No Games Experience

2011 Fiesta - UnRapped

2010-02-19T11:43:00.009-04:00

A candid look beyond the green wrapper.

Here's another cool link (below) to a candid review and videos (Paul is a 20-something web developer, tech addict and car nut living in Atlanta).

CLICK HERE
(Link to Paul's Blog)

If you'd like to know when the first Fiesta will arrive - just give us a call.

No Games.
www.riverviewford.ca

Give Yourself Permission

2010-01-08T17:01:00.001-04:00

Why not try something new?

Seriously, what’s holding you back?

Riverview Ford Lincoln
www.riverviewford.ca

You Don't Need a Red Cape

2009-12-18T14:49:00.008-04:00

Everyday you likely rub shoulders with real heroes.

Most impressive are the women who act with incredible courage by escaping domestic violence and abuse. For many, it boils down to the simple fact that they have a safe place to go.

It’s just one of the reasons why we admire and celebrate the dedication of Fredericton’s Women in Transition House. For the last 30 years they’ve provided over 6300 women and children with emotional and physical refuge.

The remaining applause falls to everyday people who contribute their time and financial support to a cause that changes people’s lives for the better. While most remain behind the scenes doing what they can, you’ll find others raising awareness in the news. From students at UNB’s Neville/Jones House, to women like Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Velma Whelan who serve as an inspiration for others.

And while real heroes don’t leap from tall buildings - you will find them offering their support when it's needed most.

If you can, please give.

Women in Transition House
Call: 506.459.2300
Email: transhouse@nb.aibn.com

Riverview Ford Lincoln
www.riverviewford.ca

Every Day's an Audition

2009-12-11T09:20:00.001-04:00

Doreena was simply doing what she has always done. But for Katie and her family, it was something they will always remember.

We’re willing to bet that Doreena not only has a lot of friends, she’s also one of the most respected people in her workplace.

Forget about the job title, years of service or pay scales – at the end of the day that stuff all means nothing to the customer.

We think its simple - great people find ways to serve others. They’re not motivated by the notion that someone will notice and tell them how fabulous they are – or give them that promotion.

It’s been our experience that great people are defined not by what they say but by the little things they do each and every day.

There are "two kinds" of people in the world....

People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.” - Mark Twain

Givers and the Takers. The difference between the two is that the Takers eat well, and the Givers sleep well.” - Joy Mills

People who do the work and others who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there. - Indira Gandhi

Those who go ahead and do something - and those who sit and inquire, "Why wasn't it done the other way?" - Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr.

People who walk into a room and say, "Hear I am" - and those who say, "Ah, there you are!" - Abigail Van Buren

Which one are you?

Riverview Ford Lincoln
http://www.riverviewford.ca/

In Muriel's Footsteps

2009-12-01T15:27:00.006-04:00

In the spirit of embracing change, Muriel McQueen Ferguson has inspired generations of women to take the lead in driving social change and speak out against family volence.

Margot Fransen, co-founder of The Body Shop Canada is one of those women. As the keynote for the 2009 Muriel McQueen Ferguson Foundation Gala, held recently at the Delta Fredericton, she inspired us with her passion for creating a better world in which to live, work and play.

We were particularly impressed with her “Profits with Principles” approach for doing business. Her conviction and humility made it easy to see the value of her work and spoke to the impact that private business can have within a community.

Perhaps the words of Margot Fransen, “be bold, be daring, be different, be caring” can serve as the foundation for improving our own self-worth.

Not an easy feat, but one that can be achieved if people have the commitment to take a stand.

“There are still areas to be conquered and battles to be won.” Muriel McQueen Ferguson

www.riverviewford.ca

Substance is Refreshing

2009-11-20T10:00:00.008-04:00

Yes, in the land of sweet temptation nothing gets our hearts racing like the irresistible scent of chocolate.

But when it comes to people we’ll take substance everyday of the week.

That’s why we admire and salute two New Brunswick women who reflect the true spirit of putting the needs of others before themselves.

When you think of people who exemplify leadership, remember the names Diane Ganong and Leah Secord.

In a world where most people seem self-absorbed with looks, fashion and material goods - their contribution is even more impressive than it may have been 10 or 15 years ago.

Won’t you please give your mouse a ‘double-click’ to this year’s Red Cross Humanitarian Award recipients.

Thank you for the inspiration ladies!

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

Be Yourself

2009-11-10T10:36:00.005-04:00

In business, as in life, we often compare and measure ourselves to others - sometimes your competitors will copy what you do. People say that it’s the highest form of compliment - we think it’s a cop out.

