As a small-business owner, it’s important for you to stay on top of what’s happening in the marketplace so you can be competitive. By taking the time to re-evaluate your strategies and align your goals with what’s trending, you can drive success for your business today and down the road. Take a look at the following trends and learn how you can leverage them for your business.

CASHLESS PAYMENTS ON THE RISE

Mobile payment innovations are transforming how small businesses operate. By 2020, it’s projected that 56 percent of customers will use mobile payments. To keep up with this trend, adopt mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay. You can also offer in-app, in-browser and person-to-person (P2P) payment platforms.

MILLENNIALS DOMINATING THE MARKET

People born between 1981 and 1996, also known as Millennials, spend approximately $600 billion every year. By 2020, this buying power is estimated to grow to $1.4 trillion. To target these customers, you should use a more personalized approach through social media and email. Be honest and transparent rather than gimmicky or overly salesy. The goal is to create a connection between the audience and your product or service.

EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING GOES VIRAL

Customer-engagement experiences are a great way to get people talking about your business. And now, thanks to social media, experiential marketing is taking on a whole new dimension. Think of it as a free marketing tool. Use social media to invite customers and create buzz prior to your event. Post online during and after the event and encourage your audience to participate, further extending your reach. You can implement experiential marketing with limited resources and make a significant impact.

OUTSOURCING OPENS UP DOORS

As budgets get tighter and technology makes it easier to work with people remotely, more and more small businesses are outsourcing. This means less overhead, greater flexibility and the opportunity to work with experts you wouldn’t be able to hire full-time. Consider hiring freelance help in areas like finance, marketing and technology. This will free up your time to focus on what you do best — serving customers and growing your business.

CYBERSECURITY GROWS MORE COMPLEX

After the Equifax hacks in 2017, cybersecurity has become the focus of much attention, and rightly so. As more data is put online, it increases the incentive for hackers to find ways to gain access to it. Small businesses can be targeted because they are expected not to have strong security. To avoid the significant cost of an informational hack, you should invest in a security plan, a password system or a technology manager. You’ll also want to test your security system to make sure it is effective at protecting information.

While you’re focused on these trends, you can trust that Nissan is up to speed on the latest automotive trends. From the available NissanConnect®,[[993]] which helps keep you connected to customers and in the know, to the available Nissan Intelligent Mobility™ features like Blind Spot Warning[[953]] and Intelligent Around View® Monitor[[957]] designed to help give you more confidence on the road, you can put the latest advancements to work for your business.

Since 2003, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that, on average, more than 30 workers lose their lives annually to heatstroke. If your business requires working outside, now is the time of year to be especially mindful of the health and welfare of you and your crew. Spending long hours outside in the summer months can impact even the most physically fit workers. You’ll see and hear lots of information on the news about how to stay cool, but much of it involves staying indoors where air conditioning can keep you comfortable. That’s not going to be an option for a lot of you, but don’t worry. There are plenty of things that can be done to help keep you and your workers safe.

HYDRATE RIGHT

Water is, by far, the best way to stay hydrated. Sports and energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. Sugar does nothing to keep you hydrated, while caffeine can potentially accelerate dehydration.

Start drinking water before your day gets Under way, because if you wait until you feel thirsty, it might already be too late to truly replace the fluids you’ve lost to sweat and exertion. Your TITAN’s huge bed can carry your tools and a supply of water to get your team through their day.[[994]] Keep the water separate from your tools using the available Utili-track® Channel System.[[994]] The available 120-watt plug in the bed[[318]] can be used to power a small refrigerator to help keep bottled water cool.

SNACK SMARTER

A key component to maintaining hydration and energy levels is potassium. This mineral is an electrolyte, which helps carry nutrients to the body’s cells and waste products away from them. Sports drinks have some electrolytes, but as mentioned earlier, they also contain high amounts of sugar.
 
A better way to get the potassium your body needs is to snack on fresh foods, such as bananas, avocados, apricots and almonds. It’s easy to bring these healthy edibles to the jobsite thanks to the available TITAN Box.[[994]] These storage bins cleverly mount to the sides of your truck’s bed. They’re covered and lockable, so you can easily carry your work gear in the main part of the bed.

KEEP IT CLOSE TO THE VEST

Cooling vests can provide welcome relief as you work outside. These wearables contain chemical cold packs throughout, so it will feel like you have ice blocks across your upper body when you have one on. Stick the vests in a freezer the night before heading to a jobsite, then keep them in your TITAN’s available lockable rear-seat cargo organizer for easy access when temperatures rise.[[994]]

TAKE A BREAK (OR SEVERAL)

We understand time is money, but you don’t want to overexert yourself or your employees. Take frequent breaks throughout the day. Even a few minutes every hour can help prevent long-term damage. Make it easier to get in and out of your TITAN with the addition of the available side assist steps, which stow under the truck when not in use.

