We continually express to clients the importance of talking to their customers so that they can make informed business decisions. We tell people to participate in research so their voice can be heard. I personally have thought of several companies I would love to give feedback to as a consumer.
1) RIM: Blackberry – I am not sure why you fell behind the innovation curve but I suggest you catch up quick. While you work on that part highlight to customers your lower costs and easier device management for business. Highlight some stories of iPhones getting hacked if possible and work with mobile carriers on an international service plan available only to BlackBerry users.
2) Jared: The Galleria of Jewelry – Every birthday and Christmas my husband purchases jewelry for me if I haven’t put in an alternative request. Please keep an inventory of the things I have, make suggestions to him right before these events, and offer some kind of loyalty program. Send me e-mail reminders when I need to bring items in for inspection to maintain the warranty. Why act like a luxury brand and then have no connection with your customers?
3) Nintendo and XBOX – Make more sophisticated adventure games targeted at women; you are losing us to PC and online casual gaming. I like to collect things and be challenged by puzzles and strategy. This female market has been ignored in place of high budget kill everyone games for men and fluffy kids’ games. For ideas, think Zelda without the bosses and long narratives, ToeJam and Earl 1 with more updated graphics and challenges, Plants vs. Zombies with Kinect or Wii movement capabilities.
Sound off. What would you say to any company out there if they were listening right now?
By Stephanie Vanterpool, Senior Director