About LCT Blog

Welcome to LCT Blog, LCT Magazine's blog devoted to "stretching chauffeured transportation." The LCT team appreciates you clicking in, and hopes you'll find some useful and entertaining information. Read more

Contributors

Martin Romjue

Martin Romjue joined LCT Magazine as editor on Jan. 2, 2008. He most recently worked as a business editor for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, and previously reported at newspapers in Virginia, Florida, and California. Read more

Jim Luff

Jim Luff is an operator from Bakersfield, CA who wears a few different hats. Jim began his career in the industry as a private chauffeur in 1990. In 1993 he found a permanent home at The Limousine Scene as the general manager, later becoming a partner. Read more

Tim Crowley

Tim Crowley joined LCT Magazine as a senior editor on April 22nd, 2013. He is a graduate of UCLA with an English degree, and is an experienced video production coordinator. He will be helping LCT further develop its digital media content. Read more

Denis Wilson

Denis Wilson is LCT’s East Coast Editor. His previous writing has been published by The New York Times, FastCompany.com, Fortune.com and RollingStone.com. Denis was born and raised in Upstate New York and currently resides in Philadelphia. Read more

Technology

Uber’s Growing Pains in Los Angeles

TIM CROWLEY: A report of an upset Uber driver being escorted from the company's Los Angeles headquarters underscores the importance of owner/chauffeur relationships.

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Overcoming Business Obstacles

MARTIN ROMJUE: Uber points to a much bigger challenge for the chauffeured transportation industry, and other business sectors, which extends well beyond technological change.

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Disruption or Revolution?

DENIS WILSON: As LCT reported, last week the New York City TLC was given the green light to move forward with its pilot e-hailing program. Of course, the true winners are the developers of mobile apps such as Uber. Yet, even if Uber disappeared off the face of the earth tomorrow, someone else would step in. The industry is ripe for it.

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Time to Claim (or Create) Your “Google Places” Listing

DENIS WILSON: As location-based and mobile searching increases, don’t get left behind in the Phonebook-Era.

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How to Get More Positive Online Reviews

DENIS WILSON: In the final part of my three-part series on managing online customer reviews, we look into how to earn more positive reviews.

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BMW 7 Series Update Reveals Refreshed Technology

Not only did BMW upgrade interior technology and eco-friendly engine options, it also re-engineered the chassis to offer enhanced comfort.

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Take Control of Your Online Reputation

DENIS WILSON: How online reviews really affect your business, Part 2.

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MICHAEL CAMPOS: What Do Clients Want Most?

In a recent survey, TheChauffeur.com determined what chauffeured passengers cared about most in a vehicle. Here are the results:

  • In-vehicle Wi-Fi was the most popular request from clients
  • USB and power points for tablets and smartphones were popular requests
  • Clients don’t understand soft close doors and don’t think they’re shut properly
  • 76% of operator respondents said client seat comfort was most vital requirement in a car
  • 64.4% of operator respondents said long-wheelbase models were optimal

As younger generations mature into potential chauffeured clients — business executives, brides- and grooms-to-be — their amenity requirements will follow the technological trends in the culture. Access to Internet for mobile devices and tablets, along with the ability to keep said devices charged, may eventually be expected as standard.

Do your vehicles have Wi-Fi and/or power outlets? How have clients responded to them (or the lack of them)? Please share your stories in the comments below.

SOURCE: TheChauffeur.com; Michael Campos, LCT associate editor


DENIS WILSON: Yelp Can Help — Or Hurt

ONLINE CUSTOMER REVIEWS: How do they affect your business?

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Get Your Limo Business Listed On Google For Free

Google is the web search giant whose first page resembles the Promised Land for many businesses. Brands around the world have invested billions in AdWords and SEO to get to the top of Google search results. But what if you could rank at the top…for free? You can, and all you have to do is list your business on Google Places.

The listings on Google Places are the search engine’s way of increasing the value of its local search results and Google Maps application. It’s like Google’s version of Yelp and it allows people to review and score your service. This is a great opportunity not just to get more traffic and sales leads, but also to easily monitor the conversation around your company and engage with consumers.

Here’s the information you’ll need to set up your free account:

  • Description of your business
  • Contact information
  • Company image or logo
  • Coupon or special offer you want to promote

Just visit www.google.com/places to set up your business.


