Goodwill is the only asset that competition cannot undersell or destroy.
Marshall FieldRead
Those who enter to buy, support me. Those who come to flatter, please me. Those who complain, teach me how I may please others so that more will come. Those only hurt me who are displeased but do not complain. They refuse me permission to correct my errors and thus improve my service.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of feedback and constructive criticism in improving one's service or business.
Marshall Field emphasizes that the opinions of customers play a crucial role in shaping and refining a business. While buyers support him and flatterers please him, it is the complaints that provide valuable insights into necessary improvements. Those who merely express dissatisfaction without offering feedback hinder progress by denying the opportunity for correction and enhancement in the service provided.
Themes
FeedbackServiceCustomersImprovementBusiness
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting when discussing customer service strategies.
More from Marshall Field
All quotes →Similar quotes
Managing a business, small or large, today requires an extremely disciplined, thoughtful approach with regard to the pressure that people are under.
Howard SchultzRead
It turns out that people - in every country in the world, there's a segment of buyer that wants the best product and the best experience. And that's what we're about providing.
Tim CookRead
Business plans are the tool existing companies use for execution. They are the wrong tool to search for a business model.
Steve BlankRead
I don't think a true company - one that builds sustainable value - can ever only exist online or remotely.
Margaret HeffernanRead
If you can shape your business life or your working life, you can just look at it as another extension - you just fulfill all your values as a human being in the work place. If you are an activist, you bring the activism of your life into your business, or if you love creative art, you can bring that in.
Anita RoddickRead
A company shouldn't get addicted to being shiny, because shiny doesn't last.
Jeff BezosRead