Downwind"Radical and Extreme Ideas"
During a recent staff meeting, I said it “half” as a joke. We were spit-balling ideas about why members find value with Cook County Farm Bureau that we could market and promote. We are in full blown “retain and recruit” members mode.
The questions posed to the staff:
• What makes us different?
• What makes us unique?
I said it flippantly… “We “even” answer the phone.” Then, that simple statement sat out there on the table, each staff member contemplated what it meant. I used the word “EVEN” to emphasize something radical and extreme. Do we really believe answering the phone is that rare and unusual? Apparently, we as a society, are starting to believe so.
In today’s business world, how often do we call “customer service” and the phone rings and rings. Or the call is immediately placed on-hold and you begin to hear the background elevator music. The music is occasionally interrupted, and our hearts beat a little faster, picking up hope. Nope - false alarm. The moment dashed by an announcement that phone calls will be answered in order received and your wait time is three days, three minutes.
We “even” answer the phone.
Thus, we decided to add ‘We “even” answer the phone” to our membership value proposition message this month! Is someone answering the phone “too good to be true”?
We want members to TEST us by calling 708-354-3276 between 8 AM to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during our regular business hours. We promise to answer. Further, let me throw out another radical and extreme promise…the voice greeting you will be friendly and helpful! (If you end up with me, I hope not to disappoint regarding the helpful part)
But wait, there’s more!
We have started a tradition in the last few years of celebrating members with Member Appreciation Week in April (we always appreciate our members throughout the year, but this is the week we lay it on thick). This year, Member Appreciation Week is Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18. Throughout the week, we will have drawings, workshops, special features, give-a-ways, and treats for you, the member.
A treat for me is consuming vast amounts of coffee. Another treat is getting to know members. I want to combine these treats this year by adding a new feature to Member Appreciation Week…
“I will “even” drink coffee with you!”
Chatting with members over a cup of hot coffee. Trust me… not a hardship!
Coffee was established as an important part of farm life in my youth. Dad, the farmer, started early every morning with coffee and he called a “break” at some point for a follow-up cup. I became a big fan of coffee breaks. It was inevitable for me to take up the habit (I think I was in junior high), and I’ve only ramped up my consumption since.
Soooooooooo – Here is your Member Challenge for April…
1. Call us at 708-354-FARM (3276) to verify we “even” answer the phone (call April 14-18 to be eligible for prizes)
2.Drop by the office (6438 Joliet Road, Countryside) on Friday, April 18 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and chat with me over a free cup of coffee (Don’t make me drink alone!). We may “even” find you a donut!
Thank you for your membership! (saying “Thank you” – Another radical and extreme idea?)