Happy Friday! This is one of the few Fridays that you might be counting down the minutes until Sunday. Because...SUPER BOWL SUNDAY. Whether you're in it for the Patriots, Lady Gaga, or the snacks, enjoy an action-packed Sunday!
And now for some weekly news that will make you smile.
SPORTS
35 Is The New 25
Roger Federer and Serena Williams showed the world that you don’t need to be a spring chicken to compete. Both players won the men and women’s Australian Open respectively this weekend. That makes 18 Grand Slams for Federer, who recently took 6 months off for knee surgery. Serena takes the cake with 23 Grand Slams, slaying her sis Venus to get there!
BACK TO THE FUTURE
California Keeps It Real With Self-Driving Cars
California DMV just released a report that could shed some light on the progress and problems with self-driving cars from 11 companies. The gist of it? The reports reveal how many times a driver had to disengage with the auto drive feature and take control of the wheel. Google (called Waymo) and General Motors lead the way logging hundreds of miles before having to disengage. The reports aren’t perfect, consistent, or even scientific for that matter, but they do indicate a step in the right direction for keeping companies accountable and transparent as they make gains in this new technology.
FOR SALES PROS
Sales Tips From A Sixth Grader
How would you like to increase sales over 3600 percent? Try taking a page out of Charlotte McCourt’s sales play book. This sixth grader wanted to raise more girl scout cookie sales to donate to U.S. military members so she pitched her father’s millionaire friend with a clever and honest letter. She gave each cookie a rating with an original description. Insider tip? Don’t purchase the Toffee-tastic which is “a bleak, flavorless, gluten-free wasteland." Charlotte added, "I'm telling you…it tastes like dirt." When all else fails, try an honest approach to win the trust and respect of your prospects.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING
Facebook Cashes In
The social media giant is getting a lot more attention than usual these days. Increased user time on the platform in December led to a demand for space, and Facebook capitalized on the opportunity, growing ad revenue 53 percent in the December quarter (CNBC.com). Why so popular? The controversy over November’s election could likely have something to do with it.
Want to learn more about how to incorporate social media into your marketing plan? Here's a free guide.
