I just noted from @BestBuyCMO on Twitter that Best Buy has launched an “Idea Exchange,” to solicit ideas for improving their business and and operations. Successful businesses and organizations have long had ways to gain customer input, but today’s technology makes it easier than ever to do so. Moreover, input, collaboration and consensus are necessary to build long-standing customer relationships (see The rise of a new “Hero”.)

People like to share their ideas and feel like they’re making a difference.  Whether it’s input on new product development or suggestions for operational improvements, collaboration tools connect customers and create a vested interest in the organization. There’s no better way to build a long-term relationship with customers than being interested in what their saying.

If you’re thinking this is difficult to do, please know that its not. You can start gathering feedback and input today, at no cost, using the tools at IdeaScale (www.ideascale.com). Don’t wait. Do it now.

We’re planning to launch our own Idea Exchange using Idea Scale soon.  Watch for it.