CUSTOMER OF THE MONTH
After a session with one of my consulting clients, we walked up the street to a coffee shop to continue our conversation. We entered and the place was buzzing with conversation, energy, and activity.
On the counter near the register was a prominent frame with a picture of one of their regular patrons noting his selection as “Customer of the Month”. I was impressed by this and wondered how one achieves such an honor.
I asked the barista about the selection criteria and she informed me that it’s a group decision by all who work there.
How cool is that? Not only was it something out of the ordinary, but darned if it didn’t make me want to try my best to be the next Customer of the Month.
What would happen if you started honoring a Customer of the Month?
Would clients actually compete for the honor?
Do you think customers would be kinder and gentler with any complaints?
Brilliant!
Posted by: Lewis Smile | September 20, 2007 at 07:30 AM
The TV show "King of Queens" has a great bit when Arthur wants to be 'customer of the month' at a local coffee shop.
Good Stuff!
Posted by: Ron Swanson | September 20, 2007 at 09:32 AM
A local Kohl's has an "Employee of the Month" parking spot in a prime location to the store (ironically, it's always empty when I notice it). I often wonder where their "Customer of the Month" parking space is.
Posted by: DUST!N | September 20, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Awesome idea! I sell my products through hundreds of channels and have that many direct customers - I say I am 100% about great customer service - now THAT is going the extra mile. I want to do something like this for MY customers!
Posted by: Jamie Lentzner | September 20, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Innocent Smoothies has a nice twist on this - their blog sometimes features one of the shops that stocks their drinks - a Super Stockist:
http://innocentdrinks.typepad.com/innocent_drinks/2007/07/super-stockist.html
Posted by: Louise | September 21, 2007 at 05:10 AM
Great idea! We have "Future Resident Parking" signs in front of our leasing office. But, to have a Resident of the Month Parking space in front of their apartment would be awesome.
Or, what if we new it was someone's birthday or anniversary or an expecting Mom, we could have signs for all occasions.
Thanks for the mind fuel. M
Posted by: Mike | September 22, 2007 at 07:58 AM
I like this idea. It would definitely require some adjustment to work in different industries and environments.
Definitely a lot easier to implement in an online setting.
Posted by: Albert | September 26, 2007 at 12:50 PM
This is ok if me, your second best customer of the month, buy you ten times less then your best customer of the month. Otherwise....
Posted by: José Bonnet | September 27, 2007 at 01:18 AM