Why do I need to be a member of ASBN?
The answers are logically simple;
Security;
There's a lot of apprehension about connecting with strangers on the open internet. You don't know who an internet 'pirate' is, just waiting to pounce on an opportunity to exploit you. How do you know if that person is authentic? The simplest solution is to have a closed network where every applicant is vetted for authenticity. Plus, if someone does find a way to infiltrate our system to exploit our members, we have the authority to take direct action.
Privacy;
The Automotive Service Business Network represents all businesses and individuals working within or related to the automotive industry. As an industry, we require the ability to share data and resources freely, plus have the ability to connect and communicate with others within this industry.
There are two problems;
- The clear majority of information our industry requires access to is semi-confidential or semi-private, which is not destined for the eyes of the general public
- We are using the Internet and the World Wide Web media platform, and, as such, is a highly open and public realm.
The solution is to create a 'Members Only' system that can only be accessed by logging in as registered users, virtually carving out our private network within the public worldwide web.
Statistics and Demographics
During the registration process, we ask general, non-private questions designed to help us ensure you are related to this industry and to allow us to be able to screen out those who are looking to misuse our network for their reasons. At the same time, the data collected on this form will give us a much-needed picture of how solid and influential our industry is as an 'essential' service to our communities.
- How many businesses are there?
- Where are they?
- What types of businesses are they?
- How strong is our support network?
- How many people work on the 'front line' of this industry?
- How many people work to support this industry?
Answers to these are just a sample of the many questions that need answers to generate accurate statistics and demographics of our industry for excellent reasons.
- We need to be able to monitor trends in our markets and be able to react to them quickly
- We want to add more services and tools to the network, but we need to know if they will be used and what regions or groups really need them
- We need strong representation and a strong voice so we can work much closer with our associations and the decision-makers that will affect our industry
Cookies
A cookie is a small file that asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added, and the cookie helps analyze your web activities on this particular site.
Cookies also allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. By gathering and remembering your preferences, the web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes, and dislikes. This allows your preferred pages to load faster.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyze data about web page traffic and improve our website to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis, and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie does not give us access to your computer or any information about you other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline them if you prefer. However, this may prevent you from fully enjoying the website.
Realistic Growth
Having signed-up members is really the only way we can measure our growth accurately. Looking at site views and visits through different site analytic programs serves us very little. Don't get me wrong. Having 1.5 million page visits per year is definitely uplifting, but it really doesn't show if our content is getting to the people who could really use it.
Only through membership growth can we start looking at adding more features, functions, and tools.
Functions like classifieds, employment ads, video streaming, product reviews, direct online communications, and so much more can only be possible in a controlled group environment with enough members to make the tools useful. As a private network, we can create functions others can only dream of.
I hope that answers the question of why memberships are so important.
Okay, you're ready to sign up. Now what?
There is only one form that asks simple, nonpersonal questions to determine whether you are directly or indirectly related to this industry. Yes, we screen every application. It's our first line of defense against malicious users.
If you are considering signing up your whole shop to use, that's great. However, we will see you as only one member, which will not accurately reflect our growth statistics. Don't forget to tell your co-workers, employees, or classmates so they, too, can sign up for their personal accounts and reasons. There's something for everyone.
Also, don't forget (at the bottom of the application form) to check the box to accept Newsletters. Each newsletter will be tailored to your classification.
Oh, and yes, it is FREE, and NO, you will not be added to any mailing list(s). The only mail you will receive from ASBN Publications will be occasional newsletters and notifications.
Enjoy.
