 OUR TAKE -
Making Relationships a "Fine Art"
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Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
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The Papers of George Washington, Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour
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You might have been a bit surprised by the title of yesterday's discussion on how technology accelerates the perception of the relationship, - mistaken friends. The title was a foreshadowing of my take on the subject.
The word "friend" has certainly become much more of a verb these days. And I believe the use of "friend" as a verb has blurred the meaning of true friendships as well as relationships in general. In general, I believe we should consider clients and customers as good friends as it relates to their value but not necessarily as it relates to the relationship. The mistake is considering the terms customers and friends as interchangeable. In my opinion, they are not.
Let's go back to the wisdom of relationships and focus on number five - making friendships a fine art. There is great value in a friend you can count on. But the "fine art" is to be a good friend - someone that others can count on no matter what.
When a customer can count on you no matter what, then maybe you have achieved the fine art of friendship. But that doesn't automatically mean that you can make the same assumption of the customer. Most likely, they are not looking to take on a role in which you can count on them no matter what. Make that assumption and you may have crossed the customer/friend line. That's my take. Do you agree? What's your take?
Gary Lemke, Publisher
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