A while back, I was searching for a new car and came across a model that appealed to me: a Hyundai i40. The design was distinctive, the technology was modern, and most importantly, the price was reasonable. I visited the Hyundai dealership in person to test-drive the vehicle, and was surprised by how much information the salesman gave me about the car and its features before I had even made a single purchase decision.
The Hyundai dealership’s approach was not at all traditional. Usually, salespeople try to close a sale as soon as possible and move on to the next customer. Not at all the case at this location. In fact, the car salesman spent more time educating me about the place and show method than he did trying to sell me a new vehicle. I was impressed.
What is place and show, you ask? Essentially, it’s a method of presenting and selling that focuses on building a bridge between customers and products. Essentially, it’s about creating lasting value for both sides, rather than a one-way sales pitch. It’s also about involving the customer in the decision-making process and creating a long-lasting relationship through personalized service.
If you’re unfamiliar, Uber launched in Europe several years ago and has since exploded in popularity. Before the pandemic, many people would meet with Uber drivers to discuss upcoming trips. The drivers would listen and then customize the itinerary based on what customers wanted. This level of service is what made Uber so valuable — the ability to provide a personal connection to a trusted entity that customers could rely on.
Prior to the pandemic, many people would meet with Uber drivers to discuss upcoming trips. The drivers would listen and then customize the itinerary based on what customers wanted.
What will emerge from the pandemic, however, is a shift to more efficient means of transport. As people become more cautious about being out social, the need for a flexible, personal vehicle such as an Uber drops off. People are realizing that they can’t depend on others to transport them reliably and safely. As a result, traditional car dealerships are struggling, and with good reason.
Since the pandemic began, I’ve become much more mindful about how I use Uber. I won’t hesitate to call an Uber whenever I need one, but I will often choose a traditional mode of transport if there’s an option available.
Why Should You Care About Place and Show?
Customers have spoken, and the market share for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft is soaring. In fact, according to Statista, as of August 2022 there are about 6.52 million active Uber users worldwide. If you’re running a business, you might want to consider exploring a ride-sharing strategy, especially if you want to remain competitive.
Digital Nomads
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a digital nomad yourself or work remotely for a digital nomad. If so, you’ll certainly know the struggle of balancing work and life. In the pursuit of flexibility, you might be tempted to join the growing number of freelancers, consultants, and contractors who are bucking the trend and carving out a more sustainable lifestyle working remotely. You’ll likely encounter many upsides to a digital nomad lifestyle, including the ability to work remotely, spend more time with your family, and travel more often.
One of the biggest challenges of being a digital nomad, however, is the need to keep your clients up-to-date on what you’re working on while traveling. Letting your clients know when you’ll have some free time so that they can contact you is the easiest way to keep your freelancing business afloat. This, in turn, can lead you to more work and keep you from being able to take regular breaks — unless, of course, you want to do that.
Being a digital nomad is appealing, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the most significant concerns for most freelancers is the ability to keep up with the demand while on the move. To address this, you might want to try and set up some remote client work stations in the places you visit so that you can get work done when you need it, even if it’s just for a few hours. This way, you’ll ensure that you’ll always have work to do and won’t run out of ideas.
Freelancing is a great way to keep your business afloat during these tough times, and with the right approach, you might just make it to the other side alive. Even if you choose to continue working remotely, you’ll no doubt find ways to integrate your trips into your working life. Visiting towns and cities you’ve heard of or been to before will no doubt hold a special place in your heart, but don’t forget about the places you’ve never even heard of that might also turn out to be spectacular. Your list of must-visit spots could change, but it will always be personal — because that’s how you know it’s from your heart.