Everyone is a Customer



One of the things we’re always advised to be wary of is that social media puts us in the spotlight 24/7. As businesses, we need to be focused on our customers and their needs, and as customers we now have an “in” to the businesses that provide us our goods and services.
This have been a double-edged sword in many examples, with customers taking out their grievances in very public places whether the grievance was warranted or not. Yet it’s also allowed business to respond to grievances, and be seen to make things right in the same public space as the original complaint. This has led to haters turning into fans, and everybody wins – customer and supplier.

One of the things we’re often advised to be wary of is that social media puts us in the spotlight 24/7. As businesses, we need to always be on and aware that our customers have an “in” to airing their views in a public place.

Wise words. It works both ways, though.

Customers – or potential customers – are also always on when it comes to thinking ahead and making decisions. We check companies out; we see how they position themselves in public; how they react and deal with queries and situations that we, as future customers, might encounter.

Which made this exchange today (highlighted at the end of the post) really stand out.

Reading through the exchange, two things came across. First, whether information is incorrect or not, lambasting a customer (and therefore a stakeholder in your business) never comes across well. Second, would I want to be a customer of a business that responds this way to a point of view (misled or not)?

Since potential customers don’t wear signs over their heads that say they may be interested in our products or services, we can’t tell who is and who isn’t just a passing visitor. Especially online, where there’s no physical store to walk into and grab a salesperson to talk to.

So, if everyone is a (potential) customer, how are you presenting yourself?

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In a similar vein. Seth Godin suggests that you look at every part of your business as a marketing tool. Everything — the way you answer the phone, the faxes you send, right down to the labels on your envelopes. Ivan

Great insight, Danny. Especially when it comes to online communications, it is essential that you consider everyone you interact with a potential customer (or employee, even). After all, bad word of mouth travels faster and farther than good word of mouth.Tessa Carrollwww.blogs.vbpoutsourcing.com

Very good point which is why even if I am feeling one way about a hockey team or whatever I try and stay away from swearing and anything which could catch up with me if someone would be doing a Google search. I think if I was employed full time I would still be thinking the same way. No point in causing trouble plus how are you going to know who is actually listening since these networks broadcast out to many different outposts.You need to be sure of your content so it doesn't get misconstrued.

Wow, this is incredible. A good reality check for all of us that we are always "on the air," so to speak, with social media. It's important to relay a positive image of our company and brand. We cannot take negative feedback personally.

Not only is everyone a customer, but everyone is also a critic.Think about that.

Definitely a good point Dan. Offices may close, but customers and potential opportunities are always listening. Even if you were able to put a hat on top of a customer you wouldn't be able to track the dozen others that are part of their network (friends, family, neighbor) and can make or break your strategy. That's why in contrast to Vegas, what happens online doesn't stay online. Thanks for the slides! --Paul

Wonderful topic to discuss - and a killer example of communication run amok. I'm amazed at how in tune you are with what's going on.

In a similar vein. Seth Godin suggests that you look at every part of your business as a marketing tool.

Everything u00e2u0080u0094 the way you answer the phone, the faxes you send, right down to the labels on your envelopes.

Ivan

Everyone is a Customer - By: @dannybrown - http://ow.ly/D8PA
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RT @1day1brand: Everyone is a Customer - By: @dannybrown - http://ow.ly/D8PA
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Why do we say Everyone is a Customer ? http://ow.ly/D4cN
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Great insight, Danny. Especially when it comes to online communications, it is essential that you consider everyone you interact with a potential customer (or employee, even). After all, bad word of mouth travels faster and farther than good word of mouth.

Tessa Carroll
www.blogs.vbpoutsourcing.com

Very good point which is why even if I am feeling one way about a hockey team or whatever I try and stay away from swearing and anything which could catch up with me if someone would be doing a Google search. I think if I was employed full time I would still be thinking the same way. No point in causing trouble plus how are you going to know who is actually listening since these networks broadcast out to many different outposts.

You need to be sure of your content so it doesn't get misconstrued.

Everyone is a Customer http://tinyurl.com/ybqm3gt > are you treating them well?
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RT @Mandy_Vavrinak Everyone is a Customer http://tinyurl.com/ybqm3gt > are you treating them well? >>Interesting conversation in the slides
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RT @DannyBrown Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/3bcgNz
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RT @dannybrown Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/3bcgNz
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Wow, this is incredible. A good reality check for all of us that we are always "on the air," so to speak, with social media. It's important to relay a positive image of our company and brand. We cannot take negative feedback personally.

fromm @dannybrown -- Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/2r0IOa
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Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/2F1dyA
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"Everyone is a Customer" (slideshow from @dannybrown) http://bit.ly/2r0IOa
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RT @DannyBrown Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/3bcgNz
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RT @gacconsultants RT @DannyBrown Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/3bcgNz
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Not only is everyone a customer, but everyone is also a critic.

Think about that.

Definitely a good point Dan. Offices may close, but customers and potential opportunities are always listening. Even if you were able to put a hat on top of a customer you wouldn't be able to track the dozen others that are part of their network (friends, family, neighbor) and can make or break your strategy. That's why in contrast to Vegas, what happens online doesn't stay online. Thanks for the slides! --Paul

Wonderful topic to discuss - and a killer example of communication run amok. I'm amazed at how in tune you are with what's going on.

Not only is everyone a customer, but everyone is also a critic.

Think about that.
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Everyone Is A Customer - http://bit.ly/3HSaWY - by @dannybrown
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Everyone is a Customer http://ff.im/-bkFuQ
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RT @DannyBrown Everyone is a customer - are you presenting yourself well? http://bit.ly/1x26H6
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Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/3ZnSCn
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RT @DannyBrown: Everyone is a customer - are you presenting yourself well? http://bit.ly/3BrIUr
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New @dannybrown: Everyone is a Customer http://bit.ly/4rbN6r
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Everyone is a customer - are you presenting yourself well? http://bit.ly/1x26H6
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RT @DannyBrown: Everyone is a customer - are you presenting yourself well? http://bit.ly/1x26H6
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Something to think of RT @DannyBrown: Everyone is a customer - are you presenting yourself well? http://bit.ly/1x26H6
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