Susan Boyle Knows Something You Don't

<img align="LEFT" hspace="30" src="http://www.scottmonty.com//uploaded_images/Susan_Boyle.jpg" vspace="10" />Over the past week, the name Susan Boyle has been pegged at the top of the <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q="><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trending Topics on Twitter</span></a>. You can always tell when there's an item related to pop culture, current events or breaking news, because it rises to the top of Twitter's barometer of culture on <a href="http://search.twitter.com/">http://search.twitter.com</a>.<br /> <br /> In this case, the name belonged to a woman who has ascended to the 15 minute throne because of a television show (in this case <span style="font-style: italic;">Britain's Got Talent</span>), the immediacy of YouTube and an amazing talent. Rather than try to describe what's been happening, I'll let you see for yourself. Since embedding is disabled for this video you'll have to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY"><span style="font-weight: bold;">click through to see it</span></a>.<br /> <br /> When you come back, we'll talk about another equally as remarkable video.<br /> <span id="fullpost"><br /><br /><img align="RIGHT" hspace="30" src="http://www.scottmonty.com//uploaded_images/Paul_Potts.jpg" vspace="10" />Just about two years ago, a car phone salesman by the name of Paul Potts had a very similar story unfold on the same show. You can see that video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA">by clicking here</a>. I wrote about it in two posts: <a href="http://www.scottmonty.com/2007/06/your-next-creative-genius-may-be-closer.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Your Next Creative Genius May be Closer Than You Think"</span></a> and <a href="http://www.scottmonty.com/2007/06/what-i-learned-from-paul-potts-roundup.html">"<span style="font-weight: bold;">What I Learned From Paul Potts."</span></a><br /><br />In both situations, we see something happen with the audience (and perhaps with ourselves) that seems to universally apply to human nature: there's initial skepticism, followed by awe. But ultimately, we want the underdog to win. Why? Perhaps because we can relate to a "regular" person and we like the idea of overcoming odds to be successful.<br /><br />The lessons that I wrote up in the Paul Potts post also apply to Susan Boyle's situation:</span><br /> <ol> <li><span id="fullpost">Assumptions can limit your creative output</span></li> <li><span id="fullpost">It's okay to take risks</span></li> <li><span id="fullpost">Know your audience and connect with them on an emotional level</span></li> <li><span id="fullpost">Exceed expectations</span></li> <li><span id="fullpost">When we're constantly hit over the head with polished, branded, uber-cool ads, campaigns and come-ons, it's refreshing to see a down-to-earth, humble approach. It gets more attention.</span></li> </ol> <span id="fullpost"><br /><br />But here's another thing that's going on. It's been just two years since Paul Potts made his first appearance, but the Susan Boyle phenomenon is being treated like an anomaly. How quickly we forget - the <a href="http://mashable.com/2009/04/17/susan-boyle/">social media pundits</a> and even the the show's judges seem to have forgotten Paul. The reality is we're overrun with the latest headlines, shockers, tragedies, personal issues and more, and things like this will always come and go. I still remember Paul, but mostly because I wrote about him before. I wonder how many others forgot?<br /><br />Turning this to practical business advice (I wouldn't let you down!), do you think your company's product or service is that memorable? If a Paul Potts with 44 million views on YouTube doesn't even come to mind for the public and even the judges involved, what can you do that's going to stick with people?<br /><br />Giving them a predictable, repeatable experience each time they use your product is one way - I'd say it's the price of entry. No amount of viral videos, marketing gimmicks or slick mailers are going to matter if you've got a shoddy product. But beyond what's expected, how are you <span style="font-style: italic;">exceeding</span> expecatations, creating the "wow" factor, and still being on a level that they can identify with.</span><br /> <br /> And that's the challenge, isn't it? Britain's got talent, but have you? If you don't, then go out and hire or partner with someone who does.<br /> <br /> Maybe a Susan Boyle or a Paul Potts can help you.<br /> <br />

Susan Boyle Knows Something You Don't

Over the past week, the name Susan Boyle has been pegged at the top of the Trending Topics on Twitter . You can always tell when there's...

