Strategicflow

The Starbucks chain recently demonstrated this by closing all of their units in order to retrain their staff on the methods of superior customer service and product perfection. This company accepted the loss of several million dollars of revenue in order to secure the confidence of their customers and strengthen their brand reputation.

These actions will undoubtedly lead to several million dollars of additional profit and increased customer loyalty well into the future. How many companies today could benefit from such a powerful action? How few companies and their leaders seem to care for the customer and are willing to show such resolve?

In today's "Bottom Line" world, many business managers and leaders have moved away from strategic thinking and planning, and have instead moved to reactive thinking and crises management. Seeing only short term and engaging in action of no vision, and of little purpose.

Some of the latest ecommerce and internet marketing strategies also utilize strategic thinking to grow web sites, such as free rebranded software and eBook products. Realizing that a short term loss in product revenue will lead to long term gains, not only in link popularity, but also name recognition.

In his excellent book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", Steven Covey states this concept perfectly, "begin with the end in mind". We all can benefit from the extra time spent providing extra value in our products and services. Imparting our collective wisdom, and giving more of ourselves to our customers and community.

Yours in success!