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02/02/2011 by
6267 views

Back To The Bakery

What I like about that whole social trends is not that its revolutionary or that its technically thriving; but that it is actually de-evolutionary.

The game has gone back to its old form; demand, delivery and trust. The only thing that has changed is the tools.  Let me take you on a trip to the baker…

I think everyone agrees that screaming your message across is outdated, works counter-productive and that it does definitely NOT create fans. So what does and how do you sell your product? Be in-tune with your target and your own organisation.

Transform your business into a baker
In the old days, we’d go to the baker’s shop and ordered what we needed, the baker gave it to us, squared up the bill, whished us a good day and off we were. Only to return the next time with another order and again the baker would deliver.

Bakers create a viral spread
Now, if we were happy with the product that the baker had delivered and we enjoyed the service; we’d recommend that baker to our friends.

Because our peers introduced us to everything we needed and or we were interested in; we’d become aware that that baker was there and we’d consider buying our groceries there. 9 out of 10 times people took action and went to that baker to try the bread there.

And of course if the baker delivered what he/she promised and we have delivered what we recommended there would be a big chance that our friends would recommend it to their friends, neighbours or what-you-have.

YouTube Preview Image

Faster marketing, better sales less waste and so faster R&D
At this point the baker probably has a steady group of clients, who form groups in themselves. So for example; my friends and I are keen on carrot-cake but the baker does not sell it.

What do we do? We ask him if he can make it and peer pressure the baker in producing to our demand. This enables the baker to broaden his product range and sell more products and make more money.

Some big benefits for the baker are that he/she doesn’t have to trial and error his products by 1. pushing his sales to his clients, 2 spending money on making produce that people won’t buy and 3 the baker will cater the needs of the clients who at their turn will be more satisfied with the product and services that the baker is selling.

Here come the fans!

Fans and loyal customers
Because our baker takes the time to listen to the needs of his clients, he can deliver what they need. And actually it makes the baker’s life easier and more effective.

The customers will feel their needs met and they will spread their love for the baker and create other fans. The baker is making a relationship with his/her clients that creates value trough the clients lifetime.

Because we have a relationship based on trust with our baker we will forgive him if he messes up every now and then.

Hey; we’d even defend him if one of our friends has had a  bad experience with the bakers product.

This is what I like to call a loyal customer.

Does this work for multi-nationals? Yes!
P&G R&D http://www.strategy-business.com/article/08304?gko=b5105 
Dell http://www.ideastorm.com/
Starbucks http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/

So if this works for a small baker and even works for an oversized Coffee Bar;
why wouldn’t it work for you?