The Soft Pitch

I recently started subscribing to a blog about how to write a better blog (for those interested it’s Copyblogger and I find it interesting and instructive). The last post I read admonished bloggers to focus more on providing quality content and not be so self-promotional. A blog post should be like a gift, providing you something of value. Got me to thinking – are my post too promotional? Maybe, I always try to provide some insight into Avnet readers might not get otherwise, but since this is a corporate blog, it’s always about Avnet in some way.

I had planned on writing about Avnet’s new customer loyalty champion, Michelle Gardner, who recently took over the Customers Matter blog  and the Customers Matter Twitter account. I met with her the other day as we started talking about plans for communicating more with employees on customer service. I knew Michelle Gardner from before when she was focused on operational excellence. She’s intelligent, thoughtful and committed to enhancing the total “Avnet customer experience.” Now, I don’t know how much of a gift this is for you, but if you haven’t checked out her blog yet, you may find it interesting. She offers insight into great customer service, and she wants to hear directly from our customers and potential customers about what’s on their minds so she can build that into her plans. I can’t help but thinking her energy and enthusiasm is going to make a real difference.

I believe we’re going to see customer engagement really pick up momentum in the coming year. At all levels of the company, I hear Avnet employees and management talking about how to take the data from our customer surveys and turn it into specific actions to improve how we serve and engage individual customers.  Of course, it’s also one of those things that if you don’t play, you can’t win.  In other words, as with any survey, not everyone participates. But for those customers who do, it can make a real difference because our teams are listening carefully to what you say on those surveys to see if there are opportunities for us to do a better job for you – and of course we hope to win more of your business in the process. It’s a win-win proposition. So that’s my gift to you – check out her blog as Michelle has some good customer service info, and if you’re a customer, please take the survey when you get it so we can do a better job for you.

We have seen in our customer and community scores that we have increased in our brand preference by 15 % due to company personality…the trust in our employees and things they do in the community top that list.  

I believe that my favorite past time has had an impact on that score.  As I reflect on the opening of the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame today in Forest Park, Il. Avnet has indeed been able to enjoy our brand being noticed by being involved in the sport/sponsorship.

Out 7th annual 16″ B2B Tourney for Businesses is scheduled for Nov 14th…there is a buzz about it…starting with the 28 teams from last years venue and the all the CEO’s who played in the “featured game” on TV vs the XTRA Sports 910 Radio squad (the CEO’s won). By the way the games on TV were the # 2 show on Phoenix Tv during the day both years  it was shown. ( I must admit it is is either really good TV or what are those folks doing on that day?…geez get a life).

The venue has a great impact on morale for companies here, many of which are our vendors, suppliers and customers, which is good thing ! I know people want to work us because of the vibe. We have been able to raise money for charities too. This year we will support the Phoenix Sports Commission Youth programs and AZ Sports Hall of Fame effort. Last an most important I know our employees enjoy playing it, and it’s great for morale. Men and women play and we have from senior leaders to sales to warehouse players involved.

Did you know the great game of softball started in Chicago in 1887…when bored alumni of Yale and Harvard were waiting for ticker tape scores of the big football game between the two schools? They wrapped up a boxing glove and started hitting with a broom stick. Want to know more about 16 Inch softball? 16Inchsoftballhof.com  By the way our HOF Inductee Park looks great. Special thanks to KODAK, March manufacturing and Vienna as sponsors…trust me Avnet’s name will be noticed there too.  Looking forward to the ceremony and celebrity game. By the the GOV of Illinois declared by proclimation, today is 16 Inch Softball Day in Illinois. If in the area stop by from 11-3 and say hello

Seems two things are front and center on many people’s minds these days: 1) Reducing costs as we wade through this recession; and 2) How to take advantage of online technology that is bursting with opportunity.  Avnet Technology Solutions Americas has launched a virtual trade show to highlight its embedded solutions.  Though this may not sound like something strikingly new (okay Second Life offered hope of something similar), I really was impressed with the quality of the graphics and a totally professional atmosphere (no flying fairies).  You can pick up a white paper on embedded board design, download more than a dozen case studies from embedded technology suppliers, visit booths of suppliers, or watch a video. 

And all without trying to make small talk with someone sitting next to you on an airplane.  Priceless!