Some years ago, Ron Porter experienced the tip of the negatively competitive iceberg when caught between two companies that seemed to love hating each other. Here is how he learned about hateful competition:
While employed at a large software company in the early ’90s, Ron had the direct responsibility to sponsor a customer feedback forum. The forum was held at a location that was neutral to all customers, designed to ensure uninfluenced and uninhibited feedback on how Ron’s teams’ were doing as a service organization. These customers made up the Customer Advisory Council, and their input was critical to success of the company Ron worked for. In many cases, they had spent millions of dollars on software and services. They were highly respected in their particular markets and industries.
About midway through the first day of meetings, break time came around; and one of Ron’s customers, a representative from a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of soft drinks, made his way to the refreshment table. Ron Porter was standing nearby, visiting with another customer, when he heard a loud expletive. Turning his head to see what was up, the customer locked on Ron’s eyes and exclaimed something to the effect of, “I see our competitor’s products all over this table, but not one of our products is here. Would someone like to explain to me why the %&*@ that is and what the %*#& I’m supposed to drink?!”
Not knowing the intensity of the competition had led Ron’s event planner to commit a cardinal sin. As soon as the customers returned to the meetings, you can bet every bit of the customer’s competitor’s products were removed and replaced them with his company’s brands.
For more information about Ron porter check out castlewave.com Where it has Ron porter's bio
Posted by marlinark3
at 7:07 PM EST
