Comments on: Taking a Different Approach

By: Lindsay_J

Lindsay_J — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 04:05:56 +0000

Seeing as to how I ultimately want to end up in advertising, I found this post interesting. I do feel that there is a way to combine customer service and ads, though. You can target your ad/marketing campaign around qualities that the customer wants to see in a bank, store, etc. Rather than just push the products (”Buy this!”), I feel there is a way to make ads and campaigns that focus on the store and what it offers over the competition (”Shop here!”), such as the customer service and attention to detail that has been described in the post and preceeding comments. I think we can all agree that the minute that any type of commercial institution loses focus of customers, they are headed toward disaster.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 21:56:18 +0000

I definitely agree with everyone here. Customers are what make a business succeed. If you aren’t even thinking like a customer, then you won’t have any. I work for a prominent bank here in Alabama. People have their own opinions about the CEO of the bank (everyone from Auburn should know who I am talking about!) But after working here, I have learned that treating your customers and clients with respect is the only way you’ll profit. In fact, in our marketing department hangs a sign that says, “Work like a dog, think like a customer.” It then proceeds to give the definition of dog-man’s best friend. This always helps me to remember who I am marketing our products to. Simply put, treat others how you want to be treated.

By: Brooke p

Brooke p — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 18:26:12 +0000

I encourage this idea! I am also from a town where friendly service will beat high advertising and
other types of marketing for banking and other types of service. I would choose a service that knows
about me and what I am about over other comptetitors anyday. I hope that other businesses
are able to see how beneficial the quality of service is and re-think their business atmosphere.
In a world dominated by technology, I think people are beginning to look more for high
quality service to help them with their business decisions.

By: Jami

Jami — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 04:04:52 +0000

I am from a small town and the practice of emphasizing customer service has always been in effect because word of mouth can spread so quickly. This is a smart move for businesses today because of the new technologies that allow word of mouth to travel everywhere quickly. The extra advertising dollars will not help if the quality service doesn’t exsist.

By: Ashley_m_c

Ashley_m_c — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 23:17:35 +0000

This article is right on target! I think it is completely worth it to spend a litte more money making your company the kind of place people will be drawn to, instead of spending the minimum amount to make it work.

In the long run, companies that do this will most likely be more successful because people are usually willing to pay more for good customer service.

I worked at a high-end clothing store for about a year. We always had very regular customers because our service was very good. We knew what our customers liked and gave them personal attention to make sure they were completely satisfied with their purchases.

I think more than anything, people want to feel good about using any organization, whether it is a bank, a retail store or a supermarket. If the company gears their store and service towards the customers’ wants and needs, they will be more successful!

By: Melanie

Melanie — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 19:28:32 +0000

What an appealing idea. One of the big draws of PR for me is the attention to what makes customers happy. This trend of actually listening to the needs of a customer is sure to be mutually beneficial.

People are sensitive (and rightfully so!) about their hard earned/saved money.

I know that I hate nothing more than to have a bad experience at a bank… I start to question the ability of the establishment to take care of my money. If this trend catches on a nationwide scale, people will be happier customers and workers.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 17:18:35 +0000

Thanks Josh. This is a fine example of thinking in new ways. The research aspect also serves to reinforce the need to start there in any campaign. Gotta know what the audience wants. Great post.