Your “market” has changed

We consumers, restaurant patrons, customers, and end-users have changed. We can no longer tolerate the hard sell. We’re weary and even skeptical of the tired old one-way dialogue. We want to know that you see us, that we matter to you personally. And really, we do. We are your bread and butter, your payroll, your lease payment, the kids’ college tuition. As an industry, restaurants must understand, and most importantly, LISTEN to customers to win them over, build trust, reclaim and maintain loyalty.

In today’s economy listening, engaging and being genuinely interested in your market will win the day. Like I mentioned in a previous post (Listening online: The gift of Ear), one of the keys to generating trust and loyalty is demonstrating an insatiable curiosity and profound, sincere interest in people.

How are you marketing to your clientele with Social Media? Are you just blasting a loud message or are you listening?

This timely and funny little clip (actually a Microsoft promo) demonstrates the changed relationship between the advertiser and the consumer. Featured in a restaurant setting, the message resonates.

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