SHUFFLE YOUR SCHEDULE

If possible, try to start your workday a little earlier and structure the most physically demanding jobs first. Your TITAN can simplify this task with its available in-dash navigation system, Bluetooth® hands-free calling, wireless smartphone charger, and NissanConnect®.[[993]] And when your workday is done, you can use your truck’s available remote engine start[[97]] to pre-cool the cabin up to 10 minutes in advance of starting your journey. Further, the available water-resistant seat covers can help protect your interior from sweat and other stains.

The Frontier is a rugged truck that can take you places on and off the job. While the Frontier is one of the hardest-working trucks out there, it doesn’t always have to be about work in the Frontier. Discover how to take full advantage of your Frontier on the worksite and off the beaten path this summer.

The 2018 Frontier delivers Best-in-Class Maximum Standard Towing[[995]] with the capability of towing up to 3,760 lbs. So, you can tackle the toughest jobs or bring along weekend toys when you’re ready to leave the stress of work behind.

Already have big plans this summer that require big towing? Frontier offers accessories to help you enjoy smooth sailing along the way. An available, Dealer-installed weight-distributing Class IV Hitch Ball Mount[[114]] makes for a safer ride while towing more than 5,000 lbs. and up to vehicle capacity (depending on your vehicle configuration). Looking to tow a trailer full of ATVs? Add an available, Dealer-installed Trailer Tow Brake Jumper Sub-Harness[[114]] and connect your Frontier’s brakes to the trailer’s for greater stopping power and control. (Works with trailers that have an installed trailer-brake controller.)

Maybe your gear doesn’t need towing, but just a secure way to bring it along. Frontier’s tough, high-tensile steel ladder chassis can handle up to 1,458 lbs. of cargo. And, with the 2018 Frontier’s available Utili-track® Channel System that uses five bed-mounted rails and four movable cleats[[996]] (that’s more rails than any other competitor in its class), you can take full advantage of a flexible, efficient cargo-securing system.[[996]] Just load in your cargo, tie it down and let Frontier keep it secure so you can be on your way.

If your idea of fun means going off the map, Frontier is up for the ride. When equipped with 4X4, the 2018 Nissan Frontier almost begs to be taken off-road. Every Frontier 4X4, including the available Bilstein® Performance Shock-equipped PRO-4X®, features standard Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, and a Best-in-Class Maximum Ground Control Clearance[[997]] at the rear differential. In other words, Frontier won’t let anything stand in your way of hard work or a good time. Plus, Frontier’s high stance and wide, flared wheel arches give greater ground clearance and axle articulation so you can turn the toughest mountains into mere molehills.

Love to camp? Frontier has you covered there, too, with an available Bed Tent.[[998]] This Dealer-installed accessory unfolds easily into a dome-shaped tent that turns any Frontier truck bed into a sturdy, level sleeping area. The external rain-fly and compact storage make it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways. Of course, every campground and state park has its own rules and regulations about what type of camping is permitted, so always check before you go.

Regardless of what you have planned this summer — big jobs or big fun — Frontier is equipped to handle practically anything you throw its way.

Practice deep, rhythmic breathing. Taking long, slow, deep breaths is a simple and effective way to    immediately release tension. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth for at least four counts.

Keep your circulation going. While at a complete stop and with your foot firmly on the brake, clasp your hands together and rotate them, twisting in a circular motion. This helps to release tension and promote blood flow. If you’re at a complete stop and can put your NV200 in park, you can get some relief for your feet too. Twist each foot, as you did with your hands, in gentle circular motions to release tension.

PLUG IN TO PLAYLISTS AND PODCASTS
Depending on your schedule and time of day, you may need a musical pick-me-up or a way to soothe the soul. The NV200 is ready to help. Take advantage of convenient USB port[[977]] locations to connect your iPod and listen to your favorite music playlists. Or connect a smartphone and let your music service app know what you’re in the mood for.[[999]] Of course, your Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System[[977]] also allows you to stream music or podcasts wirelessly from a compatible device. Not sure what to listen to? Some subscription-based paid music-streaming services offer a wide variety of great playlists suggested by music bloggers, artists and publications. You can find playlists devised specifically for your morning or evening commute and for heavy traffic jams. Each playlist features a range of popular artists in a wide range of genres, so you’re bound to find something that keeps you going, even when you’re not.

