"Our Take" - Corporate Mottos

(Past Editions by: Date, Title, Topic)

 
About "Our Take" 
"Our Take" is a collection of daily vignettes covering a wide range of CRM topics. It's an attempt to add our own spin to the world of CRM. We will use the column to share our perspectives, opinions, epiphanies, web nuggets, or quite frankly anything that moves us. Get ready to expect the unexpected. And, don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.
 
 
12/11/06 - Best Corporate Mottos
This month, I have used the column to share words of wisdom from various corporate leaders as it relates to the customer experience. Based on positive feedback from many readers, I will continue to share.
 
Macy's Motto is "Be everywhere, do everything, and never fail to astonish the customer." It's short and to the point. In addition, it certainly captures a can-do spirit.
 
So does your corporation have a company motto that embraces the customer experience? If so, please share. In fact, it doesn't have to be your company motto. Share any motto - good or bad. I'll highlight your responses in future editions of the newsletter.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/12/06 - More Corporate Mottos
Katherine Barchetti, a Pittsburgh retailer, used to say, "Make a customer, not a sale." I don't know if that was actually the company's motto, but it could have been.
 
And if your company doesn't have a motto, this is certainly one worth considering. The brevity and preciseness of the motto makes it very accessible to all employees. It stands on its own but it can also be used as a cornerstone for so much more.
 
How does your company's motto stack up to this one?
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/13/06 - Dull Mottos
This week we have been talking about corporate mottos and how they relate to the customer experience. I've encouraged you to share examples - good and bad. You still have time. I'll start sharing some of the submitted mottos later this week.
 
In the meantime, let me share with you a quote from McDonald's Ray Kroc. The quote is not an official motto but it certainly summarized a successful element of a successful company. He said, "We provide food that customers love, day after day after day. People just want more of it."
 
Personally, the quote doesn't do much for inspiration but it is clear and focused. It is an example that effective mottos don't have to be cute. They have to make an important point that people can understand and remember. Do you agree?
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/14/06 - Your Mottos
As promised, today I will share a few corporate motto submissions. If you are not current on the discussion regarding corporate mottos as they relate to the customer experience, you can catch up by reviewing the past columns on this topic.
 
From the U.S. government's Nexrad hotline, we have "Quick, accurate, courteous solutions." And a business unit of Aspect has embraced "Anytime, anywhere" as their motto to communicate their ability to deliver solutions on a global basis.
 
And, for a chuckle, we have a quote from the Michael Douglas character in the 1987 movie "Wall Street." He wanted everyone to believe that "Greed is good." Interestingly, the original intent of the quote was to portray the character as a villain. However, the quote became a source of inspiration for many in the investment banking world. Today, one of the more popular corporate mottos comes from Google - "Don't be evil." Hmmm.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/15/06 - Wrap-up on Corporate Mottos
If you are looking for that perfect gift, look no further. Maybe a "We Strive to be Adequate Bumper Sticker" will brighten the office. Sorry, I couldn't resist.
 
Yesterday, I was less than adequate. My attribution of the "Anytime, anywhere" corporate motto was wrong. I said Aspect, when it should have been Avaya. Mea culpa!
 
And while this was not a corporate motto, perhaps you can use this saying from an SAP advertisement during your next business planning meeting. "Maybe 'Customer Service' should be more than one department." If not at the business planning meeting, maybe it has a place at the next reorganization meeting. Enjoy.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/18/06 - More Corporate Sayings
I thought we were done with the corporate mottos but I continue to get feedback and input. So at the request of some of you, I'll continue one more time.
 
Many corporations don't call them mottos and maybe they aren't. However, most of us are at least somewhat familiar with Ford Company's "Quality is job one" and IBM's "Think."
 
Lastly, let me share a quote that anyone can internalize regardless of your position plan. On reader quoted Laurie McIntosh as saying, "You are serving a customer, not a life sentence. Learn how to enjoy your work." Do you enjoy being a part of the customer experience?
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
12/19/06 - Mottos: One Last Time
At some point, I really have to close this thread out. And today is that day. I will leave you with a mega list of mottos. This list goes way beyond corporations and way beyond describing the customer experience. Comb through mottos from the military, medicine, education, and government.
 
We should all keep an open mind to learning from entities that may not be directly related to what we do. So check out this list of mottos from Wikipedia. In case you don't have the time, allow me to highlight a few for you.
 
Who knew the National Security Agency's motto is "Anything is possible, the impossible just takes longer" or that Carnegie-Mellon University embraced, "My Heart Is In The Work?"
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)