We are at a tipping point. A time of decision. Those who succeed will make a decision and be prepared to take bold steps. New companies are leaping across the cavern and overtaking established competitors leaving them in their wake. The rules of this new economy are changing the way we work and we diverge from an economy of competition and secrecy to one of relationships and openness. This brings many challenges as we shake off the burdens of our preconceptions.
Seth Godin’s interview on training zone talks about the necessity of connecting and how can companies can develop tribes . Seth gave the example of Steve Jobs and Apple – Why does Apple have such a following? Because people see Steve Jobs as the human face of Apple and they buy the product as a symbol of being part of his tribe.
Which then got me thinking about my recent experience with two companies one large and one niche player. The large company is John Lewis where the sales assistant in the electronics department saved me around £100 by asking my telephone supplier to provide me with a wireless internet connection-how cool was that? I already regularly shop in John Lewis but that single action deepened my trust in them and confirmed the significance of their Brand promise.
The niche player is Lizi from www.good-carb-food.co.uk I love their granola cereal as it has a low gi affect on the blood sugar (being diabetic it helps). I emailed Lizi (as that’s what her packets tell you to do if you have any questions). I had an immediate response from her. I asked if they had any granola bars to provide me with a healthier snack when I travel. Lizi wrote back telling me they are working on it, however they do snack packs of granola and asked for my address. As if by magic, I had 18 packets of snack packs in the post.
Wouldn’t you want to be associated with these companies who care? I am firmly part of their tribe now.
What can you do to encourage your tribe to grow?
