Everything we know in life has a lifecyle. Whether it's our experience on the planet, a garden, energy, or products and services, everything has a begining and an end. Consider, that that end is even a new begining. http://www.pittsburghpost-gazette.com/pg/09118/966024-28.stm

In the case of Pontiac, a company that came into the automobile scene in the 1920's,  will no longer be sold after the 2010 model year. A good friend of mine sold his Pontiac dealership three summers ago as he saw shifts in his customer base and business. He was smart, as 20-20 would indicate.

No matter, an end of lifecyles can be a sad time. Even if it was inevitable, overdue and predictable. Business and real people - as well as those who are brand loyalists - will be impacted, or, already are.

With a proliferation of aytomobile brands there was no place for Pontiac. With the proliferation of styles and brands on top of a worldwide recession precedented by gasoline at $3.50 - $4.00 a gallon, tipping points were reached. Pontiac is not alone. Hummer, Saturn will be shortly -- we can actually remember when those brands launched. Just like in life, some lifecyles are longer than others. Some get to 20 years while others approach 90.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/annefleming

Anne

What determines or makes a person extraordinary? Moments ago, during her introduction on stage, just before she opened her mouth, she was so ordinary.

This woman, Susan Boyle, who has lived on the planet for 47 years, who took care of her mother until a year or so ago, appears to be the polar opposite of how we live today. In the world of wearing makeup at 10 years of age, photo re-touching, Botox and augmentations, in the world of me-me-me (and always) me first, Susan represents a throwback to a different time; to a different cultural model.  

Are we so cynical and uneasy simply because of her looks? Are we embarrassed because someone ‘like that’ shouldn’t be on stage? Do we snicker because of her broad shoulders and natural colored hair? Perhaps. Yet, within seconds after she begins to sing on Britain’s Got Talent < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY> we all immediately begin to transform our immediate judgments to see and recognize her beauty; her extraordinariness. All of us, each and every one of us from all walks of life, have our own ‘Susan Boyle’ moments.

We know - and remember - what it was really like to be laughed at. We know - and remember - how we tried to fit in. We know – and remember- our everyday ordinariness. How life or a job just seemed stuck, fixed and permanent.   

We also remember the time we did something, something simple or big, for another, for a stranger or for a community. We experienced the ‘other side’ of a Susan Boyle transformative moment. When we were recognized. When someone thanked us. When we sacrified our life in the line of duty. When we simply held a door open for a stranger. Or, stayed a few extra moments and chilled with our aging grandmother. When, during rush hour, we pulled over on the highway and changed a flat tire for a young couple. Or, when we made 30 million people weep with our voice. In one moment, the difference we made shifted other's experience of us from ordinary to extraordinary. 

We actually revel and delight in seeing others’ moments. Whether it’s private or on national TV. It inspires us and gives us the goosies. 

I assert there are moments everyday, in all of our rush and resignation; where all we have to do is LOOK. Breathe and look. And we will see the extraordinary Susan Boyle in others and in ourselves.  

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/annefleming

You know you do it. You are riding in your car jamming to XM radio and “your new most favorite song” comes on. You love this song, and no, it’s not ‘Your Song’ by Elton John.

It’s 'your song', the-one-that-you-don’t-really-know-all-the-words-to-but- that-is-never-gonna-stop-you-from-belting-it-out-in-your-car-like-you-are-some-kinda-hot rap-rock-star-jamming-at-the-mike-for-your-40,000-fans. 

Only there is one slight problem. When we don’t really have no idea the words that the artist is singing, do we stop singing? I think not! We simply make up some word(s) of our own. And then, even after we are corrected, say by a good, dear friend, sister or relative, who hear us sing those words, and laugh their heads off at us... we continue using the words we made up. Over and over. Here are some of my favorites.

Virgin, Virgin, it’s an emergency…sing to ‘Urgent’ by Foreigner

My Eyes of Georgia …sing to “My Eyes Adored You” by Isaac Hayes

You can Play Secretary on My Bosch Tonight...sing to "You can play secretary Im the boss tonight” in Stronger by Kanye West

My Woman is a-k-o ...sing to ”My woman from Tokyo” by Deep Purple

Mow the Lawn, Mow the Lawn...sing to “Move Along” by All American Rejects

Loving it in La Vita...sing to “Love in an Elevator" by Aerosmith

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/03/27/1868546.aspx

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/annfleming

Hyundai is brilliant. In the very beginning of 2009, they roll out a fantastic Consumer program: Lose your job and we will buy back your car. The mother of all warranty programs: http://www.women-drivers.com/blog/post/The-2009-Inspiring-International-Auto-Show.aspx  .The results, sales are improving. At our International Auto Show there was SRO to fill out paperwork to buy a car.

Hyundai’s timing is impeccable. The assurance program is comprehensive and well advertised….. Perfect for the millions of Americans who were concerned about loosing their jobs, or had just lots theirs. Perfect for us Americans watching the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. Perfect for all of us who attended any of the nation's auto shows or read about them in our hard copy or on-line news source.  

Now, 90 days later on the heels of coersion, (or, socialism to others) this week 2 out of the BIG 3 rolled out programs of their own. Wow. Like really wow. In the realm of instant and competitive marketing, it took over 3 months, in the heat of bankruptcy breathing down the neck of GM, to speak to Americans in a language that they demand right now: of comfort and engagement.  

GM’s announcement came last. Dead last. Even if just by a few hours they were last. Two days into the headlights, the new CEO announced yesterday the ‘GM Confidence’ program for consumers who may be weary of purchasing a car because of employment uncertainty between now and April 30th.  www.gmconfidence.com.

There are remarkable, extraordinary people working at General Motors. They make some of the finest products on the road. Their Board and management’s fire has been questionable for years. No guts; no glory. This ‘let’s throw something at the wall and see what sticks’ approach is another questionable tactic. Now, because of timing and uncertainly of the looming 'B' word, who knows what the GM Confidence program will actually mean to consumers, and to GM’s business. And, who really has the money to back this warranty? 

I am not here to be the naysayer. I just give my only-partially examined and highly emotional feedback on current events. Having said that, where or where was the CMO of GM 90 days ago with a Confidence Program? It’s not what we say, its how, and when, we do.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/annefleming