring" allows convenient access into the electrical system. Inside the cargo area are multiple integrated reinforced mounting points for simple installation of shelving and racks - again requiring no sheet metal drilling.
"Adrian Steel is honored to be a partner for the new Nissan NV Commercial Van" said Dalton Cheaney, Nissan account manager for Adrian Steel. "We will help the Nissan commercial customer optimize their vehicle by providing them cargo management solutions."
The 2012 Nissan NV will go into production in Canton, Miss. in early 2011. Nissan's Canton plant has recently completed a $118M construction project to prepare for the launch of the NV. A dedicated commercial vehicle dealer network is also being developed within the existing Nissan dealer body. |
Brilliant Cargo Bed Enclosure Design |
Now, this is a treat! Typically, the front section of a cargo bed enclosure is permanently mounted to the truck and does not open, so if it is a 2-piece setup, it usually opens about 1/2 of the bed area, and a 3-pieces opens about two thirds of the bed area and the last section is holding the other two. In this case, the front section is mounted with hinges and gas shocks so that it can raise up to completely expose the entire bed area. How brilliant! This is the first I have seen of this kind of design for the cargo bed enclosure and I have seen hundreds of cargo bed enclosures of all varieties. Absolutely brilliant.
This one was built for Downtown Ford of Sacramento by Jack Schmidt, owner of West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento, CA. You can have Jack build one for you. Call him at 916-376-0690 and visit his website at www.westcoastruckequipment.com. |
Bennett Jackson w/Husky Liners |
Husky Liners Overview |
Joel Ayres Shows Several Products |
Truck Group Accessories |
Monster Truck Beats Boat To Rescue |
Monster Truck Rescue |
The Future Of Trucks Is Here |
Future Trucks |
US Spec Mahindra Pickups On Order |
US Spec Mahindra Trucks |
Overloaded Truck Seen From Harley |
Overloaded Truck |
International TerraStar Class 4/5 Truck |
TerraStar Class 4/5 |
Johnson Controls Adds
20 Transit Connect Electrics |
Transit Connect Electics |
Stellar Industries Updates 12628 Crane |
Garner, Iowa - Stellar Industries, Inc. is offering the updated Model 12628 telescopic service crane to fill a niche between the Stellar� models 10628 and 14528 cranes. The Stellar 12628 is an industry first in capacity and functionality, and it now features the Stellar� CDT™ (Crane Dynamics Technology™) control system. The 77,800 ft-lb crane boasts a maximum all hydraulic reach of 28'4" and can lift up to 12,000 pounds at 6'6" in boost mode. The Stellar model 12628 has industry leading features such as a hexagonal boom design for reduced flex and increased strength, and it offers a variable speed, multi-function radio remote control equipped with the Stellar CDT system as a standard feature.
The Stellar CDT system incorporates two-way communications and a feedback feature that is first in the mechanics crane market to offer integral capacity alert incorporated into the handheld controller. The system will indicate to the operator when the load being maneuvered is increasing the load moment of the crane. Indications are by visual and sensory signals built into the Stellar handheld controller using color-coded LED lights and varying cyclical vibrations. The Stellar CDT system can also allow operators who encounter an overload situation to productively operate through that overload situation by increasing crane capacity to 118% of its normal operating capacity for a short period of time. The Stellar CDT equipped 12628 also features a refined safety system. If a capacity monitoring device fails to operate correctly the crane will enter the safe mode. The safe mode will allow the operation of the crane at a reduced speed until the safety device is repaired, replaced or returned to proper working order.
"The 12628 and its recent updates fit nicely in our product line-up," says Tim Davison, Product Manager, bodies and cranes. "fits the We have a 10,000 lb and 14,000 lb crane that both offer market-leading features," he continues, "however, many customers wanted something larger than our 10628 but not quite as large as the 14528, so the 12628 growing needs of many customers." Davison adds, " And in true Stellar fashion, we've made it an industry leading crane and body packed with features, such as the Stellar CDT system, that exceed market expectations!"
In addition to the 12628 crane, Stellar has designed a new mechanic truck body to accommodate this new 77,800 ft-lb crane. The Stellar TMax2 body uses the same Torsion box understructure, the proven Torq-Isolator crane compartment and E-coat primer as standard Stellar bodies. It features up to 60" high and 22" deep compartments with double panel doors, stainless steel hinges and door handles and is designed to accommodate the Stellar CDT Equipped cranes when in boost mode. The TMax2 is part of the new TMax Series.
Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990. It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment located in North Iowa. Products include hooklifts, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, and the X-Tra-Lift, as well as complete mechanic service truck packages, and tire service truck packages. Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful.
For more information, visit www.stellarindustries.com.
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Commercial Truck Success
World View |
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Freedom Movement Wheel Chair Lift Dealer |
http://www.freedommovement.it
Italian dealer of best rearward UNDERFLOOR under vehicle wheelchair lift to lifts disabled people. Opel Vivaro installation. The best solution to lift person with disasbility on cars motorhome campers vans bus. Italian exporter dealer. |
Ford To Show Off All-New Ranger Oct 15 |
- Bold, powerful and confident, the all-new Ford Ranger will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show on October 15.
- Bold, powerful and confident, the all-new Ford Ranger makes its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The new face of Built Ford Tough for compact pickup truck customers in 180 markets around the world, Ranger is the result of an all-new global compact truck platform developed in Australia
- Ranger delivers an enhanced pickup ownership experience with more power and excellent fuel economy from a new engine family, more capability than ever with exceptional towing and payload capacity, and new levels of driving quality
SYDNEY, September 20, 2010 - Ford is preparing to take the wraps off a comprehensively redesigned, new-generation compact pickup developed in Australia for sale in 180 global markets. The worldwide premiere of the all-new Ford Ranger is certain to be the big news of this year's Australian International Motor Show, where it will be unveiled on October 15, 2010.
The all-new Ranger is the latest in a wave of global products driven by the ONE Ford strategy. Designed and engineered at Ford's Campbellfield product development and Geelong proving ground facilities, and based on a new global compact truck platform, Ranger has been transformed to assert true pickup truck leadership.
"Australia has played a leading role in the development of this latest global Ford product," said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "Ranger is symbolic of how our great product development capability is being leveraged by the ONE Ford plan like never before."
The taut, toned new design of the all-new Ford Ranger establishes a powerful presence on the motor show stage. It will be the first time for the public to see the next-generation Ford compact pickup without its camouflage.
New Ranger prototypes - disguised under heavy black padding, tape and decals to obscure their true identity - have been shot by automotive spy photographers all over the world, as development units clocked more than 1 million kilometres of testing in the toughest conditions, from the Outback to the deserts of the Middle East to the Alps in Europe.
Now, under the lights at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the covers will come off to reveal a dazzlingly contemporary new look for the future of Ford Ranger pickup truck capability. It makes a powerful promise - backed by Ford's Australian and global expertise - to owners around the world.
From impressive gains in power and fuel economy - the result of its new engine family - to outstanding pickup truck capability that includes exceptional towing and payload capacity, the next-generation Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger heritage of capability, but it also gives owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience that they would expect only from a car.
Visitors to the 2010 Australian International Motor Show can experience the exciting lineup of Ford vehicles, along with a host of interactive activities for motoring enthusiasts and families, from October 15-24 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
See more from Ford Australia at http://www.ford.com.au/. |
Happy 45th Birthday, Ford Transit! |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FORD TRANSIT: 45 YEARS OF SUCCESS
Video Link
Since its launch in 1965 more than six million Transits have been built at 22 factories across the world.
Transit is made in Southampton, with engines from Dagenham and transmissions from Merseyside.
More than 2.1 million Transits have been sold in Britain: Britain's best seller
with more than 23,000 sold in first half of 2010.
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 27 July, 2010 - Ford's iconic Transit has a significant birthday next month, celebrating 45 years of success. The Ford Transit, the pioneer of the ubiquitous white van, has led the UK market ever since the year that Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 and F1 World Championship, Tom and Jerry and Thunderbirds made their TV debuts, the Sound of Music movie was released and Mary Quant invented the mini skirt.
At launch, the cheapest Transit, a short wheelbase, petrol-engined van with 610kg payload, cost �542. The most expensive Transit was a 15-seat Custom bus which cost �997. From 78 derivatives in 1965, there are now more than 600 Transit entities, providing a range of dedicated commercial vehicles to ensure there is a model for every job required.
Today's Transit continues to represent great value. A special edition "Sapphire" went into production at the Southampton Plant this year to mark 45 years of success. The Sapphire develops more power and torque, has longer service intervals yet costs just �295 more than the last celebration model in 2005, the Transit "Hallmark".
