What's old is new. I attended a small business seminar last evening in our very small community area along the CT shoreline.  We are a series of villages ranging from 3,400 people to 7,000. I listened intently on the subject at hand of how to create business in tough times. The bottomline take away was the customer is still right, connecting with him or her is what builds a customer - relationship better yet! Selling items, stuff or focusing on a transaction is not enough; engaging with our customer if what keeps her comiong back.  We love connecting with the local green grocer, a real bookstore, the local bank, the YMCA, the not-for-profit director and her team.

Seems to me this is basic for any size business that wants to be successful. So how does a giant retailer, or faceless on-line business, get huggable with their customer?  First, do you want to? If so, Ask! Ron Johnson, CEO of JC Penney.  Ask!Apple. Ask! Watch! Listen!  Ask me, I'm a potential customer!