Just like in life - you need to dig deep to find yourself and have the courage to keep it real - even if it means not giving into the safety of the mainstream.

People everywhere are tired of pretenders.

Maybe it’s one of the reasons why people like Ellen Degeneres have captured the hearts of millions.

If you can do only one great thing today - be yourself.

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. E.E. Cummings

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

Driving the Immunity Factor

2009-11-03T13:34:00.010-04:00

0% Financing. Cash Back. 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee!

See just a few of the credibility issues people face as consumers?

Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s just Car Companies who spend most of their time chest thumping to get attention - almost all retailers do it.

We call it the IMMUNITY FACTOR - the moment an entire industry has finally frustrated you to the point where you tune-out.

If you think about it, almost all of us know what is really being communicated.

Monster Sale is really saying - “You won’t get our best price on a normal day.”

0% Financing is really saying - “The Cash Back promo is done”.

60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee is really saying – “The small print will make your head spin.”

So here’s the question - how does a business build credibility?

One thing seems certain, Blow up Gorillas don’t seem to help anyone.

“It might be a hard pill to swallow - but sometimes you have to admit your industry is sick before you can figure out how to get better.” Unknown

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

What Do Women Really Think?

2009-10-20T16:12:00.006-03:00

What do women really think about car salesmen?

Be forewarned - it ain’t pretty and it requires some politically incorrect language.

Instead we’ll sum up the stereotypical experience in one quick video. AND it will only seem exaggerated if you’re male.

What do women really want? Simple - to be treated like your very best customer.

Forget how you grew up, the Stepford Wife mentality - the relentless conditioning you undergo everyday you are exposed to the media.

Scoff all you want - it may be harder to do than you think.

Our bottom line?

We’d rather admit imperfection, and work to improve.

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

The Avis Manifesto

2009-10-13T09:51:00.010-03:00

As we proudly hoisted this year’s Reader’s Choice Silver Award; we couldn’t help but ask ourselves…“Who came first?”

It was a natural reaction.

BUT – if we’ve learned anything from great companies like Avis, being #2 is not bad.

You may have a ways to go - but stay focused and you'll get there.

Just like The Avis Manifesto states, the No. 1 attitude is: “Don’t do the wrong thing. Don’t make mistakes and you’ll be O.K.”

The No. 2 attitude is: “Do the right thing. Look for new ways. Try harder.”

Regardless of the goal - it starts with the right attitude.

In your experience, who’s hungrier to improve? --- The winner -- OR the runner up?

Thank-you Fredericton!

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." Michael Jordan

Riverview Ford Lincoln - http://www.riverviewford.ca/

No Need to Ask

2009-10-06T09:36:00.009-03:00

IT’S TRUE - most of us survive life by pummeling through our never-ending deluge of to-do lists, demands and deadlines.

That’s why RUN FOR THE CURE inspires.

It’s become a yearly snapshot when almost everyone you know seems be somehow, in their own authentic way, intent on making a contribution.

It provides a rare moment when people stop and simply allow the human spirit take over. No one is dragged, cajoled or guilted into participating - in fact the majority of people are never even asked to help - they just do it.

Thankfully for all of us, there is no cure for the human spirit.

"Don't underestimate me, and what I can do."
Judith Pleasant

Riverview Ford Lincoln - http://www.riverviewford.ca/

Nowhere to Hide

2009-09-29T09:17:00.008-03:00

At times all of us will wear a mask to hide our flaws or fears. Its part of an instinctive survival mechanism that we see in others around us, and even in business.

That’s why we applaud a business that doesn’t aspire to be like everyone else in their category. It speaks to a certain type of customer and helps them understand what THAT business stands against.

As their website clearly states, they don’t have fancy machines, mirrors, tanning beds or protein shakes. There are no TVs, magazines or even a lounge area.

AND the most surprising thing of all? People are seriously HAPPY.

How can something so demanding and painful some days, make me feel so alive and so happy? Jane M.

It's been a crazy adventure - going from absolutely no fitness history to where I am now. You guys have brought me from spending time "existing" to living life to its fullest. Scott M.

It doesn't matter where you are in your level of fitness; we are all there for each other. Megan F.

But if hard work is not your thing - look elsewhere - this is not a place for people looking for a quick fix. You’ve got nowhere to hide.

Word on the street is that the true success of this local business hinges on one thing - their ability to create a network of engaged people.

You may ask yourself what a car dealer could possibly learn from a business like CrossFit Fredericton - we think it’s obvious.

Strip away the hype, excuses and distractions and only then will you discover what’s important - AND, only then will the people who matter most know your true value.

What untapped potential might you be unconsciously hiding?

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

Have Men Really Changed?