Putting Testy Tesla To the Test

The recent spat between Tesla Motors and the New York Times over its road test review of the Tesla Model S Sedan does not flatter the electric vehicle maker.

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The Future Of Business Is In Your Hands


Mobile applications, such as the ILCT Show app, make it easier than ever for businesses to shift gears and accelerate profits. How? Through convenience and instant connection.

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Tesla Model S Gets Media Charge

TESLA PULLS THE PLUG ON ILCT: A batch of news stories about the Tesla Model S electric luxury sedan underscores how it attracts a lot of attention, since it is the most realistic and appealing all-electric car on the market so far. Recent articles include reviews and coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and a Bloomberg TV clip rebutting an unfavorable review in the New York Times. Unfortunately, Tesla pulled out of the International LCT Show in Las Vegas at the last minute despite arrangements being offered for test drives, a focus group and all kinds of publicity. Let's hope Tesla eventually reciprocates the interest of limousine operators, who are realizing that this truly green vehicle has the potential to compete in the premium chauffeured luxury vehicle category. According to Forbes, Tesla, "which is still fighting for credibility, has posted a loss in every quarter since its initial public offering in 2010, including a $111 million loss in the third quarter, on revenue of $50 million. In October, Tesla raised $193 million in a secondary stock offering. Success of the Model S, which ranges in price from $54,000 to more than $100,000, is seen as critical to the company’s survival." -- Martin Romjue, LCT editor


Tesla Model S Outsprints Dodge Viper SRT10


Who knew an all-electric car could beat a foe as formidable as the Dodge Viper? Not only does this car sport luxurious style and comfort, it’s got some power behind it to. Did I mention it was all-electric? It’s coming to the limo industry with an exclusive fleet program this year and test drives at next week’s 2013 ILCT Show. Read more to see the video.

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Using Social Media To Network At Industry Trade Shows

With the 2013 International LCT Show coming up, it’s a great time to go over how to use social media to enhance your experience. Read more to find out how to leverage the new 2013 International LCT Show app to organize your schedule, network with the right companies, and more.

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How to Use Facebook To Market Your Limo Biz

Latest LCT Marketing Tips shine light on five of the top factors to consider and implement when marketing chauffeured service on Facebook.

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Do Apps Have To Result In Cheapest Pricing?

VALUE VS. PRICE: If apps are used to advertise cheapest prices, then it will cheapen the limousine industry, one operator says.

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Twitter Tips For Building Your Limo Business

This month's marketing tips focus on three key factors that are necessary to understand in order to use Twitter to increase your leads and build your brand.

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JIM LUFF: GPS: The Ultimate Tattle Tale

BLOG COLUMN: We now live in an era when the chauffeured customer is NOT always right. The client has been replaced by GPS, which tells no lie.

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November LCT Takes Up Tech

TECHNOLOGY CENTRAL:

Uber, Under, Over and Out? How is Uber affecting the limousine industry? The November issue of LCT Magazine is out with a roster of the latest technology trends and updates in the chauffeured transportation and charter bus industries.

Learn how technology can boost your ROI and what tech ideas leading companies are applying to their operations. Online versions of technology features will be posted at LCTMAG.com in coming weeks, along with a gallery of vehicles from 2012 Bus Con in Chicago and a road review of the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan.

Also, check out the Publisher's Page on Department of Labor issues facing operators.

-- Martin Romjue, LCT editor 


2103 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Receives EPA Rating of 45 MPG

The new Lincoln MKZ hybrid delivers an EPA-certified 45 mpg across the board — city, highway and combined.

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Driverless Cars Legalized In California

With no need for people to operate vehicles, how can limo companies adapt to the new world of transportation?










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Manners Still Matter On Social Media

It has never before been easier for businesses to share information, insight and intimacy with consumers; it has also never been easier to offend them. Read more to learn how to avoid a social media faux pas.

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My First Encounter With The 2013 Lincoln MKT Town Car

On my trip to Chicago last week for the 2012 BusCon Expo, I had the pleasure of experiencing a new ride — the 2013 MKT Town Car.

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Windows Server 2012 Helps EmpireCLS Drive Results

EmpireCLS, the No. 1 ranked chauffeured fleet on LCT’s 2012 100 Largest Fleets List, is featured in a video that explains how the company uses Windows Server 2012 to enhance the customer experience.