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Tradepack Gets Biz Flowing For Fluid H20 |
After operating out of an impractical Mitsubishi Triton for several years, Sydney plumbing company, Fluid H2O, has upgraded to an Isuzu NPR 200 Premium and business is booming.
Company owner, Matthew Lemon, said he opted for an Isuzu because he required a reliable truck that could easily handle the operations of the business, including a 24-hour emergency plumbing service.
"Isuzu's reliability is exceptional," Mr Lemon said. "I have friends in the plumbing business who own Isuzu trucks. They recommended Isuzu to me because they have had no trouble with their trucks.
"It's been a great move for us to go to a truck that can actually handle our application. It makes our job a lot easier."
Mr Lemon says the NPR 200 provides more than enough power for his commercial use and its exterior styling is well matched to his business' professional image.
"They are a lot more attractive and look much better finished off than Isuzu's competitors," Mr Lemon said.
"We need to look professional on the road and the truck portrays this very well. Also, having a lot of gear on board allows us to complete a job on the same day."
The NPR 200 Tradepack 'Premium' upgrade with automated manual transmission (AMT) was also a major selling point for Mr Lemon.
"I don't like driving manual vehicles, so one of the things that stood out on the NPR 200 Premium Tradepack was the AMT," Mr Lemon said.
"I also really like the cruise control feature in this model."
The NPR 200's modifications and custom paint job were designed by Mr Lemon, who contracted Pacific Body Works to build the service body. After almost eight months of fabrication work, Mr Lemon finally has his masterpiece on the road.
"The NPR 200 was originally a Tradepack model, but I removed the back to apply my own custom body and paint job," Mr Lemon said.
"It's a great vehicle. The performance has been fantastic, it hasn't missed a beat. I'm really happy with the Isuzu product."
Fluid H2O was so pleased with its Isuzu NPR 200 that it recently purchased a second Isuzu model - an NPR 400 Long. This vehicle is currently undergoing modifications to suit Fluid H2O's new requirements.
"The NPR 400 Long is going to look very impressive; it will be white with Fluid H2O's company colours and chrome rims. It has been fitted with a compressor on the side of the chassis and a diesel jet motor," Mr Lemon said.
"The new truck will be mainly used for high pressure water jetting and clearing out drains. It will particularly be used for the new Fluid H2O service - sewer relining - in which we use a new German technology.
"Instead of excavating a sewer we can reline it, which is fantastic because many people in Sydney's eastern suburbs don't want to dig up their driveways, granny flats, gardens or streets. We actually invert a liner through the sewer which gives our customers a lifetime guarantee."
Both N Series trucks included three year warranties and roadside assistance. The NPR 200 was purchased from NSW Isuzu Dealer, Gilbert and Roach Huntingwood, which is responsible for all of the truck's servicing.
"Some of my friends who work in the building and plumbing trades have since purchased Isuzu trucks and have applied the same body as me," Mr Lemon said.
See more from Isuzu Australia at http://www.isuzu.com.au/
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Addison Lee Galaxy Is MPG Star! |
BRENTWOOD, ESSEX, 27 September 2010 - the UK's largest minicab service, Addison Lee, has swapped the trials of London traffic for a challenge of a different kind, piloting a 2.0-litre, 140PS TDCi Ford Galaxy PowerShift to stand-out fuel economy on the 2010 MPG Marathon.
Success in the MPG Marathon is judged by the improvement in economy over official, manufacturer-supplied figures. Addison Lee's Marathon Man was driver Dean Coogan, who achieved a remarkable average fuel consumption of 57.08mpg, an 21.19% improvement over the officially quoted combined fuel consumption.
"It's a bit of a change to the day job," said Dean, who honed his eco-driving skills at IAM Drive and Survive and the Smarter Driver Training course, approved by the Energy Saving Trust and Ford. "It's concentration of a different kind required here, but I drive a Galaxy every day and I know how good it is in all situations, so I'm not surprised it's capable of fantastic fuel economy."
Dean's regular Ford Galaxy is one of 1,600 operated by Addison Lee and the company is adding more 2.0-litre TDCi models to its 2,500-strong fleet.
Kevin Griffin, Director for Fleet Operations Ford of Britain said: "Every year we support the MPG marathon in a new and different way, to demonstrate the breadth of capability of Ford vehicles, across the range. The Galaxy has already been proven by Addison Lee for its quality and flexibility and now for its incredible efficiency."
See more at www.ford.co.uk |
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