“The Internet of Customers.” Have you heard of it?
Today, I heard the phrase for the first time at the Salesforce1 World Tour event in Boston, Mass. I’ve heard of the “The Internet of Things” before – it’s almost unavoidable in the tech world. Think of how many of your devices are connected to the Internet – your smartphone, laptop, tablet and maybe even your home alarm system. “The Internet of Things” has brought us convenience that no one could’ve imagined just 15 years ago.
But what is “The Internet of Customers”? Is there any convenience attached to this notion?
If you’re in the business world, “The Internet of Customers” can dramatically impact how your company grows over time. Keith Block, Salesforce.com President and Vice Chairman, stressed the importance of this new phrase in terms of business during the keynote at the event. Gone are the days where customers were treated as statistics – clients and prospects demand customized products and services. Companies are working harder to meet their needs, raising the bar for businesses like your own.
Are you keeping up?
Providing a personalized customer experience is a must. Block specified that his company – Salesforce – is already on this path. The Salesforce1 app was specifically designed to converge social and mobile technologies, enabling users to satisfy customers in a new, revolutionary way. With access to Salesforce1 data, for instance, sales reps can provide a customized experience to clients and boost effectiveness. They can also access this information through the app, which can be downloaded onto mobile devices and used on the go.
Block didn’t need to sell me on “The Internet of Customers.” As a consumer myself, I expect nothing but the best whether I’m making a purchase online or in-person. However, I’m still unclear of just how many businesses are willing to cater to my demands.
While companies such as Salesforce are advancing with “The Internet of Customers” in mind, how many others are taking this idea seriously? Will this be the new norm in the future?
Your company can help lead the way alongside Salesforce. With sales enablement tools, you can put your employees in a better position to succeed and create memorable customer experiences. Through apps such as Salesforce1 and Seismic, sales reps no longer need to bend over backward to satisfy the needs of prospects and clients.
As more consumers figure this out, the thirst for personalization will only grow. Don’t ignore “The Internet of Customers.” The future is now.
