Loyalty is flipping.
I was taught customers should be loyal to brands. But that no longer holds - especially for businesses that want to avoid commoditisation.
As technology strips out routine, the points, perks and persuasion tricks lose impact.
Customers will look instead for those who help achieve their aspirations.
Accenture calls it “life-centricity”.
Edelman a focus on belief alignment and trust.
B2B vendors call it outcomes.
Either way, the direction is clear.
We’re moving
- FROM: customers loyal to brands
- TO: brands expected to be loyal to customers.
That means moving from chasing repeat transactions to building actual relationships.
It’s work. Not harder, but different. And worth it.
It brings steadier cash flows, lower price sensitivity, and stronger multiples.
The question isn’t whether customers will stay loyal to you. It’s whether your business is ready to stay loyal to them.