People know the difference between sincerity and manipulation. It may take them a while to figure out where you fit in, but they will. When they do, you will be excluded from their life. Make sure that you are genuinely trying to help them resolve issues and make their life better. If you do that, they'll become lifelong customers. Fans. Advocates. Community members. Whatever you want to call them, they'll be yours.
Customer Relationships
Not only have people accepted the self-serve option, they prefer it. According to a survey of 75,000 plus conducted by Customer Contact Council, consumers value self-service as much or more than direct contact for service interactions.
Most don't want a relationship with you. They want easy shopping, good value (different from cheap prices), and to be treated with respect. Make everything as simple and quick as possible so it is easy to be your customer.
The problem is that there won't be any reason to mine data if the experience is so bad that customers don't want to return. My doctor said that even though he loved the park experience, the check-in process would keep him from visiting again.
You used to value our relationship. When I lived in Atlanta, you sent me flyers before every sale. I loved flipping through the pages to see the treasures you had found for me. Are you mad because I moved? If so, would you please explain why?