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Have You Got a Boss or a Leader?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of collaborating with Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company (my employer) <a href="http://twitter.com/Ford">on Twitter</a>. He was so excited about the opportunity to connect directly with the public again (you may recall <a href="http://www.scottmonty.com/2008/12/fords-ceo-takes-to-twitter.html">his first exchange on Twitter</a>).<br /><br />The thing that I was looking forward to the most was just seeing Alan in action. With our CEO, what you see is what you get - he's the real deal. He takes the time to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">listen</span> to people and he responds thoughtfully and genuinely. He gets social media, whether or not he knows what blogs, Twitter, Facebook or Plurk are - he knows that it takes an investment of time and truly caring about customers to make it work. And to me, that's the critical difference between success and failure as a communicator.<div><br /></div><div>I don't know how many Fortune 500 executives are like that, but I think it's a strategic asset at Ford to have an executive who can not only lead with laser-like focus and strategy, but who can inspire through simply being a decent human being. To me, it's the difference between being a boss and being a leader. And Alan exudes that. See what I mean in this short video of Alan:<br /><br /><center><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qaaKNcovfdQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qaaKNcovfdQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></center><br /><br />Here's the transcript of what was said on the <a href="http://twitter.com/Ford">@Ford</a> account for the 30 minutes that Alan was on. We answered 37 questions and we have about 40 more that Alan will respond to shortly. The hashtag we used for the day was <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO">#FordCEO</a> and all of the tweets from Alan were signed ^Alan. As he states in one of the responses, Alan loves customers. I don't think anyone can doubt that.<br /><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/irasocol" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;"></span></a></span></span></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/irasocol" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">irasocol</span></a></span>: </span><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO">#FordCEO</a> <span class="msgtxten">when will Sync work with all Blackberries?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/irasocol" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@irasocol</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">SYNC works with most bluetooth devices. Scott says to check <a href="http://www.syncmyride.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">www.syncmyride.com</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">for more info ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>  </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;">irasocol: #FordCEO, why not give the Ka to US Mercury dealers, and create buzz. Same car as the FIAT 500 which is supposed to 'save' Chrysler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/irasocol" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@irasocol</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Re the Ka: we're trying to understand the U.S. market needs for it right now. It's a REALLY neat car! ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/BradConley" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">BradConley</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">What part will the Lincoln brand play in the resurgence of FMC?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/BradConley" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@BradConley</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Lincoln is a key luxury brand for us, we have a completely new family of Lincolns now. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/drivingsales" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">drivingsales</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">if GM & Chrysler get big UAW concessions through BK protection, how will that affect Ford's agreements?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/drivingsales" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@drivingsales</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We continue to work with all of our stakeholders on our plan and we will not be distadvantaged. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/j_navarra" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">j_navarra</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">are there plans to replace the NA Focus line with the Euro Focus line, or the Fiesta replacing the NA Focus's place in the lineup?</span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/j_navarra" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@j_navarra</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes. Over time, the products will come together around the world on our wonderful platforms. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">DRients</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Alan, I would like to know what you think the strongest car/truck is in Ford's fleet? And Why? Thanks!</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DRients</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Stong cars: the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang and Taurus. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DRients</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Strong utilities: Escape, Edge. Flex, Explorer & Expedition. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DRients</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;">  </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Strongest trucks/vans: Ranger, F-series, E-series and the NEW Transits ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank">@DRients</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="msgtxten">Oh yeah, one more: strongest new way cool van: Transit Connect Family One ^Alan</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="msgtxten"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="msgtxten"><a href="http://bit.ly/IGXd" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">http://bit.ly/IGXd</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lombertop" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">lombertop</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">what made u think so far ahead re. the obtaining of funds in case of an economic downturn?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lombertop" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@lombertop</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We are so excited about our products, transformation - we wanted to ensure we had sufficient $ to complete it</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://bit.ly/IGXd" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">http://bit.ly/IGXd</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lombertop" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">lombertop</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">What do u think of the Fiesta Movement campaign so far?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lombertop" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@lombertop</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">"Moving" along really well. SO exciting & useful to gather customer input/feedback ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/lombertop" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@lombertop</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">The Movement is the future for creating vehicles we all really want. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/radiomantodd" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">radiomantodd</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">What role does a grassroots motorsports racer, such as a<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23SpecFocus"><span style="color:#003DE8;">#SpecFocus</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">team, have in building up a brand such as Ford?