Comments on: 10 Tips on Building a Better Business.

By: Suze & Ev

Suze & Ev — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:21:38 +0000

I like the “encourage negative feedback” idea. It does take some practice to not get combative about it. Much negative feedback is somewhat predictable and you can develop systems to deal with it that make it less personal.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:39:23 +0000

Right, Vincent. Excellent quote for all of us to remember. “Two heads are always better than one”, right? Many businesses now are also soliciting input from their customers on a routine basis to glean additional insights. Of course, too much of a good thing can result from this policy. Still, I like the idea of shared insights from employees and consumers alike. After all, we all purchase and use products, don’t we?
Thanks, Vincent, for your comments. Much appreciated.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:35:56 +0000

Hi Always Outbound,
Given the proliferation of social media and Internet capabilities in general, it’s not a bad idea to send a new product to influential buzz makers to get their feedback. Twitter and Facebook can be creatively used by an entrepreneur to spread the word about a new product, as well. It’s no accident that large companies approach influential trend setters on college campuses to get their buy ins and buzz, either. For hard to reach demographic groups, marketers have to think creatively. Endorsement from these kinds of sources can be very beneficial. Their WOM can create buzz, excitement and buy in from their groups.
As to how sound your business proposition is, the marketplace will tell you one way or the other: they’ll either choose to spend their money on your products or they won’t. Smart businesses learn from their failures. They use the information they glean from failed products to make better, more desirable ones. In even the best-run, innovative companies, there are bound to be failures. Even Apple has had its failures. But the company wisely used these opportunities to offer better-designed products that became hits.
Thanks for weighing in, Always Outbound. I appreciate it.

By: Vincent

Vincent — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:57:51 +0000

Points #4 and #10 remind of of a quote I rwad not long ago:
“Why use only one brain when you have access to many?”
(Fire Officer: Principles and Practice – by Michael Ward – 2005)

By: Always Outbound

Always Outbound — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:58:43 +0000

Hi Ted,
these are excellent guideposts to follow if you are trying to differentiate yourself in a crowded market with a better offering.
But what if you are trying a new product that lies at the edge or even outside the crowd. What would you do differently?
For instance, you might run ideas by individual users instead of focus groups to get more detailed feedback.
How else would you determine whether your business is sound?

By: Always Outbound

Always Outbound — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:57:34 +0000

By: 3d oyunlar

3d oyunlar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:50:18 +0000

thanks for all admin
very good

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:18:36 +0000

Thanks, SGA, for the kind words. You know, OXO is very much like Apple in my view. The company has a strong POV and continues to offer unique, innovative products in a manner that is consistent with its brand. Marketers are always citing companies like these. That begs the question: why don’t more companies engage in this manner? After all, companies like OXO provide a clear blueprint for success, don’t they?
Thanks for weighing in, SGA. I always appreciate your comments.

By: Strategic Growth Advisors

Strategic Growth Advisors — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:11:12 +0000

Great list, great insight, all in all a great post! I really love items number 5 and 10. They are so relevant especially in these times of economic unrest.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:25:22 +0000

“The way you react to negative things speaks a thousand words about how you run your business. People are always watching, especially now with the surge of social media. So, next time remember to take negative feedback as a gift and respond.”
Annie: I couldn’t have stated this with more eloquence if I tried. You have hit the nail on the head here. What’s better: having negative things spread via SM about your company and its products, or encouraging consumers to say those things to you instead, so you can start a dialogue? As you said, not only can companies respond to their customers; they can also make changes to their offerings for the better. This ought to result in the spread of many favorable opinions.
Thanks, Annie, for articulating a very important point.

By: Annie Ogdon Cooley

Annie Ogdon Cooley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:54:36 +0000

I also like #10 – encouraging negative feedback. It is an intriguing tip. It may seem scary to ask people to share what they don’t like about the product, but asking that allows you to show your ability to respond. You can ignore their request and go about your business and possibly losing a few customers along the way. Or you can react to their feedback and find new ways to better your product or service, possibly gaining more customers. The way you react to negative things speaks a thousand words about how you run your business. People are always watching, especially now with the surge of social media. So, next time remember to take negative feedback as a gift and respond.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:47:54 +0000

Agreed, Paul. Companies need to get past the idea of shrinking from negative customer comments. It’s best to encourage feedback so that products or services can be improved. Otherwise, sales are weak and businesses are trying to figure out why that is. Information is key to solving problems. What better way to conduct “research” than to do it through employees and customers, after all?
Thanks for commenting, Paul. Much appreciated.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:31:18 +0000

Ted, I like #10 – encouraging negative feedback but maybe with an anonymous spin. Some customers will really open up with areas for improvement for your product or service when they know they can comment with privacy intact.

By: Ted Mininni

Ted Mininni — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:47:17 +0000

Hi, Elaine:
I think there are take aways for every kind of company on this list. That’s why I was inspired to write this post. As the principal of a design consultancy, I can attest to how important it is to develop products and packaging consumers can interact with effectively. What I love about the OXO story best is this: we can never assume the currently favored solution is the optimal one. Even if it has been commonly accepted. Summary: we need to continue to find ways to build the better mouse trap by engaging both our employees and our customer. Right?
Thanks, Elaine, for weighing in on my post. I appreciate it.

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:11:53 +0000

Love the list, Ted. I really agree with #4. Employees are responsible for living any organization’s brand, yet they are often overlooked. Giving them a voice is crucial to success and innovation.
I adore OXO products. The company really did take everyday products and improve upon them, most especially for the aging demographic and people with physical disabilities.