Originally published on the Openbay Blog, by the Openbay Staff on May 1, 2017.

Openbay took part at the Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care National Convention this past weekend.

For those not familiar with Cottman, they specialize in automotive transmission repair and maintenance in addition to providing total auto care. They have been around for decades with the first Cottman Transmission Center established in 1962. Today, they boast locations from coast-to-coast throughout the United States and Canada.

The convention was hosted by Cottman corporate for all franchise owners, suppliers and partners. The convention had breakout sessions where franchise owners could learn about new and innovative ways to grow their business and introduce more efficiency during daily operation.

Openbay’s breakout session covered the topic of how to acquire and retain the modern day consumer; the millennial, the largest generation in U.S. history. We explained the importance of understanding the millennial’s buying behavior and expectations when interacting with a business.

Millennials were brought up with existence of the Web and mobile devices. It’s natural behavior for millennials to use an online service to acquire a service or product. For instance, when they need a ride they will tap away on their smartphone to hail a Lyft or Uber. If they need an item for their home or for work, or need a item for their current sport or for whatever occasion, they use Amazon or ebay. When they need a specific service, such as auto repair or want to have food delivered, they will either search google or use to their favorite app. Hopefully Openbay for the former need. 🙂

We drove home the point of embracing this group of buyers – view this group as an opportunity – modify the way you acquire customers to be more inline with their buying behavior and be able to engage them digitally.

The Modern Consumer

The modern consumer’s expectations when acquiring a product or service. Their preference is to be engaged digitally with the business they are transacting with.

The modern Consumer's expectations

There was also a vendor showcase where companies had the opportunity to discuss their product and services in detail with Cottman franchise owners. Openbay had a live version of its product on display and traffic was plentiful.

Cottman1

Vendor Showcase

Vendor Showcase

Find the original article here https://www.openbay.com/blog/openbay-took-part-cottman-transmission-total-auto-care-national-convention/