Customers Rule

I know many of my posts reference articles from other publications, but I can't help it -- about 75% of my days are spent reading. Anyway, Fast Company has released its Customer First Awards for 2006, and there are a number of good examples of companies that have plumped up their bottom lines by creating a new market niche or focusing on their competitive advantage -- all with the intent of enhancing the customer experience. Among those honored this year: Mandarin Oriental hotels, with its impeccable attention to detail highlighted.