Patriot Harley-Davidson & Motorcycle Riding Concepts

http://www.PatriotHD.com

This video was filmed on-site and would not have been possible without these amazing people: 

Lyndon Abell

Jessica Zadlo

...and the whole team @ Patriot Harley-Davidson

http://www.PatriotHD.com

And... 

Jeff Thompson & Mark Lewis

@ Motorcycle Riding Concepts

http://www.SaddleUpVA.com

Big thanks from all of us here at TrendPOV... Let's Ride!

This week marks the second anniversary of the Trend POV show, so what better time to highlight a company that is so established in American history, it’s practically an institution. The Harley-Davidson brand is somewhat iconic in America and has evolved using interaction, branding and social networking of a different kind that was well ahead of its time. According to a timeline detailed in harley-davidson.com, it all began in 1900 when four men experimented with internal combustion in a tiny shed in Milwaukee and miraculously created a motorcycle that subsequently ran for over 100,000 miles. The famous bar and shield logo was created and trademarked back in 1910 and throughout the next century, Harley-Davidson bikes went through numerous transformations, yet the brand continued to grow in status and acquire an ever-increasingly loyal following. The bikes were entered in races, endurance contests and hill climbs and records were continuously being broken. Early networking came in the form of motor cycle rallies which began in the late 1930s. Harley-Davidson bikes were commissioned for use in both World Wars, so became symbolic for returning soldiers and those wishing to share some of the honor. Sale of the black leather Harley-Davidson motor cycle jacket initiated merchandise sales that cemented the bond for many Harley riders. Considering the hog became the Harley mascot in the early years, in 1983 a branding genius created the H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) which immediately became “the second largest factory-sponsored motorcycle group in the world” according to the Harley-davidson.com timeline. Harley Davidson dealerships are so tuned in that the potential to own a Harley can very easily become a reality. It’s possible to test ride or rent different models and select dealers offer new-rider training courses, advanced skills and group rider instruction. And if you want a really unique experience, it’s possible to customize your purchase in many different ways. As for the future, Harley aims to build on its successes to entice the younger generation to join the Harley “club”, but there’s no doubt that whatever route Harley-Davidson takes, it will be loyally followed by many. The lessons from this month’s spotlight are these. First, Harley-Davidson sparked the original social network. Interaction is lucrative but social interaction is better. You cannot force community. Building community is best around a shared asset. Finally, try social branding to build community around your products. Harley did it and your business can do it too.