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Uber Pops Up In Tampa, Charlotte For Political Conventions

The car service is setting up temporary shop in the cities hosting the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, a move influenced by repeated requests from end-users.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid Gets Priced

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid wields a 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 302 horsepower & 273 pound-feet of torque, supplemented with an electric motor rated at 27 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.






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Boston Bans Uber

The smartphone livery service app’s Boston office has received a cease and desist letter from the Division of Standards of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ordering it to stop operating in the region. Uber says it will “continue full steam ahead.” The City of Boston plans to meet with Uber representatives in “the near future.” Click to read more details.

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Uber CEO Speaks About His Disruptive Technology

For the operators who aren’t familiar with the Uber debate, this video is a good introduction to how the technology works and why it’s causing a stir.

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The New Marketing Toolkit

Have you ever wondered how using social media can engage prospects and convert them into clients? LCT’s revamped Marketing Tips page will walk you through the steps.








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Lincoln Launches Configurator Tool For 2013 MKZ

Operators can visit Lincoln's website and build their own virtual 2013 MKZ sedan, which starts at $35,925, excluding $875 for delivery charges. Adding and subtracting features reflect on the estimated total price, which is a good way to forecast potential profit margins. The hybrid powertrain comes at no additional cost.


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A New Threat To The Industry: SideCar

A new smartphone application threatens the industry by allowing non-professional drivers in un-permitted vehicles to transport passengers and collect a fare.

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What Would Chauffeurs Do In Auto-Pilot Vehicles?

CADILLAC XTS MAY BE SELF-DRIVING BY 2015:

A self-driving vehicle may sound scary at first, but then it's just one step beyond one with cruise control and GPS navigation. Cadillac, which just brought a livery version of the XTS sedan to market, may have an auto-pilot version within a few years. Chauffeurs will still be needed, since meet, greet, and baggage help are part of the job -- and it is doubtful any client, no matter how adventurous, would step alone into the ground transportation equivalent of a remote-programmed drone.

But in a world with self-driving vehicles, would it be acceptable to text and drive? Could chauffeurs and clients alike work on laptops and gadgets while the smart-tech limo maneuvered to a pre-determined destination? Hands-free driving could be liberating in many ways. -- Martin Romjue, LCT editor 


Bad Vibrations: XTS Gets Ready To Rumble Drivers

SAY WHAT? The Cadillac XTS chauffeur seat will feature directional tactile sensations that generate vibrating pulse patterns.





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JIM LUFF: Is The Force With You?

Limos.com proves to be an asset when pursuing referrals and leads.

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Build Your Brand With “Social” Service

Operators whose companies are set up on location-based social networking sites likes Foursquare can build brand recognition in their local markets and create incentives to generate repeat riders.


Here's how.






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What Happens In The Limo, Stays In the Limo?

Operators who have had celebrities, professional athletes, politicians, high-powered executives or other VIPs as their clients are well aware of the challenges of protecting their privacy while chauffeuring them around, especially with trigger-happy paparazzi all over the place. Well, a solution may finally have arrived.














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My Smooth Ride In A Hybrid Fusion L

With nearly 95% of the legroom and MORE headroom than the Town Car Executive L, the Royale-built Hybrid L Fusion was a nice ride from O’Hare to Downtown Chicago.

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Can Smartphones Increase Fuel Efficiency?

New software uses smartphone cameras to predict the timing of traffic lights and advise drivers on adjusting their speed.

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Audi Goes Green With A8 Hybrid

Early estimates place the upcoming Audi A8 hybrid at 37 mpg – far above the Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid’s 19-city/25-highway mpg, BMW ActiveHybrid7i’s 17/24 and Lexus LS600h L’s 19/23.

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EcoBoost: Explorer Most Fuel-Efficient 7-Pax SUV

With its 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the two-wheel-drive Ford Explorer gets 28 mpg on the highway.

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NEW VIDEO of Electric Luxury Sedan

A sneak peak of Tesla’s Model S prototype cruising around a test track, and a new study on electric-car GHG emissions with surprising results.

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YOU Are Liable For Employee Tech Negligence

If an accident is caused by an employee’s cell phone use, employers are liable for the resulting damages and may even be liable for workers’ comp.

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JIM LUFF: Are You Prepared For A Computer Crash?

Digital Drama: A birthday celebration is marred by a computer disaster.

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Are You Safe In The Cloud?

