A simple request to everyone everywhere: please stop using IE8. Thank you.
IE8… why?
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Blackout.
So today we see Google, WordPress and Wikipedia, among others, taking part in a blackout to protest SOPA / PIPA. Good luck to them. It is impossible to censor the internet and the proposed legislation is unworkable and seriously infringes on a free internet.
5 Steps to Success
So, according to what I’ve read on the internet from experts today here are the 5 things you should be doing to succeed in business:
1) Social Media
2) Social Media
3) Social Media
4) Social Media
5) Social Media
Forget about product and service innovation. Social Media.
Box
There is now Box …. appears to be a rival to DropBox and offers 5GB of free space for users. You can upgrade and there is also a business solution available. Looks pretty slick, we’ll see how it compares to DropBox.
Simple Things.
More often than not loyalty starts with the simple things. Make sure you get these right. Ultimately people will be looking reliability and efficiency rather than shiny and flashy. Be honest, deliver what you promise, make things easy for the customer and build your reputation on that.
Communicate
I am constantly surprised by the number of problems that can be solved or even prevented by simple communication. This should not be an issue today yet it still exists. Make sure people who need information have it, and have it when they need it. Make sure that everyone in the organisation is kept informed. Doing this will ensure consistency and prevent mixed messages filtering through to the customer.
Round and round….
An efficient work flow does not go round in circles. Four different people communicating with the customer is too many. Think about what is best for the customer.
Android 2.3.4 can’t predict words….
So the latest Android update made my predictive text vanish. You’d think that would have been tested. Come on people.
The first step….
These days with increased competition I am amazed by how I am still frustrated by companies that take 5 days to respond to an enquiry. The customer experience begins at this stage, take it seriously. Remember, you are not the only company they have requested information from. Being too busy or not having the manpower is no excuse. Build it into your work flow. If you need help, talk to a professional.
Guiding Values
I was recently reminded of the importance of values. Trivial subject you may think, but a critical one. Defining a set of values that guide your company is imperative. They will act as a reference for any decision you make from product design to communications. No event or action should ever compromise those values and no customer should ever experience anything contrary to those values. The customer experience must be built on your guiding set of values. They must be authentic and clearly understood by employees. They must be championed by people who believe in them. If you don’t believe in what you stand for, how can anyone else?