There are also countless business-related podcasts that can offer inspiration, advice and entertainment when you need it most. If you find yourself a captive audience in your NV200, here are just a few to consider:

Your Partner In Success Radio, hosted by Denise Griffitts, features stories, wisdom, tips and advice from leaders and entrepreneurs from a wide range of business disciplines to inspire success. INC.com listed it as one of the best business podcasts you need to be listening to right now.

Winner of a “Best of iTunes” award, John Lee Dumas’ podcast Entrepreneur on Fire, has featured more than 1,500 successful entrepreneurs sharing their worst entrepreneurial moments and best “aha!” moments.

Geared toward small-business owners, salespeople and aspiring entrepreneurs, Accelerate Your Business Growth, is an award-winning podcast that provides diverse ideas focused on business success and is considered a don’t-miss for small-business owners.

Unfortunately, there’s probably no way to eliminate traffic completely, but with these helpful tips and your NV200 Compact Cargo, you can use that time to your full advantage.

With the NV Cargo, you’re already doing business like a pro. After all, you have a vehicle that offers up to 323 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest brakes in its class,[[1500]] and 243-degree rear doors that make for easy loading and unloading. And, of course, America’s Best Commercial Van Warranty,[[1501]] covering you for 5 years/100,000 miles bumper-to-bumper (whichever comes first). See Dealer for limited-warranty details.

So now that you have the right business tool, the question becomes, how can you create a “mobile office” to maximize efficiency and keep up when on the go?

Here are some suggestions:

WORK DIGITALLY
When you’re going from job to job, it can prove difficult to manage a bunch of printouts or an overstuffed file box full of invoices. So we recommend looking into the multitude of available smartphone apps that can scan, digitize and store documents online. They’ll help you save on paper, and keep you organized.

ALWAYS BE SELLING
Getting paid for a job done can sometimes be one of the toughest parts of working. Not anymore. In fact, there are now mobile payment tools and apps that will turn your smartphone or tablet into a mobile point of sale. Customers will appreciate your ability to accept credit cards and send receipts on the spot.

MARKETING ON THE GO

When you spend as much time on the road as you do, why not take advantage of the ample exposure? Your Nissan Business Certified® Dealer can help with custom graphics that will turn your NV Cargo into a billboard on wheels.[[1502]]

FIND YOUR WI-FI

To save on your personal data, always try to check into free Wi-Fi locations near your deliveries and jobs. That way, you’ll know where you can drop in and get connected in case you need to send documents or respond to customer emails.[[1503]] Check your mobile phone’s app store to see if your device offers a Wi-Fi-finder application to quickly and easily find free or paid Wi-Fi when on the go. And if a Wi-Fi signal is not available, you can always use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

BE MOBILE-READY

Need to catch up with your employees while you’re out and about? There are multiple Voice-over-IP and instant messaging services that will allow you to communicate with your employees by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the internet.[[1503]] Again, check out your smartphone’s app store to see what’s available.

Just these simple tips should help you maximize your time on the road in your NV Cargo by making you more efficient and productive from virtually anywhere.

With seating for 12, available six rear-passenger area map lights, class-leading 324 seating configurations,[[1504]] up to 218.9 cubic feet of cargo space[[996]] and available 120-volt and 12-volt power outlets, the NV Passenger is the ultimate family hauler.

Now all that’s left is to figure out where to take it. To give you some ideas, we put together a list of some fun family destinations to make your next vacation one to remember.

PITTSBURGH, PA
Despite its hardworking reputation, Pittsburgh knows a thing or two about fun. In fact, there are plenty of family-oriented activities in the area. There’s the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Bicycle Heaven, the world’s largest bicycle store and museum.

NIAGARA FALLS, NY
This is a must-do summer vacation destination. Get a close-up view of the majestic falls from the Maid of the Mist boat ride or the Journey Behind the Falls tour. There’s also the Aquarium of Niagara, the Niagara Falls History Museum and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.

JACKSON HOLE, WY
Want to get back to nature and incredible mountain scenery? Drive no farther than Jackson Hole. Start by getting up close to a buffalo herd at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Then take a ride on the Alpine Slide that winds its way through woods and wildflowers and offers unforgettable views of the valley below and mountains up high.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION
Sure, Texas gets hot in the summer, but floating down along the crystal-clear Frio River in the Texas Hill Country River Region makes it all better. Kids will love exploring miles of scenic trails at Garner State Park. Plus, make sure to sign up for a Frio Bat Flight Tour and be amazed as 10 million bats emerge from the Frio Cave right before sunset.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly favorites like the century-old Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—home to more than 40 outdoor works of art, including “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” And don’t forget to visit the Science Museum of Minnesota where kids can stare into the jaws of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The places the NV Passenger can take you, your family, and virtually all your gear are endless. Happy traveling!