Cloud computing is a major technological breakthrough because of its potential to save costs and reduce the hassle of having in-house computer servers. It would also allow companies to access and use back-office software from anywhere, as the cloud can host business documents, files, and accounts, among other things. But just how safe is your data in the cloud?

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Ford Details Engine Advances

V-6 WILL BE THE NEW V-8? Just as health and nutrition improvements can make age 60 feel like the new 40; 50 as the new 30, etc., the concept can be applied to engine power. A recent LCT test of the Lincoln MKS proved this point; we at first thought we were driving a V-8, but it was a V-6 with EcoBoost. Ford Motor Co. this month details its new engine, transmission, and powertrain advances, which point to a future of enhanced performance via efficient and smart technologies. -- Martin Romjue, LCT editor   


Could Tesla Luxury Sedan Electrify Future Limo World?

Tesla Motors' all-electric Model S Sedan offers “luxurious space, seating for five adults and two children, and a second cargo area under the hood,” all of which come on top of the fact that the car uses zero gas and releases zero emissions.

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Mercedes-Benz Aims For MAX Luxury

NEXT-GEN S-550: The industry's premium luxury sedan will undergo key technological and stylistic changes for the 2013 MODEL YEAR. Luxury vehicles keep getting better and more efficient, so we may not be headed into a smaller vehicle world after all. -- Martin Romjue, LCT editor 


Autonomous Autos: “Knight Rider” Is No Longer Fiction

Thanks to the wonderful technology of today, businesses can automate processes to become more efficient and cut costs, which is particularly vital in the current economic climate. But technology only goes so far, right? There are certain things that a computer can never do, like drive a car, right?

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Can Technology Redefine “Designated Driver”?

With most of my friends partying to commemorate Cinco de Mayo (doing business as Cinco de Drinko) and bombing my phone with text messages about how lame I was for staying home and having an early night, I wondered how many of them were riding with a designated driver and how many planned to drive themselves home...

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New Photos of Batmobile-esque Luxury Superbus

Last month, LCT reported on the 23-passenger, 155mph LUXURY ELECTRIC SUPERBUS that was showcased at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East convention in Dubai, and NEW PHOTOS AND VIDEO have recently been released.
Developed by former Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels and former BMW-Williams Formula 1 team aerodynamics expert Antonia Terzi, the Superbus is constructed with ultra-light carbon fiber material and is powered by an electric motor backed up by lithium polymer batteries. The project began in 2004 and has thus far cost around $19 million. The interior features television, internet access, and air bags fitted for each passenger.
The developers said the Superbus is likely to go into service in the United Arab Emirates if it passes government inspections. -- Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor


TECH @ LCT.COM

OCTOBER LCT:

By now, you should have your copies of the October issue of LCT Magazine and realize we've devoted pages of ink and paper to the latest technology trends, products, and services. Of course, we can get away with that since we've also featured several articles on LCTMAG.COM, with more to come later this month.

The first round of FEATURED ARTICLES include:

A TECH PRODUCT SAMPLER; why GPS IS FOR EVERYONE; the TOP 5 TECH MISTAKES that operators make; and how to SAFELY GO ZOOM.

The relevance of technology was brought home during the LCT Leadership Summit last week where I hosted a technology panel with experts from Event Ground Global, ZoomSafer, EnterpriseGPS, and the ever-present LIMOS.COM. The point being that technology has become so cheap and accessible, you can't do without it if you want to survive and get out ahead.

We've also posted a new WEB POLL QUESTION, and are expecting a last minute wave of OPERATOR OF THE YEAR submissions, due Oct. 15. And it's never to early to get ready for the global industry extravaganza of the year: the 2011 INTERNATIONAL LCT SHOW.

-- Martin Romjue, LCT editor 


Company Offers Alternative To DriveCam

SAY HELLO TO I-DRIVE X1: In January, I called upon technology entrepreneurs to bring a product to market to serve an industry abruptly abandoned by DriveCam. The product has arrived!

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How's The NYTLC Cell Phone Ban Doing?

INDUSTRY PLUG?

The New York Post couldn't have run a better "AD/PROMO" for the luxury limousine and black car industries.

Tip to the NYTLC: A good chauffeur knows how and when to safely use a Bluetooth/hands-free phone. -- M.R.


JIM LUFF: Paying Double for Online Leads?

DONE DEALS? Price conscious shoppers using multiple online limo finder services can cost you big money to get the sale as you pay for the same lead to multiple brokers.

