A lot of my new work still has a heavy customer focus to it. And fortunately, I work for a company that is trying to “get it” when it comes to cultivating relationships and delivering service. When I need to be reminded of my own beliefs in working with my customers, there are a few blogs that consistently deliver. One is the fairly new BuzzCustomer.com and it’s doing a good job keeping me focused on the value of good service practices and the consequences of treating customers like dirt. Here’s a roundup of the good, bad, and just plain funny…

First, the good. Based on these experiences, how could you not want to buy something from Canon. In both instances, Canon not only provided service, but offered its customers the kind of love you’d never expect from a large company. Want to learn how great word-of-mouth marketing works? It starts with great stories of personal experiences, because once you treat your customers like valued friends (rather than abstract notions of bottom-line corporate mission statements) your company is going to prosper. It may take some time, but it will work. Read the two experiences here and just try to deny their power. I can’t…my next digital camera will probably be a Canon now.

Now, the bad. It took this Acura car dealership nearly six minutes and three people to figure out this poor old lady had the wrong number. It’s hilarious…might I recommend that if you’re training your call staff you use this YouTube clip as a case study in what NOT to do. Remember: hearing a customer is not the same as listening and listening is not the same as understanding.

And finally, the funny. I nearly wet myself watching this video clip. Just remember…be careful who you toss a paper airplane at. It might lead to a worker’s comp issue.

Enjoy!