No Cages Allowed - Isabella Ferre guest blog
When you think of a label that symbolizes toughness and unrestrained freedom, a Harley Davidson motorcycle may come to mind. When one thinks of this bike, a vivid image of a large, fearless man dressed in black leather, reeking of gasoline may spring to mind. But behind all that leather and metal, exists a warm and fuzzy heart for their customers. In my opinion, Harley Davidson is one of few major corporations that truly values empathy towards their niche market. This philosophy organically blossomed due to the fact that most Harley Davidson employees love motorcycles - many owning a Harley Davidson themselves.
If you ever head to their corporate headquarter in Milwaukee, you will find the parking lot not filled with cars, but with motorcycles. The company even has a “No Cages Allowed” sign in the parking lot (biker lingo for: all cars to need park in the back). Harley Davidson clearly understands their purpose - motorcycles. This corporation blurred the lines between Harley Davidson customers and Harley Davidson employees.
Caring can go a long way. In 10 years (1985-1995), net sales went from $288 million to $1.35 billion. Sales peaked in 2006 when they sold around 350,000 bikes. With a bump in 2009, Harley Davidson is strongly coming back - evident in 2013 first quarter earnings.
Rather than worry about how to cut down operating costs or concoct strategies to out-do your competitors, go back to square one - re-evaluate the need of your clients. Put yourself in the shoes of your clients. How can you make the people you serve happier? Because if your company is spiraling downhill, clearly your clients are not happy. We cannot always blame the market or our government for our business failures.
Think about the “No Cages Allowed” sign for your industry. Your company must be comprised of people who value your product, understand your product, and can relate with your customers. Unfortunately, not every enterprise has the luxury of so easily connecting with their clients,but we all have the capability to empathize with others. Perhaps simple, self-reflection is the key to future success. As Michael LeBoeuf once said, “ A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.”
If you ever head to their corporate headquarter in Milwaukee, you will find the parking lot not filled with cars, but with motorcycles. The company even has a “No Cages Allowed” sign in the parking lot (biker lingo for: all cars to need park in the back). Harley Davidson clearly understands their purpose - motorcycles. This corporation blurred the lines between Harley Davidson customers and Harley Davidson employees.
Caring can go a long way. In 10 years (1985-1995), net sales went from $288 million to $1.35 billion. Sales peaked in 2006 when they sold around 350,000 bikes. With a bump in 2009, Harley Davidson is strongly coming back - evident in 2013 first quarter earnings.
Rather than worry about how to cut down operating costs or concoct strategies to out-do your competitors, go back to square one - re-evaluate the need of your clients. Put yourself in the shoes of your clients. How can you make the people you serve happier? Because if your company is spiraling downhill, clearly your clients are not happy. We cannot always blame the market or our government for our business failures.
Think about the “No Cages Allowed” sign for your industry. Your company must be comprised of people who value your product, understand your product, and can relate with your customers. Unfortunately, not every enterprise has the luxury of so easily connecting with their clients,but we all have the capability to empathize with others. Perhaps simple, self-reflection is the key to future success. As Michael LeBoeuf once said, “ A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.”
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