SPRING AHEAD WITH YOUR NISSAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE - EDITION APRIL 2018

Spring is the season of rejuvenation, and there’s no better time to explore fresh, new strategies to grow your business. Whatever the season, our job at Nissan is
about setting you up to succeed. That’s why we support you with a full lineup of commercial vehicles that are designed to meet your business’ changing and growing needs. It’s also why we strive to share smart ideas like these to help you reach your goals.

GET SOCIAL

These days, it’s really hard to promote your business properly without tapping into social media. Besides building your profile and attracting new customers, you can also gain valuable insights from “social listening.” By listening and monitoring things like Yelp® or Google® reviews about your business, you can find out what customers are saying about you, gain insight into their behavior, identify key words for search, and discover trends that appeal to your target.

JOIN FORCES

When it comes to growth, sometimes two heads can be better than one. That might mean pursuing a joint venture with other business owners on a specific product or service offering. Joint ventures let each partner keep their autonomy while reaching new customers. This can take on a variety of forms such as combining marketing lists, creating a package deal on products, or developing a whole new product/service with your partner.

TURN A NEGATIVE INTO A POSITIVE

Having satisfied customers is always the goal for any business, but one way to find new markets or grow your base is to seek out the people who were not satisfied by your offering and/or who chose to go with the competition. Once you can identify who they are, you can find out their reasoning and gain important learnings to win them back or you can pursue like-minded leads. 

REWARD LOYALTY AND REFERALS

Naturally, finding new customers is important for growth, but so is nurturing relationships with established customers. Creating a customer loyalty program is a great way to thank them and inspire repeat business. Be sure to get the word out on your website, in marketing communications, on social media, and at your place of business.

Hosting customer appreciation events for your best customers is another way to show your gratitude and increase referrals. Encourage your invited guests to bring friends and family. Make an effort to mingle and make it known referrals are not just welcome, they’ll be rewarded too. Again, don’t forget to promote your referral program on your site and through your other business communications.

Staying in regular contact with customers is always smart. One way to do this is via an e-newsletter. It allows you to keep customers up to date on your latest products or services and keep your business top of mind. An e-newsletter can also be a useful tool to survey customers on a variety of topics and to learn more about their future needs.

MONITOR YOUR MARKETING

You should be able to know where your customers are coming from in order to gauge the success of your marketing efforts and the value of your expenditures. If something is not working, don’t be afraid to try something else. Keep good records for yourself and evaluate them on a regular basis.

KEEP ON GROWING

Sometimes growing your business means making changes to keep up with increased demand. You may need to expand your staff, widen your territory, move to a larger space, invest in new equipment, or purchase additional vehicles. If you do find yourself needing another vehicle for your business, remember that Nissan offers a full line of commercial trucks and vans designed to support your needs today and down the road. We’re here to help keep you going as you keep on growing.

Learning the right way to secure and carry your load can help you get the most out of your TITAN® and prevent damage to items you’re hauling.¹ But what’s more important, it can help keep you and your fellow drivers safe out there on the road.

HAUL IT RIGHT

When it comes to hauling cargo,¹ the 2018 Nissan TITAN® offers features that help make it safer and easier. For instance, the available sliding bed extender gives you maximum versatility and flexibility, while the TITAN’s available Utili-track® Channel System¹ uses strong aluminum-alloy cleats to grip and secure whatever you bring along.

Beyond that, there are extra steps you can take to make sure that your cargo gets from point A to point B safe and sound.

HEAVY ITEMS

When moving lots of heavy items, like big industrial equipment and large, heavy boxes, you’re going to want to move them near the cab in the truck bed. By moving heavier items near the center of the truck, weight will be more evenly distributed for better performance.¹

LARGE ITEMS

If you are moving large pieces of furniture, like dressers or oversized mirrors, you’re going to want to turn them on their sides. Be sure to use TITAN’s available Utili-track® Channel System¹ to help keep these items stable. Also, be sure to load your largest items near the bed rails, away from the center.¹

SMALL ITEMS

Now that you’ve loaded your largest items and placed them securely in the truck bed along the sides near the cab, you’ll next want to load boxes and smaller items in the middle. If you are stacking boxes, place the larger, heavier boxes at the bottom — smaller, lighter items should go on top.¹

KEEP IT TIED DOWN

Even if you have a cargo net or cover, you should always use quality ratchet straps to tie down your large items. Make sure that your cargo is tied down from at least two sides.

Speaking of covers, it’s worth the money to get a good one. A high-quality cover can protect your items from the weather, improve aerodynamics and offer added security. Plus and probably most important, it can help keep items from flying out on the freeways.

PLAN A SAFE ROUTE

When hauling cargo,¹ it’s a good idea to map out the best route to your destination. With the Nissan Navigation System³ GPS System you can find the best way from point A to point B, and avoid any gridlock. 

HAUL, NO!

Now that we’ve talked about the right way to haul equipment in your truck bed, here are some examples of what not to do…

Remember, nothing is more important than the safety of you and those around you. Hopefully these practices will help ensure that you and your cargo always arrive safely at your destination.