2009-09-22T08:16:00.007-03:00

Fast facts from research presented at this years M2W conference don’t answer the question “Have men really changed?” (likely because it’s a rhetorical one at best). BUT they do shed some staggering insight into the growth, wealth and influence of women in today’s marketplace.

Here are just a few of the stats that may come as a shock to you:

Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases including everything from autos to health care:

· 91% of New Homes
· 66% PCs
· 92% Vacations
· 80% Healthcare
· 65% New Cars
· 89% Bank Accounts
· 93% Food
· 93 % OTC Pharmaceuticals

In fact, if you see a line-up of men buying paint at your local department store - don’t assume for one second that it was their idea to get out of bed early on a Saturday morning so they could beat the rush!

Furthermore women tend to research purchases more thoroughly and know what they want before they shop - especially when they’re large ticket items like cars. Given their investment of time and energy to clarify expectations – it likely won’t come as a surprise that 74% of women feel misunderstood when it comes to automotive marketers and car dealers?

Although it’s largely unintentional, sometimes what we inadvertently communicate to the most influential shopper in the showroom - might just surprise us all.

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

Quit Before You Start

2009-09-15T08:32:00.010-03:00

Growing up, you likely heard the words “Stick with it” - “Give it time” - “DON’T QUIT” many times over.

And while that advice likely strengthened your character - it also may have conditioned us to lower our expectations.

As a customer, would YOU return to a store if the best you got from its staff was indifference?

BELIEVE it or not, we probably would. Due in large part to the fact that we’ve experienced mediocrity and indifference so many times that we accept them as the norm.

That’s when the light came on for Tony Hsieh, who led Zappos.com, an internet retail company, from 1.6 million to 1 billion in sales in just eight years.

Zappos.com has become best in the world at WOWING its customers. And it all begins by bribing new trainees to QUIT.

That's right - QUIT.

After one week at Zappos you can walk out the door $2000 dollars in hand - no strings attached.

“At Zappos.com, customer service is everything. In fact, it's the entire company. We've been asked by a lot of people how we've grown so quickly, and the answer is actually really simple... We've aligned the entire organization around one mission: to provide the best customer service possible. Internally, we call this our WOW philosophy.” Tony Hsieh

In your passion to exceed expectations - what are YOU prepared to quit?

"There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” Sam Walton

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

The Flop that Flabbergasted

2009-09-08T08:03:00.017-03:00

Moments before 21-year-old Dick Fosbury broke the Olympic high jump record at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City – the world held its breath, and track and field traditionalists were aghast.

Fosbury didn’t rely on the common ‘forward role’ or ‘scissor kick’ technique - instead he did it all backwards.

He not only won the Gold Medal, but revolutionized a sport with an approach that became known as the Fosbury Flop.

Fosbury's meteoric rise to notoriety also sparked a raging debate over his radical approach to the bar. “Most of the elite athletes had invested so much time in their technique and movements that they didn't want to give it up, so they stuck with what they knew".

THERE'S a lot that business can learn from people like Dick Fosbury. Especially if we hope to find a better way to serve our communities and customers.

One thing is crystal clear - it all starts and ends with the person you see in the mirror. We simply need to ask ourselves, "What is possible?" and not, "What is somebody else doing?"

By challenging assumptions, we literally raise the bar for everyone.

"Some men look at things the way they are and ask why? I dream of things that are not and ask why not?" - Robert Kennedy

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca

Blake, get serious!

2009-09-01T08:00:00.026-03:00

“Blake, get serious - you’re just going to give them away?”

These words likely echoed through more than a few corporate hallways as people talked about TOMS shoes founder, Blake Mycoskie in 2006.

Many shoebiz CEOs likely had a good laugh.

Fast forward to 2009 - who would have dreamed that Mycoskie's determination and a paltry $300,000 personal investment - would change the way the world thinks about shoes?

Fueled by more than 2,000,000 (over 2 million!) raving facebook fans, and skyrocketing shoe sales, TOMS will give away 50,000 pairs of shoes this year alone.

I sell your shoes at Nordstrom. I'm sure you get like 8 million messages a day, but I just wanted to tell you that I think it's amazing what you're doing. I feel blessed to be able to sell your shoes, and take part in what you're doing. I'm truly inspired. Thank you.

Oh… and that $300,000 personal investment? Well, it's burgeoned into $45 Million in annual sales.

Hat’s off (and shoes on) to Blake and his team for once again reminding us that we can learn from a group of like-minded individuals who are focused on doing the right thing.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

(TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple promise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what TOMS is all about.)

Riverview Ford Lincoln - www.riverviewford.ca