Why Be A Good Customer?

Why in the world should you be a good customer? After all, you're in control, you're the one who pays for the product or service. In this economy, the customer has the upper hand, so why not use it?

First of all, we need to realize that everyone, at some point, is a customer. And we are all on the other side of that equation, dealing with (or serving) customers. Until my daughter worked in a coffee shop, it didn't occur to me how much a tip meant to a young person making a latte.

I think if you are cold, indifferent or worse as a customer, you have to realize you might miss out: Miss out on inspiring someone or letting someone know they did a good job or miss out on making someone's day (maybe they've been going thorugh a tough time).

Some of us are terrible customers--demanding, irritable, bullying, deceitful, etc. Short-term, maybe you get something for that--a free product, a bunch of people nervously running around to please. Maybe you feel strong.

But long-term, being a good customer brings a lot: great ideas, friendships, loyalty, etc. Being a good customer is good business.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
labovsaleschannel.com