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/radiomantodd" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@radiomantodd</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">"Race on Sunday, sell on Monday." Go Ford, go!! ^Alan<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/AtaruSVTF" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">AtaruSVTF</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">If the Fiesta Movement is a success after it ends, is this the type of marketing you would consider doing again in the future?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/AtaruSVTF" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@AtaruSVTF</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">RE Fiesta Movement - YES. More than marketing, we're creating our new products we all want together. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><a href="http://twitter.com/azulejost" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">azulejost</span></a>: <a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a> <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a> With the IIHS crash tests released yesterday, how confident are you that the Fiesta will outperform the Fit, Yaris, etc.?</span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/azulejost" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@azulejost</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">That IS the plan. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/paul_db_weber" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">paul_db_weber</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Is Econetic coming to US?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/paul_dB_weber" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@paul_dB_weber</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We're going to deliver the best fuel mileage forever. That's the plan. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/leeanthro" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">leeanthro</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We are Ford family looking to replace Taurus wagon. We buy 1-2yo vehicles to save. What wld we gain buying NEW this summer?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Leeanthro" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Leeanthro</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Great design, better fuel efficiency and safety improvements...and great value ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/povertyjetset" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">povertyjetset</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">happy about Fiesta's fuel efficiency. More small cars from Ford in the works?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23fiestamovement"><span style="color:#930D85;">#fiestamovement</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/povertyjetset" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@povertyjetset</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes. Ford will provide a complete family of small, medium & large cars, utilities & trucks going forward. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DaveBenjamin" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">DaveBenjamin</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a>: #fordceo- Do you anticipate suppliers will survive much longer without substantial government financing? How does this effect Ford?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DaveBenjamin" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DaveBenjamin</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes. They'll continue to consolidate & align with successful companies. Like Ford. :-) ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/byronpope" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">byronpope</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Would a GM/Chrysler bankruptcy negatively impact Ford?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/byronpope" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@byronpope</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We are so pleased that customers are preferring Ford.(Hi, Bryon!) ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DonStugots" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">DonStugots</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">when can we expect a hybrid "edge" model? if not, then why?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DonStugots" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@DonStugots</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We're reviewing it now. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/azulejost" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">azulejost</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Mr. Mulally, congratulations on attaining 10% of Europe's market share last month! You're doing a great job.</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/azulejost" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@azulejost</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Thank you! The customer decides, and we're SO pleased. ^Alan<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Turbochacha" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">Turbochacha</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Is there any thought to bringing back iconic namplates like Thurderbird or Bronco since Taurus has been well received?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Turbochacha" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@Turbochacha</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We continue to consider this, but our focus is consistency of purpose/continuous improvement with what we have. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Mooncricket" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Mooncricket</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;">: </span></span><span style="color:black;">@<a href="http://twitter.com/Ford">Ford</a> Alan where do you see Ford full size trucks in the next 5 years. Gas, hybrid, electric, power, same size or smaller?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Mooncricket" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Mooncricket</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">DRients</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a>..Alan, what are some of your talent acquisition and retention strategies in these tough times?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DRients" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DRients</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Compelling vision for Ford, wonderful creative work, talented people working TOGETHER, making fabulous products ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ursch1311" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">ursch1311</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Alan, you are doing an amazing job...can u give me hope for an ecoboost Fusion, and maybe how long I'll have to wait?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ursch1311" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@ursch1311</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes. Soon. Such a neat drive with the additional torque at lower rpms. Yahoo!! ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/joelandmandy" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">joelandmandy</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">-- looking at the new Transit for our business. Could a 6' person stand up in the back?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/joelandmandy" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@joelandmandy</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Not quite. Scott showed me your video, btw - you rock! ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/WirelessLife" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">WirelessLife</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">MS SYNC project is great. When does Ford plan on taking the next step in making the vehicle a connectivity hub? Media via mobile INET?