I recently came across a neat site, www.tuk-tastic.com created for an auto rickshaw driver called Samson in Chennai, India. An auto rickshaw is a three wheeled vehicle open on two sides and is called by different names like, tuk-tuk, scooty, auto etc. depending on which part of India you are in.

Samson, the auto driver's website

So Samson made or asked someone to make a site for him. The site has his picture, a short and sweet intro about his work and pages on where to shop, eat, sightsee and drink in Chennai. Samson does an excellent job of selling himself as a safe driver and one who will take you wherever  your heart desires. If you are new to the city he basically provides you with info about where to go and is also the vehicle to getting you there. Knowing that he can take only up to three passengers, he has a plan for larger groups of passengers and helps his other auto driver friends get business by getting them on board too. There are passenger testimonials, a photo gallery and he’s even thought of advertising on his auto using Sticker art.  www.tuktastic.com is an inspiring website for anyone to see how you can fashion a website around any skill set you have.

Digital Entrepreneurs 2.0 was a seminar I attended recently at Fordham University in New York City. The panel consisted of successful folks like Jonah Peretti, Steve Gordan and Adam Rich. They spoke of branding, online tools, networking and social media. Many questions were asked and pens were scribbling notes furiously. I think Samson would have done a great job on that panel. He represents what can be done when we put common sense together with resourcefulness, asking people for help, selling whatever skills you have with passion and drive using digital online resources.

I’ve always stood by the concept of learning from your taxi driver or auto driver in this case. I’ve had a minor revelation thanks to Samson’s site and in the next few weeks www.thetaxitakes.com and www.vandanasood.com will be going through a re haul. If you need a good safe ride anywhere in Chennai and its surrounding areas Samson says on tuktastic.com,

“I can also be contacted by phone or text message on +919 840 842724 at any time. If you would like to arrange a time for me to meet you before you travel to Chennai then why not send me a text? I check my email every week so if you would like to email me at samson@tuktastic.com then please feel free.”

In the same vein get in touch with me on any feedback you might have on ways to improve this site. Things you feel work, other sections which don’t, anything! Just post right here or email me. Thanks in advance:)