rld

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HARVEYS
HARVEYS
NEXT COLUMN
Dr. David W. Harvey
BSc (Hons), Phd, Consultant Welding Metallurgist Eclipse Welding Metallurgy,
Advanced Metal Joining Technology, Filler Material Selection and Development,
Consultancy & Business Support,Metallurgy and Welding Engineering Services,
Technical Writing, Consultant to VBC Group Ltd, Gas Turbine Component Welding
Please-e-mail me your ideas at: joanneharvey28@btinternet.com
Telephone: 01792 404434 . Mobile: 0776 8004701
PEDs-Personal Electronic Devices are an essential part of our business tool kit now. Consequently power is
made available for plug in on trains, planes, airports and service stations. On planes the power socket is below
the seat and supplies on average an adequate 80 watts.
Popular PEDs include the sought -after iPads & iPhones which are
reliable, fast and with hundreds of Apps, are exceedingly versatile.
Emailing, texting, mobile phoning and web browsing via Wi-Fi and G3
dongles extend the scope of flexible working whilst on the move. The
office is now able to travel with us on the same journey. With high car
fuel costs, slow motorway journeys and difficult parking- this flexible
sales and marking support using PEDs is ever more cost effective.
The rapid growth of the popular touch-screen iPad usage has been a
severe challenge to Acer and other laptop suppliers, whose sales have
rapidly declined. The iPad is also the death knell of underperforming
10” netbooks, which have never really been popular.
Tablet computers such as the iPad, ebook -electronic book reader and
smart phone all constitute the post PC era. The 10”-Netbook has quickly
been superseded by the faster and simpler-to use iPad tablet. There
are 65,000 applications available from the Apps Store to enhance
performance and utility of iPad tables. With longer life batteries, lightweight
construction, and enhanced performance these are now the
new business computers. There are no moving parts since storage is
solid state, making the devices more rugged and faster. So for email,
browsing, database logging and communicating, tablets have become
vital business accessories. All of the writer’s colleagues use iPhones
and iPad tablets.
We are all part of the second major internet revolution where smart
‘phones and tablet computers with 24 hour fast connections and
unlimited data sourcing and communication access provide resources
that were unthought-of just a few years ago. See www.ipsos-mori.com
- for scope.
Dynamics of Sales & Marketing
The fact that one in three high street shops have closed in many towns,
shows the folly of out-of-touch town councils not providing affordable
and convenient parking or making the town centres attractive. This has
led retail shoppers to trade by web services and to visit distant plazas.
Similarly, our customers will trade elsewhere unless we shine like
beacons in the dross. It demonstrates the dynamics of sales and
marketing and how we all must adjust our business practices to
survive.
Recent AWD AGM, exhibition and week-end networking
activities at the magnificent & ancient Crewe Hall
AWD has evolved its structure and services to an impressive level and
the trade association is an even more significant asset to its
membership. This was a valuable and creative week-end exhibition
and set of top professional meetings well attended by keen and
enthusiastic members. The spectrum of welding industry services and
products on offer through the membership is ultra modern and far
ranging. The leaderships’ volunteer directors & executive together with
the very capable Sovereign Services make an impressive team and the
AWD continues to be a significant and professional benefit to its
membership. Do visit the new AWD website, www.awd.org.uk and do
consider being an active part of this important Trade Association.
Check all of the valuable website links. A talk from a senior technical
director of the BCGA- British Compressed Gas Association about gas
cylinders, especially acetylene in fire situations was very informative.
Strong members make a strong organisation. Your trade association is
very dynamic and focused and it helps to underpin the businesses that
are part of the metal joining and engineering industry.
WELL-BEING AND BEING VALUED
Many businesses have programmes of mentoring and coaching and
in-work teaching of their staff. This promotes well-being and a sense
of being valued as well as improving efficiency, enthusiasm and
product and service knowledge. It is another way to stay as a market
leader. See Clutterbuck Associates. to be continued in next issue...