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/WirelessLife" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@WirelessLife</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">More capability in connectivity each year. Seamless connection, information will be ubiquitous as we drive Ford ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/phenom1984" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">phenom1984</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">What are you driving these days?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/phenom1984" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@phenom1984</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">I drive a different vehicle each day, including the competition. Last night = Ford Fusion hybrid 41 mpg ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mpgomatic" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">mpgomatic</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Any chance I could borrow a Fiesta ECOnetic to set a new 48-state fuel economy record for Guinness?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mpgomatic" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@mpgomatic</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Need your help changing the regulations to make the dynamite new diesel to be more affordable ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mpgomatic" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">mpgomatic</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Sure thing, Alan! I can start by setting high MPG numbers on roundtrips to DC. :) 4/30 too early to start?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mpgomatic" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@mpgomatic</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Go for it! Call me along the way. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/JamieGeek" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">JamieGeek</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">any plans for a Hybrid truck (F150/F250/F350)?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/JamieGeek" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@JamieGeek</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">EcoBoost is the next dramatic step in capability & fuel efficiency in our trucks. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/brittanitaylor" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">brittanitaylor</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">My family are Ford drivers, but to others who are not familiar with your brand,what would you like them to know about your company?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/brittanitaylor" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@brittanitaylor</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Ford cares and has *great* choices. Please drive one, and feel the difference. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/raywert" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">raywert</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Alan, Ford Fiesta. Which comes stateside first, sedan or hatch?also, will mustang get ecoboost?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/raywert" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@raywert</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We'll be announcing that soon (Fiesta). Can't get enough models around the world. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/BrentSnavely" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">BrentSnavely</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Is Ford Advantage working?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a></span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/BrentSnavely" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@BrentSnavely</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes! ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mlaspina" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">mlaspina</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23fordceo"><span style="color:#003DE8;">#fordceo</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Thx for the oppty Alan. Do you expect to merge any current brands?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mlaspina" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@mlaspina</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">No. We are laser-focused on our complete Ford family of vehicles. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DaveMora" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">DaveMora</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">still has the "Fix Or Repair Daily" reputation. i 4 1 dont believe it but is Ford conscius about it and working on it on the PR front?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/DaveMora" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003DE8;">@DaveMora</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Yes we are - the data says every new Ford vehicle is best in class worldwide. We have a great story to tell. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <a href="http://twitter.com/mcritz" target="_blank">mcritz</a> : Why is @<a href="http://twitter.com/Ford">Ford</a> producing the 2010 Fusion+Hybrid in Mexico?</o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank">ford</a>: <a href="http://twitter.com/mcritz" target="_blank">@mcritz</a> We produce our vehicles all around the world. The vast majority of U.S. vehicles are made in the U.S. ^Alan <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO">#FordCEO</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/poptent" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">poptent</span></a></span></span><span style="color:black;">: @<a href="http://twitter.com/Ford">Ford</a> love that you guys are using Twitter for marketing + community - have you fallen in love with social media yet? #FordCEO</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/poptent" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@poptent</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">We love customers, and can't get enough of 'em. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Jeb_Hoge" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">Jeb_Hoge</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Can enthusiasts expect SHO or RS versions of Focus, Fiesta, or Fusion?</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">ford</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxtda"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Jeb_Hoge" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@Jeb_Hoge</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxtda"><span style="color:black;">Yes. Over time. ^Alan</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxtda"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"><span style="color:#930D85;">#FordCEO</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxtda"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="msgtxtda"><span style="color:black;"><o:p> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/BRGT350" target="_blank"><span style="color:black;">BRGT350</span></a>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank"><span style="color:#930D85;">@ford</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><span class="msgtxten"><span style="color:black;">Alan, I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Ford. You are one of my hero's of American buisness.</span></span></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" target="_blank">ford</a>: <a href="http://twitter.com/BRGT350" target="_blank">@BRGT350</a> Thank you. It is an *honor* to serve an American and global icon. ^Alan <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO">#FordCEO</a></span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23FordCEO"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div><div><br />Expect to see more of this kind of interaction from Alan and other executives at Ford. We believe that social media is an ongoing way of doing business rather than a marketing effort or ploy - it's not about one-way messaging or advertising. To us, social media is not a campaign, it's a commitment. And we're committed to listening.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br /></div></div>

