Know Your Competition, And Avoid Customer Break-Ups

Customers are fickle. Just when you think you're in a steady relationship ... their eyes are drawn to a more attractive suitor.

We spend so much of our time time trying to make and keep our customers happy that we may forget others---the competition---are trying to make them happier. Blasted competition!

But, my customer and I have a wonderful time together. I say and do all the right things. What more could they be looking for?

With laser-focus attention on understanding customers, we don't notice the competition offering something smarter, better-looking, faster (or slower), or sexier.

Find out what this is before your customers do.

Shop your competition's stores, test their products, call their phone customer service, talk to their customers, visit their website, test their return policy.

Experience what is attracting your customers away. Then consider, what your competition has that you're missing? And, what can you offer that your competition can't?

Don't get stood up at your cash register. Keep customers happy by proactively meeting their needs. Don't let them be seduced away from you by the competition.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi there!

I'm Paul Williams... guest writer on Daily Fix and founder of Idea Sandbox.

I'm a professional problem solver. Through brainstorm facilitation I help people create remarkable ideas to grow their business. As one client put it, “Idea Sandbox turns brains into idea machines.”

Prior to launching Idea Sandbox in 2005, I spent 15 years building marketing, branding, and customer-experience strategy for The Disney Company, the Aramark Corporation, and Starbucks Coffee Company.

I founded Idea Sandbox driven by my passion to help others create remarkable ideas. I blend the skills and lessons I have learned to build a sandbox---an idea sandbox.

You can reach me on Twitter via @IdeaSandbox.

Through Idea Sandbox, I have helped solve challenges, grow brands, think-up remarkable ideas, and create innovation for companies including: Starbucks Coffee Company, Starbucks Coffee International, Panera Bread Company, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Woodhouse Day Spas, The Microsoft Corporation, and Wells Fargo Mortgage.

I am a writer, speaker, columnist, and brainstormer living just outside Washington DC, in Alexandria, Virginia.

If you like what you've read here, you can find more of my thoughts at my Idea Sandbox blog.

I always welcome comments and reactions to what I've written. I'm on Twitter: @IdeaSandbox

Nice to meet you,

Paul

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