While the flat economy keeps consumer consumption weak, retailers are looking to pull levers other than just price to build brand loyalty. Short term vs. long term customer loyalty. Whilst price matching might be good for the consumer in the short term, it negatively impacts the bottom line and does not lead to increased loyalty in the long term. In a recent study by loyalty360 it was revealed that 84% of respondent retailers use some form of loyalty strategy, but surprisingly less than half (48.8%) believe their initiatives are working. Tweet This! MORE >>

have spent my career creating events to connect brands with consumers. love events because they give people opportunities to experience the brand through their five senses with a healthy dose of emotion and excitement tied in. The brand truly comes alive at this intersection of “In Real Life” (aka IRL) and online; with the voice of your brand ambassador, the thrill of a unique experience, and online engagement that inspires brand loyalty. In small ways and significant moments, brands can deliver this type of connection. It Be welcoming.  MORE >>

Last week I presented the Fierce Loyalty model in a half-day workshop and during the Q & A, a gentleman raised his hand and said “I totally see how the pieces come together for fierce loyalty. Yes, there are what I call “Fierce Loyalty Accelerators”. While they cannot replace the essential elements, they can absolutely help your community get to the fierce loyalty space much much faster. Their entire brand culture is built around the idea that everyone from corporate employees to customers is first and foremost a Harley rider. And I have good news. MORE >>

Summary: Suddenly media brands are facing increased competition from an array of upstart curators that are growing in popularity. Suddenly media brands are facing increased competition from an array of upstart curators that are growing in popularity. Meanwhile, on the bright side, ABC News, The Oprah Winfrey Network and other media brands have struck deals with Flipboard to feature their content more prominently to new users. If this happens then it can further erode the advertiser loyalty that perhaps many media brands take for granted. But now it's worse. MORE >>

If a brand hooks it’s customers up with coupons, and a customer takes them, because that’s what they are demanding, does that mean they are telling you or us that you can have their business? What does that have to do with loyalty and recommendations ? It means that I may recommend you solely on the basis of how much you give me and not necessarily on how good the brand experience was. may recommend you because of customer service, but loyalty has nothing to do with it. And you thought people on Facebook just “liked” your brand because they liked your brand? MORE >>