This is not a post or update about the COVID-19 Coronavirus…there is enough of that going on these days. This is about the chaos created from any kind of uncertainty or disruption, including something as horrific as COVID-19. About how we, as individuals and organizations can do something to help each other during this unique time in history. And a solution EVERY organization (and individual) can use to help their customers and others today and tomorrow. Chaos has always existed, but it is now more critical than ever for us all to pitch in to this…being the solution. While it is what we should do all the time, it’s just more important today.
Side Note: I’m personally appalled by the number of companies preying on the fear and uncertainty we have in our lives right now…it’s disgusting. I see ads all day selling things we know are only being sold because of this fear ridden time in history. To be sure, I’m personally keeping a list of who those are doing this to ensure that I never, ever work or buy anything from them in my lifetime. If you feel the same way you might want a list of your own…they are parasites and should be treated as such. Enough said…
Every organization (individual and even country) has moments of chaos…times when things are not going as planned. They come in different ways and in different sizes. This current one happens to be a monster and universal to everyone. But in other times of chaos, it happens at different times, in a different way, and comes in varying sizes. Regardless of the type of chaos we are experiencing, we all have to deal with moments of chaos and disruption at one time or another.
If you have read any of my posts for the past number of years, you know that I am “all in” on my desire for all organizations to be Customer Obsessed so they can become “REMARK”able. “REMARK”able organizations create “Marketing Agents” or “Advocates” who are out there proactively telling others how incredibly awesome they are…all the time. My passion is for every organization to become “REMARK”able and be the leader in their industry or market.
However, today’s post isn’t about the process it takes to become “REMARK”able…it’s about how we can all become “REMARK”able organizations in a time of chaos. We can get others talking about us, helping us, and being more innovative in our ideas. Everyone can do this…it’s actually quite simple… SHOW UP and HELP others.
The reason “REMARK”able companies are so incredibly successful is that they do things for their customers (and others) to help them “improve their lives or their businesses.” This is just what they do…it’s part of their DNA (or culture) to have a mindset of helping others…and not just in their business. Its’ what gets others talking about them…spreading the word and marshalling support. One of the three legs to the stool of Customer Obsession is “Consistently Helping” others improve their lives or their business. It’s built into who they are and how they do things as an organization.
Customer Obsessed organizations think about doing this all the time, not just during times of chaos or uncertainty. They are constantly thinking of ways they can help their audience of customers and others do better in life or what they are doing as part of their business. They simply want to help others be better at who they are or what they do. It isn’t a checklist item, it’s just the way they think.
In today’s current state, this is more important than ever. We need more people (and organizations) to think and act as if they were Customer Obsessed…figuring out ways to help their audience of customers, partners, vendors, and others. Even if you aren’t Customer Obsessed today, you can do things that help your audience in ways that show them you’re trying…and that means everything.
It isn’t rocket science…it just takes a different train of thought. To help you get started in this, I have put together a list of some questions I would encourage everyone to be asking of themselves and the employees in the organization. The answers you come up with can help someone in some way today. They can make a difference in someone’s life and in their business.
Whatever we listed above, which ones would have the greatest impact on our audience of customers and others?
Create a timeline based on the items and the leaders of these teams, factoring in the resources needed to execute
What To Do Next...
Execute...Execute...and continue to Execute
If your organization is able to do this, you could really focus on our strengths into a market that is in chaos…and all markets are in chaos. Rather than having a virus be contagious, let’s let these actions become contagious. Just imagine what our country would look like if everyone started doing this…it would completely change our world. We would have created a culture of “Consistently Helping” each other in a time of chaos and uncertainty.
If just one of you started this today…and another started…then another…then another, we could create our own VIRUS OF HELPING. This isn’t rocket science, it just takes thought, planning, and above all, EXECUTION.
Let’s move from doom and gloom to mitigating the chaos during this horrific time of uncertainty. The authorities will guide us on what we need to do to be safe…let’s guide our nation on what each of us can do because of our individual (and unique) talents. You have so much to offer (products, services, or information) to others to help them through this chaos…let’s make it happen…together.
If you’re in, I would love to know so I can support you in any way I can…definitely getting the word out to my 10,000 plus followers on a variety of channels. Let’s do this…together. Let’s become Customer Obsessed for at least a moment in time…this moment…today. I believe God is watching us…and waiting to help. Let’s leverage what we have to offer and let him do the rest. Are you with me?
Thank you…
