*blend

Different kinds of customers

• A “user” has a dependent relationship with you - they depend on you, your products, or your services.
• “Customers” seek you first. They have a need and desire for you, your products, or your services.
• A “patron” is a customer that admires and supports you, your products, or your services.
• The “public” is a set of customers clearly understand that THEY are paying for you, your products, or your services.

Why does it matter? Think about these definitions the next time you say “open to the public” or “thank you for your patronage” or “our users know the best when the find it”… the wrong phrase at the wrong time can be detrimental…

Merlin’s top 5 super-obvious, “no-duh” ways to immediately improve your life.

1. Reduce noise - from magazine subscriptions you don’t read anymore, to multiple unnecessary email accounts, newsletter subscriptions, anything that is a distraction or inteeruption. “Get more hard-nosed about the elective diversions that you invite into your world.”
2. Write things down - in detail. don’t just a write down a phone number thinking you’ll remember whose it is later. notes notes notes. “Remember that your brain is a creative organ with limitless creative possibilities — but it makes a really crummy whiteboard.”
3. Focus on action - “anything you want to do in life eventually comes down to intentional physical activity — even if it’s something as mundane as “take out trash” and “call Mom.”” Plan action activities rather than vague goals or projects
4. Get out of your inbox - “Many of us are habituated to living out of our email inbox, voicemail, and the other “in baskets” of our lives. Instead, try to set aside regular, periodic times when you trawl for the new content in your life — then get back to work! Inboxes are delivery systems, not workspaces. The real work is happening in your brain and practically every other place that’s not an inbox. Stop allowing yourself to be brow-beaten by the latest, loudest, or most dramatic item that’s landed in your world.” Don’t need to say anything more than what Merlin has said….
5. Get pickier - You are the sole person in your life who gets to decide where your time and attention can go. Take that responsibility seriously by not wasting time on junk. You know in your heart what’s really important to you — does the current direction of your time and attention reflect that? Is “kid hugging” time where it should be in proportion to “Blackberry checking” time? Be mindful at the highest level about where you focus your energy, and always strive not to squander it on undeserving activities.

AMEN!