Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

The Advantage of the Lost Art of Loyalty

Shane Hodge • January 9, 2019

Today I am going to discuss a subject near and dear to my heart, and possibly one of the best bits of business building advice I can pass on to all the budding zillionaires who await my blog with joy and excitement every single month (well my kids read it, lol) Yes, a subject that takes me way back in the day to my childhood, where that Jedi master of life (my father) taught so many great things. You see, my dad was so much from the great school, that “old school” where champions were made, and I was lucky to have witnessed so much of that old school and in this new school I get to use what I had witnessed and pass it on. Ah, a tear is forming in my eye and the keyboard is wet as we speak.

One of the major things I learnt from Yoda, I mean my father? Loyalty.

Not just loyalty to family and friends but commercial loyalty. In the 87 years my dad walked the earth, he drove the same brand of car, went to the same doctor, same pharmacy, same bank, used the same mechanic, I think he even used the same brand of tyres. My father was not a minority tribe back in the day. Loyalty was a pretty common ingredient in the culture of life elixir. There was no internet, Google, e-commerce, social media, so you couldn’t just jump from search to search looking for a deal. You had to actually go and visit people, so the relationship became a critical part of a business transaction not just the bottom line.

But loyalty was a two-way street.

Not only were consumers like my dad looking for a relationship, so were the business of the day. Knowing you by your first name, even your kids’ names, your likes and dislikes, what team you supported, they would know as much as they could so the relationship became super solid and hard for a competitor to break. But more so it made the consumer have a guilt feeling if the thought of leaving crossed their mind.

Now, you’re most likely saying at this stage, “Well, hasn’t CRM just replaced face to face customer knowledge, isn’t it all just the same it’s just automated now, we contact our customers what more do you want!”

Well, yep you would be right. CRM and automation have made sure we bombard our customers with emails, texts, social media posts on all the wonderful new things we have for sale to help them overload those bits of plastic they keep in their wallets.

So, what is the major difference between words of wisdom from blokes like my dad – old school customer relationships compared to the automated world of customer contact of today?

If I had to zero it down to one major difference, I can sum it up in this one great statement.

“People don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care.”

Back in the day, personal CRM had feelings compared to the state-of-the-art automated CRM of today.

You would walk past a shop and get a wave. When you walked into a business, the first few moments were spent talking about YOU, how was life, how are the family, what about that football team you support and how they are doing this year. Heck even the doctor asked about life before he whipped out the blood test order form.

The art of loyalty was driven by another soon-to-be extinct culture and that is “sincerity”. The big question? Can loyalty and sincerity be saved? The bigger question is, can they be profitable?

You bet your MasterCard they can. And I guarantee you an awesome business builder awaits you, as the statistics show that since Adam was a boy and had no interest in women with apples, it costs a lot less to keep a current customer than it does to find a new one. Loyalty will keep your current customers. And a lack of sincerity, will lose them.

So, what’s the plan? Start getting into loyalty mode.

It doesn’t have to be a full-on platform or package from the start. You can begin small. Get a newsletter going, start a database of all customers, send them birthday wishes, just start showing you care about them, not just when you want to sell them something.

I can promise you that even with a small level of showing care? They will be thinking of you first when they are in need of a product or service.

Big Hugs from TheCamel.Co®

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The Secret to Great Customer Service: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success

By Shane Hodge • December 3, 2024

This is a subtitle for your new post

When Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone

By Shane Hodge • November 1, 2024

Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

By Shane Hodge • September 27, 2024

Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel