When I was marketing for an LA based graphic arts company — and this was before digital transference of typographic and print files became the new reality — my most valuable source of information was our drivers. Because they were out in the street, they picked up market information firsthand from our client companies and the couriers for our competitors. Conversely, I also agonized over the fact that one key employee in a customer service position was costing us business from high-volume clients, and yet our CEO for whatever reason would not move this person to another position where she could no longer jeopardize customer relationships. I called this learning experience “marketing by walking around” and it has served me well ever since.

It is still great receiving your sage advice after all the years that have passed since that time at the software computer company.