Earlier this week CTL attended “Turning The Corner”, an event aimed at helping businesses turn the corner in the current marketplace.
A well run event organised by Barclays, it was unfortunately hitting its stride right at the start of this week’s tube strike. A couple of things helped ensure attendance though – and CTL’s focus:
1) location (it was held in the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal football club)
2) an impressive speaker (René Carayol on “Top Tips for Trading Through Turbulent Times”)
René’s speech was both entertaining and highly persuasive. His 45 minute talk was peppered with various sound-bytes and compelling market truisms that were so good that I’m certain to claim a few as my own.
In particular, I had a special fondness for René’s two lemons. Some clarification will certainly help:
Cape Cod has long been synonymous with the most delicious lobster but even the thriving fish markets amongst the holiday homes of the well-to-do have been hit by the economic downturn.
All the lobsters were still on display there last September but very few were being sold. Except for one seriously busy stall. And here’s the reason why:
The owner had crafted a hand-written menu on how to prepare “lobster in lemon” and left a basket of lemons next to his exquisite lobsters with a simple sign saying “buy a lobster and take a menu and as many lemons for free”. When asked how sales were, the answer was incredible. He was selling more than ever before and each time customers would take a menu and just two lemons.
Two lemons per customer – that’s all it cost to wipe out the competition.
So what are your two lemons?
CTL has been making a difference for businesses for over 10 years in the field of customer service and customer management – get in touch if you’d like us to sort your apples from your lemons.
By the way, you’ll find the full René Carayol article on Turning the Corner by clicking here.
René’s 2 Lemons – good name for a band
By: whazzo19 on June 12, 2009
at 4:46 pm
Thanks for the juicy article, I struggled to peel myself away from it. Rene is correct though – differentiating yourself doesn’t have to be costly but you do need to think about it. The stall owner could have given away picks to get the claw meat out but, probably at a higher cost and they wouldn’t have got caught the imagination like the recipe and lemons would.
By the way, looking at your website I think you have something of value that differentiates you – your contact centre software. Maybe you could make more of it.
By: Jumbo on June 15, 2009
at 7:17 am
Thanks for your comments Jumbo.
We like to think our SmartDesk application software is our two lemons, giving us a real edge over other call centres.
It helps get companies much closer to their customers, whilst delivering an improved customer experience.
We’ll be pleased to discuss how and show you a demo. Feel free to call us on 020 3190 3190.
By: Minos on June 15, 2009
at 8:55 am