CEOs seem to forget that they are customers too!
CEOs will abandon a poorly designed web site just as fast as their customers. They will also lose patience with errors in billing or ordering processes.
You would think that every CEO would like to have a site, like Amazon, that is efficient, streamlined and personalized.
Your web site is now the first touch point for many new customers, not the store nor the sales person. The primary sales tool now and for the future is a compelling and easy-to-use graphically sophisticated site.
The sales dynamic has shifted from the company dictating what they offer to the customer, to the customer now dictating to the company what they want. The web and email have empowered customers with greater latitude over how they interact and on what terms the process takes place.
The good thing about this is that customers can now share their Internet shopping experiences with others like themselves through their social networks. This wealth of information can improve the online experience for both sides of the transaction.
As a matter of fact if you think about it, today’s online consumers have it pretty good in that they have a seemingly infinite number of choices and helpful user reviews that not only rate the products but also the ease of the transaction. On the other hand, sellers have an abundance of real time customer feedback that can help them refine their products and services. If sellers do a careful analysis of all these customer reviews it can help them adjust their pricing, bundle promotions and increase revenue.
Today, time is of the essence. Look at how fast you can find out about anything using Google. Like Google and other search engines, the more self-service options your site offers along with easy to understand product demonstrations, the more likely you are to generate e- sales.
How many times have you found yourself just “clicking” to order something because it was so simple after the online promotion? Wouldn’t you like customers to do the same for your company’s products?
The shopping dynamic hasn’t changed. Customers are still searching for the most convenient and easy to use solutions for their problems or requirements. The experience has just transitioned from the store and/or salesman to the Internet.
As we embrace more mobile and wireless technologies, electronic shopping will become more of a natural part of our lives. For many, like those using Peapod to order their groceries, Amazon their books, e-books and much more, and a variety of other e-commerce sites, it already has arrived.
To keep up with the consumers’ rapidly evolving use of cell phones, iPads and other devices to shop for their needs, CEOs must be able to serve up their companies’ offerings in a format that is device and customer friendly.
Companies that can develop easy to use content-rich sites in real time and communicate across customer channels will be the winners of the battle for the customer’s mind. The easier it is for customers to access your product information 24/7 from anywhere will allow you to own a share of their minds, e-wallets or pocketbooks, like Amazon.
After all, customers must find all of their interactions with your brand to be user friendly, intuitive and, most of all, efficient.
The question is, have you developed a personalized, compelling and easy to use content-rich site? Have you visited your site and tried to use it lately?
If your e-sales aren’t increasing as fast as you would like, let’s start a dialogue on how to make it happen.
Email: [email protected]
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
