Who Knows What Customers Want!
02/24/03
Robert J. Kriegel talks about succeeding without working so hard: "Sometimes customers don't know what they need. If you asked a 19th-century farmer what he needed, he would have said a bigger horse. He wouldn't have said a tractor."
When we eagerly approach our customers and listen for what they need, do we fail them when we forget to expand their vision of what we can provide? If companies are to be solution brokers for those we serve, maybe some customers are unaware of what is possible. Innovation opens us to new vistas of opportunity, but if customers can't grasp a picture of that vision, they will never see the value that solution will bring. Where are your customers settling for a better horse when you could unleash a tractor into their lives? Plant a few seeds of opportunity and look for a gleam in their eyes as you finish the statement--"What would you say if we could....?" Customers today, facing tighter and tighter budgets, may not pay for a better horse. They may pay for a tractor that takes their business to the next level. This week dream a few dreams with those you serve.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Your most optimistic leaders and professionals keep moving. They make life an adventure as they search for ways to take advantage of every opportunity. People always have options; victors make the best of them while victims whine about how few they have. There is never nothing you can do, the only question is whether it will work and if committed action is worth the investment of the time required. Failure to make choices doesn't prevent failure it just turns life into slow death. The best leaders are never paralyzed by limitless choices; they get busy doing something one choice at a time!" --Terry L. Paulson, PhD, CSP, CPAE
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Loren Ekroth provides this week's mirth--a mix of questions and answers worth laughing about. Enjoy!
Q.) What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?
A.) Nacho Cheese.Q.) Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?
A.) Because It Scares The Dog.Q.) What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice Too Long?
A.) Polaroids.Q.) What Do You Call A Boomerang That Doesn't Work?
A.) A Stick.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...