Making it personal: IBM's Customer Obsession Program

IBM's Customer Obsession Program (COP) is focused on achieving a world-class client experience, service delivery that is consistently the best, and a passionate commitment to the customer.

Keeping promises: Closing the services gap

Would your customers say that the services they received from your company are the services they expected to get? If not, then your company may suffer from a services quality gap.

The gentle science of persuasion, part six: Scarcity

In the digital age, more information is available to more people than ever before. But not all the information. Truly unique and rare information — a hot stock tip, for instance, or a warning of an impending market shift — remains a near-priceless commodity.

Podcast: The big gamble Super Bowl advertising

In the Super Bowl advertising arms race, companies spend millions on mere seconds. Is it worth it? Nancy Stephens, associate professor of marketing, says no.

The gentle science of persuasion, part five: Authority

People trust experts. In courtrooms, expert witnesses sway the views of jurors. On television, expert analysts shape public opinion on everything from politics to sports.

The gentle science of persuasion, part four: Consistency

Nobody likes being known as a liar or as wishy-washy or erratic. So, when people make public commitments or promises, they will almost always want to back up those words with action. They have little choice: For reputation’s sake, they must do so.

Podcast: The new economics of sports business

Professional sports are a multimillion dollar industry — an industry that is increasingly playing by rules that don't apply to other businesses.

The gentle science of persuasion, part three: Social proof

Social psychologists have long known that human beings often make choices about what to think, and what to do, based on the thoughts and actions of others. Simply stated: We like to follow the crowd.

For love or money? The unrequited passion of the sports fan

The passion of fans for their teams is the stuff of family lore and Hollywood scripts, and it's that emotional charge that makes the business of sports distinct. What other business can claim that its customers are in love with its product?