Missing Persons
Are we bereft of spirit?
Many of us have observed (or at least experienced) the course of economic rationalism.
From my experiences and observations, I’ve formed the schizophrenic view that:
Government is inefficient and ineffective.
AND
Capitalism is ruthless and lethal.
I’m now hearing that a mix of these forces may be the new way forward.
And from two interactions [...]
Hitting the Books
The money AND the books!
Every now and then I hit a paragon of customer communication.
This one comes from Clouston & Hall Booksellers, who deal in remaindered books.
It hits so many of my buttons, I had to table it for you:
Read it & Leap
Dear Customer,
In the past two years something has happened. Our records show [...]
Goodbye, Old Friend
View to a kill.
Speaking of redundancy, how’s the shift in television?
I can now view 16 free-to-air channels!
In response, the pay TV sector is doing odd things.
Instead of nurturing a dwindling client base, their desperate measures are breaking hearts and losing minds.
Lessons for us here, I reckon.
Drop Zone
I noticed the first pay TV tactic [...]
Fair’s fare?
Today we welcome back Sonia Cuff, owner of a Computer Troubleshooters franchise based in sunny Queensland. Sonia is passionate about helping small business owners around the world with the right technology advice and support. Today Sonia shares an experience with customer credits. Maybe you have some insights to share. Naomi
In March of this year I [...]
Locked-in Syndrome
Wikipedia says Locked-in Syndrome is a condition in which a patient:
Is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes.*
This reminds me of modern utility contracts.
Today’s suppliers are frantic to lock us down, box us in and wall us off [...]
A Cut Above
It’s great to meet people who lead their field.
You spot them by their ideas.
If your business suffers customers who show up late (or not at all) you may like this story.
I never know where my next blog post will come from: smart ideas reside in the most unusual places.
So I was delighted when [...]
Black Marketing
Nice, but VERY naughty.
Last month a pub taught me a lesson.
Their new customer loyalty program is inspired.
Unfortunately, it’s also illegal.
That aside, this story flags a wellspring of ideas from which we can draw.
Beer O’Clock
It was a cold, huddle-at-home night that required just a couple more beers.
I braved the rain to the only place open [...]
Law of the Letter
Another gym membership down the drain.
What is it with gym memberships?!
Like napalm, they cling and burn no matter what you do.
I was pleased to see the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission agreed with our assessment of that Gold Coin to Join ‘deal’.
Alas, I’ve had less success at my local pool.
Technically, they’re correct.
Morally, I feel [...]
Perception is Reality
I’ve long perceived The Market as the best place for fresh food.
By choosing it over grocers and supermarkets, this perception has been my reality.
Unfortunately, things aren’t always as they seem, i.e. walk2 ≠ talk2.
Market Driven
For years I’ve shopped at one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fresh food markets.
One stall has consistently garnered my custom.
Given there [...]
Putting the OUCH into vouchers
In Paul’s ludicrous fantasy world of truth and light, business is cherished, money is prized and value lasts longer than six months.
In the real world of vouchers, however, none of this happens.
And I can’t see why.
Purchase
My wife and I bought a friend an $80 voucher from his favourite restaurant. It wasn’t a venue we were [...]
