iPad Strengthens Relationships in the Business World

For years, we have been hearing how advances in technology are slowly destroying interpersonal communications and well as our relationships.  Individuals are overwhelmed with television, Internet and social networking sites, cell phones, laptops and mp3 players. These innovative devices have provided information and entertainment at the tips of our fingers while simultaneously eradicated our face-to-face communication.  We are more likely to text or email a friend to catch up rather then meet for a cup of coffee.  This is apparent in our careers as well.  A business meeting can take place through video conferencing rather than a face-to-face meeting. We can now telecommute to work as opposed to going into the office. Technology has changed the way in which we exchange messages. While these messages are delivered more quickly, we lose face-to-face cues, gestures and often emotions are monitored or all together invisible.


This applies to all technologies but Apple products, of course!

Apple has changed the game and has used its latest gadget, the iPad, to increase interpersonal relationships in the business world through a program with a luxury car company!  This summer, Mercedes Benz employed an iPad program, where 40 US dealerships used iPads to close deals.  The purpose of the program was to alleviate the anxiety that ensues when a potential customer walks from the showroom to the daunting back office.  This is typically the time where customers change their minds and walk away from the deal.  The iPad has allowed salesmen to close the deal and run credit checks right from the showroom floor. The customer feels more at ease and less intimidated by the purchase and it has boosted Mercedes Benz bottom line. The program was so successful that it will be expanded worldwide to a total of 355 dealerships.

With the expansion of the program, Mercedes will also increase the use of iPads into the car-leasing process. When lease customers return their cars, they will be able to watch the post lease inspection and complete all paperwork from right next to the car, through the iPad.  The financial VP for Mercedes Benz  Andreas Hinrichs stated “This creates a lot of transparency for the dealership, a lot of flexibility for the dealer.”

So while the rest of the technology world is destroying relationships, Apple is making them stronger!