Are we actually listening?

How many companies are actually listening to what their customers are saying? And why do i see so many respond in such an impersonal manner? Why are you asking for first-person feedback if the manner of your response is a cold, cookie-cutter response? Don't forget it's these people who took the time out to let you know what's on their mind (their personal space). You should at least be grateful and real in responding.

clipped from www.marketingprofs.com First-person feedback is not just personal. It is rich, honest, unprompted, unscripted, and often revealing. To do this, companies are staffing senior roles in the organization that focus on customers and report to the CEO, the VP of marketing or other top executive.

Tips for customer testimonials

I've been using this method for gathering testimonials for years but it depends on the industry you are reaching from and to. Not all customers are able to give a good testimony because the company hasn't done it in the past and aren't very good at probing. I plan on giving it another try over the next few months. We'll see how change goes...

clipped from www.evancarmichael.com I have my phone set up, so that I can record directly to my computer, using the Sound Recorder function. I use it for when I am doing consulting on the phone. This way I can produce a CD of suitable discussions, or develop transcripts. However it has another very powerful use and that is for recording testimonials. Once you have a recording, you can transcribe it and send it back to your client asking them to put it on letter head and to sign it. Alternatively you can put it as an audio track or as text on your web site. Another way to really boost the number of testimonials is to run a contest for your customers. Use the best testimonials to promote your business. Use them in direct mail, in your advertising, on your web site, arm your sales people with them.....use them anywhere you can

Looking back - memories by Jerry Kavanagh

To Jerry Kavanagh, April 17th is more than just a day in the spring month. It's a day that signified a life change and a travel back home. Jerry is former Marine and my husband’s grandfather. The following is an email he sent to his family about what April 17th means to him.

--Sixty-three years ago this day, 4/17/45, I received my honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. A small group of us were 'fell out' on the parade ground at Marine Base San Diego. A Corps bus took us to downtown, where we would have to find a way home. My travel allowance was $131. The lady Marine group sang the Marine Hymn as we boarded.

After stepping off the bus, everyone scattered to find his own means. I stood there, and for the first time in my life realized what it feels like to be an orphan. I missed the Corps more than the fact I was going home...for good; I had been assigned to Embassy duty in D.C.

Flying home was impossible; the 'brass' had top priority. Seabag on my shoulder I went to the train station.'Standing room only and that was filled.’Then to the Greyhound station; 'be here at 11 P.M. for boarding.' This was the longest day of my life. All those Navy whites, and Marine (and probably) Army khaki tans; and me in my winter greens; lonely is what I was. I didn't drink so no bar for me. I saw 2 movies, ate, and arrived early for 'the trip from hell'.

Due to the many spring floods, we traveled north, the south avoiding all. Finally, near midnight, April 23, 6 days in the saddle on the outskirts of Baltimore, I asked the driver if I could depart at Washington Blvd and Monroe Streets to catch a local bus to take me past my house. I wanted to get home before midnight for my only sister's birthday.

Good guy, but said he couldn't get to my seabag, but it would rest safely at the station down town and I could retrieve it later. I woke my family just before midnight for 'best wishes, Kathleen.'

Jerry K --

Marketing? Truly?

There are so many facets to marketing and as a department of one, it's overwhelming trying to incorporate new marketing tactics into a company with an old marketing mindset. No set budget, nothing to refer to, limited assistance, but a desire to do more and make it better. Listening to marketing podcasts, subscribing to blogs, RSS feeds, and social networking sites are great but how do I narrow down what's going to work for this company?

Catching up after a long break

Quite a few people I know have blogs and use them on a regular basis. I, on the other hand, find it hard to fit it into my daily activities. Granted, if I had a PDA or some other mobile communications device, I would be updating this site at a moment's notice. Still, I must come to grips with what I am able to accomplish and contribute, is good enough for me right now.

Nothing deep or inspiring to write. Just a thought for today.