Taking it for granted

A colleague just sent me this article. It appears to be a few years old but the lesson remains the same.

"A city councilman in Utah, Mark Easton, had a beautiful view of the east Mountains until a new neighbor purchased the lot below his house and built a new home. The home was 18 inches higher than the ordinances would allow, so Mark Easton, mad about his lost view, went to the city to make sure they enforced the lower roof line ordinance.

The new neighbor had to drop the roof line at great expense. Recently, Mark Easton called the city, and informed them that his new neighbor had installed some vents on the side of his home. Mark did not like the looks of the vents and asked the city to investigate. When they went to Mark’s home to view the vents, this is what they found..."

Mark Easton took it for granted that he would always see the mountain. That his view would never change. This is true in sales a lot. When we sell a customer we take it for granted that they will stop looking for a solution. When a customer does decide to leave it can lead to anger.

Mountain views are great. But they shouldn't be taken for granted. Which customers do you take for granted?