Building Your Company to Last (Part 1)
Last week in Vegas was incredible. The events were phenomenal and the density of information, networking and inspiration was off the charts!
The panel discussion I moderated at Conquer & Grow, which included Pamela Slim (author of Escape from Cubicle Nation), Clate Mask (who runs Infusionsoft), and Donavan Roberson (Cultural Evangelist at Zappos), was really interesting and focused on how to build a company to last.
First we discussed our favorite companies and why. Clate and Donavan said Southwest Airlines, for customer service-related reasons. Pam said Pete’s Coffee for how they acknowledged her loyalty as a customer. I said Whole Foods, for how they’re so driven by their core values and how they’ve elevated the grocery shopping “task” into an experience and a culture.
While I plan to share other aspects of the panel discussion in my next blog, wondering, here, what your favorite company is and why.
???
October 14th, 2010 at 11:01 am
To be honest, McDonald’s is one of my favorite companies. Simply because they “get it.” They are in tune with what their customers want and are giving it to them. The McCafe concept has been a huge hit for McDonalds, but not as much as the recent launch of their new fruit smoothies which have taken America by storm! The new smoothies have been so wildly popular McDonalds companies all over American have had to hire new staff to keep up with the demand.
Successful companies understand that it’s not about what they sell, it’s about what people want to buy!
Good conversation starter Rich!
October 14th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Well, you guys hit on two of my favorites for consistency, dependability, and service. Over the last six months I have been using a company called Hostgator for about twenty-five of my Wordpress Sites, and I can’t say enough about their customer service. I can call them up 24/7, rarely am on hold for over 10 minutes, talk to english speaking folks in South Texas, and they really know what they are doing. I have had numerous Wordpress and database issues that are clearly outsite their scope of Hosting support, yet they are always willing and able to assist. And it doesn’t matter whether I have 1 or 25 websites with them, the service is the same.
If you would like to know one of my least favorite companys….it was the one I was using BEFORE I found Hostgator!!!
October 15th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Apple computer because they have made technology be a part of everyday lifestyle. Their easy to use, easy to learn platform has linked old and young, and their retail experience is extremely user friendly. I love when I enter the store and see a workshop taking place with young and “not so young”.
October 15th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Rachel,
Recently spent time with the folks who run Wynn Resort in Las Vegas and the President of that business shares your opinion.
October 15th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Nordstrom for a long time and Zappos. I am starting a B2B Merchandising Agency and process will be important but it will take a backseat to client focus because in a sales organization, customer service is king.
October 16th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I’d have to say that 1 800 Got Junk is one of my favorite companies. Brian Scudamore and his team have transformed the entire junk removal business and have spawned several other companies that have copied the business model. Scudamore saw an opportunity in an “undesirable”, unappreciated, under-served market and changed it forever. The true essence of entrepreneurship!
Dino Herbert
“Passionate about helping people reach their entrepreneurial potential”
October 27th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Rich - please let your friends at Wynn know that their retail people are doing an excellent job themselves at customer service. I just had a small hiccup with something being delivered by Wynn, and it was taken care of in a terrific fashion.
As a side note - I happen to have been in an Apple retail location this morning as they welcomed a “Make a Wish” recipient. Seeing the Apple staff clap and cheer with posters, etc further impressed me with their brand.
Rachel
October 27th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Rachel - i will definitely relay the feedback to the management at Wynn Resort. Like you, i have had only five star treatment from them and it’s no surprise that they’re the only five star joint on the strip!
Rich