Welcome to the Escape Blog

We all tout the phrase ‘Customer is King’ but do we really take note when we are in the driving seat?

Take Matthew Peterson who took on Apple after being disillusioned with his iPod Nano and the problems he got with his ‘new’ device. Using his web know-how he created www.flawedmusicplayer.com (link may now have been cancelled due to overload) so he, and people with the same issues, could vent their frustrations.
See full story from the Telegraph

What is stopping your customers from doing the same against you. If they have valid reasons, why not?

Now here is a very dangerous idea. Or is it?

Why not have an open web forum, or BLOG, where you can truly interact with your clients and detractors? Sure, you’ll get the odd arse writing stuff, but if you police, and fully interact, wouldn’t that add real value to your company - “man, they are human after all - they actually listen”

Let’s face it, your customers use your company and give you money - there must be a reason. Give them an area where they can reply and challenge you. If you are as good as you may think, what’s to be afraid of?

As part of a Design Company, I recently posted a site we designed on a photo website to see what people thought.

It got 3.5 out of five. What if some of the comments had ideas and constructive criticism? We could adapt according to popular demand (within reason).

The main point is we asked the question!

And doesn’t that show that we are more of an open company?

The overall message here is:

• Do you even ask your customers their opinion?
• Do you listen if they answer or is it just lip service?
• How open can you be (and it’s probably a fine line)?
• If you don’t interact with your clients, someone else can.

We can’t be right all of the time but we can learn, and the world is full of teachers in all shapes and sizes!