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Motorcoach Company Thrives Through Recession

HIGH-TECH SOLUTIONS: Technology can help a fleet stay up to date and span the generations of clients, as this Indiana operator shows.


Gary Bauer Commuter Buses Featured In WSJ

BAUER'S INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION of San Francisco has carved out a cutting-edge niche with its Wi-Drive WiFi equipped luxury commuter motorcoaches, which are a success among Bay Area commuters wanting to work on the way to and from work while being a bit greener. The service is featured in today's Wall Street Journal under the headline Hailing A Luxury Ride To The Office.


Wi-Fi Technology In Limos?

SERVICE ENHANCEMENT: As the chauffeured transportation industry increasingly invests in more sophisticated technologies, will Wi-Fi service in vehicles become the next major amenity for traveling clients? Some U.S. companies have experimented with varying degrees of success, but operators find most clients either prefer talking on cell phones, don't have the time on short runs to use the Wi-Fi, and/or use individual connectivty solutions such as broadband cards in their laptops. -- M.R.  


JIM LUFF: DriveCam No Longer Wants Us

DRIVE AWAY CAM: Whether by design or via a business model that wasn’t very well thought out, DriveCam has made it clear they don’t want to do business with our industry.

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Using Your Database To Its Fullest

INFO MINING: There are MANY WAYS TO MARKET when you have a solid database of customer and potential client contacts. It's all a matter of asking the right questions and tracking the answers through sophisticated software.


What Is The Worst Driver Distraction?

LEARN about one of the unsafest uses of technology behind the wheel. . .

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Bauer's Sets Tech Savvy Eco-Trend For Industry

CHAUFFEURED FUTURE IS HERE: At least in the San Francisco Bay Area, where operator Gary Bauer's Bauer's Intelligent Transportation is wowing clients with the cutting edge combo of: 1) Greener group ground transportation; 2) Technical offerings and conveniences that make a bus ride better than a plane trip. LATEST PROFILE HERE.


OCTOBER LCT: Tech On Your Side

PREVIEW: October is technology month at LCT Magazine, and although we are combining our October and November print issues this year, there's no reason to wait on technology information that can help you better run your business. See posted monthly features below.

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Will the new LED lighting technology change interiors of limousines?

The New York Times reported this week that new technology in LED lighting is intriguing lighting designers.  LED’s have long been used in limousines for twinkle ceilings and other star like effects.  The new technology OLED’s create light in sheets rather then points and can even be made flexible.  The new technology when integrated into limousine interiors will take designs to the next dimension.  Visionaries may be even able to create rolling advertisements in light for companies within the window panes.  OLED technology is currently being used in cell phones.  The panels are only .07 of an inch thick and give off very little heat.  Keep your eye on new designs of limousines coming out at the 2010 ILCT show for integration of this new technology.  Which manufacture will be the first to bring it to life?  Be there to see.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/technology/07bulb.html?th&emc=th

 


Have You Forgotten How To Focus?

MULTI-TASKING = MANGLED RESULTS: With cell phones, IMs, Blackberrys, and laptops available to stay plugged in 24/7, who's got time to just focus on one thing at a time? Actually, the truly successful businesspeople do. The rest allow technology to make them think they can do it all while in reality coming off as hopeless half-taskers. This online column by a veteran Southern California businessman and entrepreneur offers some helpful advice. -- M.R. 


Everything You Should Know/See About LCTmag.com

WEB NEWS: Here's the latest on LCT's website LCTmag.com:
-Three new important industry channel pages are starting up: Finance & Insurance, Technology, and Driving Green, and more are in the works.
-eTrader will soon be added, and is a great place to purchase and market chauffeured transportation vehicles.
-Visit the website for daily news (especially on Wednesday when the weekly Driving Force e-newsletter goes out, and which has been getting really good in the past month) and regular feature article additions.
-Take the Web Poll and give LCT timely feedback on industry issues of great concern.
-Ask Dr. Limo to cure fleet maintenance and repair problems giving you a headache.
-See photos from LCT events (some cool ones from the Vegas show are up now) and links to all of these exciting upcoming destinations.
-A section on LimoCentric (which you should know something about, being here now).
-Links to important industry associations for chauffeured transportation and charter and tour operators (recently added).

Some of this you can see now, some will be taking shape soon.  -- Jon LeSage