Your Nissan Frontier® is an essential partner in your operation. But there’s more you can get out of it if you have it outfitted correctly to handle your workload. Here are five key ways to help organize and protect your truck and work gear, which can save you time, effort, and money.

LINE IT UP

If your Frontier doesn’t already have one, a bedliner would make a great investment to prevent your bed from getting scratched or dented. A padded slide-in mat can provide basic protection for the floor, and it doesn’t cost a lot. A form-fitting polyethylene liner easily snaps into place, providing coverage for the floor and sides of your bed. Some even have molded inserts that allow for two-tiered stacking, making more room to haul^1,3 even more. Some liners are made of carpet-like material that provide durable coverage while being easy on your feet and knees. Nissan’s available spray-on bedliner offers the best protection for your Frontier’s sheet metal while not compromising the versatile contours of its bed.

EXTEND IT OUT 

Bed or tailgate extenders increase your truck’s load-hauling¹ area, allowing you to get more stuff in the back, which can mean fewer trips to and from your jobs. Most fold up or can easily be disconnected when you don’t need them. Your Frontier is available with sliding or fixed bed extenders, giving you maximum flexibility.

LOCK IT DOWN

Frontier trucks with the available factory spray-in bedliner can be equipped with the Utili-track® Channel System to help keep your cargo locked down tight.¹ Position the included aluminum cleats anywhere along the channels, strap in your cargo,¹ and even the most ungainly loads can stay put. If your Frontier doesn't have the Utili-track® System, there are plenty of other tie-down systems available that can be attached and easily removed when not needed.³

Track it down

Your Frontier is not the only tool you rely on every day. From the smallest wrenches to the largest generators, you’ll want to know where your business’ assets are at all times. To make this easier, consider investing in a tool tracking and management solution. These programs work by adding barcodes or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags to your tools. You then scan them into a database, and the program takes over from there, tracking things such as location, length of use, and condition. These services can help reduce loss or theft, as well as help you budget for repair or replacement costs.

Every moment you spend fixing problems or waiting for someone who can is a moment when you’re not making money. With some upfront investment in protecting your truck and tools, you can easily realize long-term savings that you can put back into your business. For more information about these and other accessories that can make your Frontier even more useful, visit your local Nissan dealer or the Nissan USA eStore at https://parts.nissanusa.com/.

As a business owner, you know more than anyone the value of the phrase, “Time is money.” Even the smallest hiccup has the potential to turn into a big (and costly) mess. While you can’t predict everything that might happen, your Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo has your back. Its comfortable ride, “shiftless” Xtronic CVT (Continously Variable Transmission), and exceptional fuel economy¹ work in harmony to make your time behind the wheel as smooth as possible. Here are five tips that can help make running your business a little bit easier.

IT'S ALL ROUTINE

A key part of staying organized is setting managerial procedures in stone and sticking to them as much as possible. Set aside a specific time each day to handle and file paperwork so it doesn’t pile up on your desk. Do the same for emails, and be sure to flag important conversations if you’re unable to respond right away. Remember that your NV200 has a flexible center console that can easily accommodate a laptop and file folders so you can access important documents.

BECOME A MASTER OF MULTITASKING

It can be tough to balance your own work while also having to extinguish any fires that pop up along the way. To manage your time effectively, consider employing task management software. Many can perform basic functions for free, which could be enough to bring some order to the chaos of running your business. They also offer cloud syncing, allowing you to keep tabs on what needs to be done wherever you are. The 2018 NV200 can help you stay connected when you’re away from the office with its standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System² and up to two available 12-volt power outlets that can keep your mobile devices charged and at the ready.

ANTICIPATE

A little work now can save you time and money in the long run. Keep tabs on your inventory so you're not caught out during busy times. A small-business loan can help cover unexpected costs or help you expand. The 2018 NV200 is available with SiriusXM® Traffic and Travel Link® services² provide real-time data on road and weather conditions so you can efficiently plan your daily drive routes.

AUTOMATE

Adopting automation can make your workflow more efficient. For example, some printers can automatically order ink when they're running low so you don't need to spend time with an office supply catalog. The 2018 NV200 comes standard with the necessary wiring to fit a third-party telematics system, which can help you keep track of your vehicle's key data points, such as fuel economy and needed maintenance.

COMMUNICATE

Word of mouth can be a powerful business tool. Use online surveys to solicit feedback from your customers, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from those who had a positive experience. Become a rolling billboard by adding a custom vinyl wrap³ to your NV200. Respond quickly and do your best to remain positive in the face of criticism. Hold regular roundtables with your employees to see if they have any suggestions for improvement. It was what we learned from businesses like yours that inspired us to create America’s Best Commercial Van Warranty – a 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty (whichever occurs first).⁴

We know you’re busy, and it’s not always easy to devote time to the little things. However, if you’re able to find a few hours each month to undertake these tasks, we think you will ultimately save time, and potentially money, in the long run: Time you can use to further invest in your business or to take a break from it all.

