What a CEO needs to know about customers- from touch points to journeys

As a practitioner, manager, and board director, and as a widely read observer, i can say clearly that Companies which create exceptional customer experiences can set themselves apart from their competitors and produce significantly better business results.

The practice of mapping the journey of our customers, is well established, but typically these elements have been treated distinctly- a piece of point of sale, a price, a sponsorship, and while there is typically oversight from a brand perspective to ensure there is fit with the brand, there is often little co-ordination from a customers perspective to ensure these touch points align to create a co-ordinated and self-reinforcing customer journey,

thats why I’d like to discuss moving from discussing elements of a marketing plan to the overall perception of the plan from a customers perspective.… Read more

Are we digitally overloaded?

We hear a lot about digital engagement as a means to enhance our customer service. About how everyone is using digital means to engage with everyone.  But Im delighted to know that my gut feel that this trend is overblown, is correct.

The 11th annual Accenture Global Consumer Pulse Survey measured the experiences of 24,489 customers in 33 countries and across 11 industries to assess consumer attitudes toward marketing, sales and customer service practices, primarily focused at digitising customer services.… Read more

Its not ” what do you want?” that creates insight

A friend and ex-colleague has opened his own business and we chat about trying to gain insight into his customers.  He’s in F&B a very competitive arena, and he’s typically too busy to take time to think.  As a result he often falls back on asking the wrong questions of his customers to try to gain insight.

He’s got a new product, and he was going to ask his customers “how much would you pay for it?”…… Read more

Learning to surf the digital tsunami

In the digital world, your consumers can’t help but shop around.

Regrettable, but true… loyalty is down, but not out.

The past few years have seen exponential growth in tools that have made researching and purchasing products online vastly easier. We’ve seen an explosion of mobile shopping apps that showcase options, simplify pricing, compare product specifications, and facilitate peer reviews that make switching brands easier.… Read more