Have You Got a Boss or a Leader?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of collaborating with Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company (my employer) on Twitter . He was so excited abou...

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Everyone's Got a Story

What's your story?<br /><br />If you stop to think about it, we live our lives as a series of tales. From the beginning of human existence, we have have developed the unique ability to be storytellers, whether it was through cave paintings, the oral tradition of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer">Homer</a> and other epic poets, or the latest episodes of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroes_(TV_series)">Heroes</a>. We convey our fears, joys, grief, thrills and more through recounting where we've been, what we've seen and how we envision the world. Why?<br /><br />It's one of the most basic human needs after food, shelter and love - to be heard and to be understood, and ultimately to be able to relate to others.<br /><br />Everyone's got a story.<br /><br />Last fall, Ford ran a contest called <a href="http://fordmotor.promo.eprize.com/2010mustang/">Mustang Stories</a>, where we encouraged people to submit their own stories about the iconic Ford Mustang in advance of the 2010 Mustang launch. In a photo and 250 words or less, they were encouraged to share their own unique experiences with this iconic brand. The winner, selected by the community by voting on the top 25 stories, would receive a trip to the L.A. Auto Show to see the reveal of the new car, and would walk away with the car as well.<br /><br />Kory Chesher, who was at the time deployed in Iraq in the U.S. Army, submitted the winning essay and photo:<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.scottmonty.com/uploaded_images/MustangStories.jpg" /><br /></div><blockquote>It started when I was about six years old. I was in the truck with my father and we were at a stoplight. Across the road at the other light was this "car." It drew my attention away from everything else in the world. I asked my dad what it was and he simply said, "Oh, that’s a Mustang." I remember it like it was yesterday. I now know that it was a 1968 black fastback. That was almost 20 years ago. 20 years of love, addiction, obsession. 20 years of longing and desire. Now I’m a soldier in the United States Army deployed to Iraq. I spend my spare time tearing through Mustang magazines that my family and total strangers are kind hearted enough to send to me. Every opportunity I get I’m online poring through forums and pictures; studying every little tidbit of knowledge I can get my hands on; meticulously memorizing seemingly insignificant trivia. Names, dates, specs, colors, paint codes, production numbers, costs, anything, everything. A Mustang of my own wouldn’t quell this life I live; it would supercharge it. The only thing greater than a life loving Mustangs is a life with a Mustang. With a Mustang to call my own I could finally experience the pride and freedom that I have only been watching from afar. It will ignite a passion like nothing I have ever experienced. Mustangs are my one true love. I am ready to go driving now.</blockquote><div><br /></div>Who wouldn't want to give that guy a car?</div><div><br />Just this evening, I was on Twitter, helping a woman with vehicle choices, and unprompted, she shared her own Mustang story:<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:13px;"><div class="avatar" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><a href="http://twitter.com/Carissa_MomIF" class="from_av" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/exit/to/Carissa_MomIF');" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(147, 13, 133); text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 36px; height: 36px; "></a></div></span><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:13px;"><div class="avatar" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; width: 48px; height: 48px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><a href="http://twitter.com/Carissa_MomIF" class="from_av" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/exit/to/Carissa_MomIF');" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(147, 13, 133); text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 36px; height: 36px; "><img alt="Profile_for_twitter_normal" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/68602570/profile_for_Twitter_normal.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; width: 36px; height: 36px; " /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" class="to_av" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/exit/to/ford');" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(147, 13, 133); text-decoration: none; display: block; width: 26px; height: 26px; margin-left: 22px; margin-top: -14px; "><img alt="Driveone_th-flex_normal" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitter_production/profile_images/60946220/driveone_th-flex_normal.png" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); " /></a></div><div class="msg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 58px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 5px; "><a href="http://twitter.com/Carissa_MomIF" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/exit/to/Carissa_MomIF');" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(147, 13, 133); ">Carissa_MomIF</a>: <span id="msgtxt1449375265" class="msgtxt en"><a href="http://twitter.com/ford" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/exit/to/ford')" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(147, 13, 133); "><b>@ford</b></a> Uh oh, now you get a story, for anniversary, got a convertible mustang rental, drove to Park City, VERY COOL, and no room for kids!</span></div></span><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><br />I love it when people instantaneously share like that! We got into talking about test drives, so I did a return volley and gave her a link to one of my favorite test drive stories - in this case it was the winner of the film version of the Mustang contest that Ford ran through a partnership with <a href="http://www.filmaka.com/competition.php?page=recentcompetitions&competition_id=268">Filmaka</a>.<br /><br /><center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NR7D1ZLicR0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NR7D1ZLicR0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><br />And there on Twitter, separated by about 2,500 miles, we admitted to each other that watching that video brought tears to our eyes. The magic of storytelling and sharing a unique view of the world brought two people closer together for a moment in time. She said that she was going to share the video with her husband; I'd imagine she'll tell others about the experience as well.<br /><br />Now, the cynics out there will undoubtedly be asking, "Yeah, great. But did this help Ford sell a car?" Maybe. If she got the information she was looking for in the first place and it was backed up by a warm & fuzzy feeling of sharing a moment like that, then maybe it will contribute to the sales process.<br /><br />But <a href="http://thefordstory.com/">storytelling</a> in and of itself is not about selling; it's about connecting. Connecting with people, whether briefly or repeatedly over time, to make them feel like their time was not wasted and that they mattered enough for you to make an effort on them. If you're effective, they'll want to return the favor. And then you'll have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">another </span>story to tell.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Everyone's got a story. What's yours?</span><br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordmotorcompany">Ford Motor Company</a> (Flickr)</span></div></div>

Everyone's Got a Story

What's your story? If you stop to think about it, we live our lives as a series of tales. From the beginning of human existence, we have...

Read more »