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Systems solutions are frequently subject to extremely complex interrelations and complications, and solving these calls for a not inconsiderable helping of diplomacy, creativity and imagination; in short, the course of systems solutions very seldom runs smooth. Selective responses to such problems often have effects that are anything other than selective – indeed, they can end up altering entire systems. Which is why we feel that the planning stage – and not later – is the time to look ahead and take into account potential changes resulting from the implementation of such selective responses.
Our previous homepage contained such worthy admonitions as "THE CUSTOMER IS KING!" – a fine thing to say, when you consider that in most parts of the world the concept of monarchy has been relegated to history. Statements like these are generally, in our view at least, intended well and honestly, but unfortunately there are so many factors affecting everyday business that the underlying thought is not always easy to implement in practical terms, particularly for small businesses.
Much the same goes for the saying, "WE'RE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON THE CUSTOMER " – which really ought to go without saying and which, when you do say it, inevitably arouses the sneaking suspicion that one could, if the truth be told, think of far better things to focus one's attention on. Which in turn begs the question of how long our present and potential customers are willing to have their time wasted with empty declarations and insubstantial promises.
And as for sayings like "ALL CUSTOMERS ARE ALIKE": frankly, they're not – at least not to us.
For me, the richest one of all is "WE ALWAYS TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS WITH COURTESY!" Well, of course we do – not least, because on the whole we'd quite like our customers to be courteous to us in return. To put it bluntly, all these fine sentiments might be well meant, but in the end they can't convey even a basic idea of how we see our company philosophy.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to quote Minoru Tominaga (Management Trainer specializing in Customer Handling):
"THE CUSTOMER IS GOD – BECAUSE IN THE END, HE OR SHE'S THE ONE WHO DECIDES WHETHER A COMPANY LIVES OR DIES!"
And in Planet ID's opinion, that more or less says it all!
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