for W3c validation

As you likely know, marketing any business is an expensive undertaking. To combat that, “teams” are used in many verticals to share marketing expenses and resources amongst a group that has similar goals (as well as to pool together individuals with complementary skill sets).

While spending a few weeks in Siem Reap, Cambodia about a month ago, I noticed a theme — many Tuk Tuks were branded (mostly with super hero characters). There was the spidermobile. The batmobile. The super batmobile. But also a few car brands such as Ferrari and BMW. Not sure why I didn’t see the Thor-mobile or Hulk, but maybe in another 5 years, a tuk tuk driver will get a creative and go beyond the most well known heroes.

The business idea I came away with is quite simple: create a tuk tuk team. Organize a group of tuk tuk drivers (10-20 to start), pick a theme that provides some flexibility and fun elements to play off of, and brand all the tuks tuks with similar colors and logos. Then blanket the city. What kind of themes? Personally, I think a movie theme would be quite fun. Image a team of tuk tuks, and each one is painted with one or two characters from famous movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Old Skool, Star Wars, Gladiator, and Braveheart. But any common theme could work. Sports teams. Car brands. Famous artists.

And a bonus to take the business to the next level? Serve ice cold beers from an ice chest. Particularly for tours of Angkor Watt that last a day or two — who WOULDN’T want a few ice cold beers while being driven around? Come to think of it, a “Beers of the World” branded tuk tuk team would be a no-brainer.

Why I like it:

• SUPER Simple – a little paint, and away you go
• Conversation Starter – a common theme is an easy way to stand out from the bland, unbranded tuk tuks that litter the city

Tuk tuk teams could work anywhere, not just in Siem Reap. Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Dar Es Salaam, etc.