Whatever trade you’re in — plumbing, electrical, construction — a huge part of your work depends on your tools. And while the NV^© Cargo is well equipped to protect and store your gear — and can be upfitted to do those jobs even better — there’s a lot more you can do to take good care of the equipment you need to keep your business going. This includes making sure your materials are well maintained, helping to keep them safe from loss or theft, and storing them properly so they’re always at hand whenever you need them.

KEEP YOUR TOOLS CLEAN

The first thing you need to remember about maintaining all your gear is to keep them clean. That means setting time aside at the end of every work day to wash anything and everything you used, even if you’re bone tired. One day’s worth of dried paint or mud will not only make tomorrow a lot harder, it’ll shorten the useful life of your equipment.

What you use to clean your things will vary. Sometimes rinsing with water will do the trick; other times call for hot, soapy water and something to scrub with — a wire brush or a scouring pad — while the toughest jobs scream out for a degreaser or solvent.

KEEP YOUR TOOLS SAFE

Another important aspect of protecting your gear — not to mention the investment you’ve made in it and its importance in your actually getting your work done — is making sure it doesn’t get lost or stolen. You can help minimize this risk by clearly identifying your equipment so coworkers and others know it’s yours.

Another smart way to help keep your tools safe is by investing in an available Vehicle Security System with alarm, only available at your Business Certified® Dealer. It’s made to fit NV® Cargo and is designed to help keep your equipment safe and sound.

KEEP YOUR TOOLS AT THE READY

The final thing to think about as far as taking care of your equipment is making sure it’s ready to go whenever you need it. That means properly storing and organizing your entire inventory.

Your gear needs to be arranged according to how accessible it needs to be, how often it’s needed during the run of a job, and how often it’s needed during a single day or part of a job. This information will determine how you arrange the materials in your shop, on your work vehicle, in your tool chest, your backpack, even your belt (or whatever you use to carry tools while you’re at the job site). And by and large, these choices are about what works best for you. But when it comes to upfitting your Nissan NV® Cargo to haul your gear around to various jobs, Nissan has some great options to consider. These include all-purpose storage solutions such as the General Service Package, the Cargo Management Systems, or the Utility Package as well as a range of trade-specific packages including those for electrical contractors, HVAC contractors, locksmiths, and more. These packages take advantage of Nissan’s extensive experience working with a wide variety of tradespeople and helping meet their specific needs. We may be able to help you too.

Winter can be harsh on your NV Passenger between all the salt, snow, and debris that often gets left behind by your passengers, not to mention that lingering after-winter smell. Since your business is all about making a good impression, you should take the time to freshen up your NV Passenger with a thorough spring cleaning now that winter is over. Follow these instructions to get your van looking and smelling spring fresh in time for the next wave of travelers.

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

The first place to start is by getting rid of any trash that accumulated over the season. Take some time, and a flashlight, and look in all the nooks and crannies. You might be surprised by all the stuff you find.

GET OUT THE VACUUM

Now that you’ve gotten your van cleared of trash, it’s time for a good vacuuming. Be sure to move from the top down, remove the floor mats and use vacuum tools to get in all the tight spaces.

CLEAN THE CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY

If you have carpeted floor mats and cloth seats, use some automotive upholstery and carpet cleaner and a heavy-duty scrub brush to get them clean. Or, try a pressure washer on the floor mats if the grime is extra resistant. If that doesn’t work, consider replacing them with our All-Weather Floor Mats.

SHINE THE WINDOWS

After all that winter driving, your van’s windows will need some extra attention, especially on the inside. Here’s the best way to get them sparkling:

• Pre-wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth

• Degrease them with a magic eraser or rubbing alcohol

• Use a clean towel and glass cleaner to make them shine

It’s smart to replace your windshield wiper blades after a long winter too. You don’t want to be caught in a spring shower with worn-out wiper blades that don’t do the job.

REPLACE THE CABIN AIR FILTER

What good is a clean interior if the air circulating inside your Nissan isn’t as fresh? The cabin air filter gets dirtiest over the fall and winter, so it’s a good time to replace it to help keep you and your passengers breathing easy through the spring. Visit a Business Certified® Dealer to get Priority Service from technicians you can trust.

WASH THE EXTERIOR 

Make sure the first spring car wash is a thorough one that gets the winter grime and salt out of cracks and under the edges. Don’t forget, the underbody needs a good flushing and to pay extra attention to the wheels. Finish with a car wax to make your Nissan looks extra polished and help protect the paint.

LOOK UNDER THE HOOD

Last but not least, don’t forget to check under the hood. Leaves, debris, and even dirt can get into the engine area. In some cases, just wiping down the edges is enough. In other cases, you may need to consider having the engine wiped off or professionally cleaned.

Appearances are everything in your business. So keeping your NV Passenger clean and fresh inside and out is crucial. Another great way to think about freshening up your Nissan is by adding a wrap¹ or updating your existing wrap.¹ Go here to see some examples for inspiration, and learn how we can help you through the process. Welcome spring!