Most copier and printer manufacturers have some sort of advisory board to represent their dealers. In most cases, however, these board meetings are boondoggles for the manufacturers to reward their best dealers with 5-star resorts and golf outings. Canon, on the other hand, not only takes the opportunity to listen to its advisory board members... it actually acts on the feedback.
I have been on Canon’s advisory board for over two years now. Of course I accepted this honor with excitement for the opportunity to rub shoulders with Canon’s executives and to learn the inside scoop about the company (okay, and the golf). But I was quickly amazed at the candor of the discussions and, more importantly, the responsiveness of Canon’s top officials.
Time and time again, the board’s feedback has been heard and quickly dealt with. And Canon is a much better partner for it.
I have an advisory board meeting in two weeks and I can’t wait for it. Topics including Canon’s upcoming product roadmap, dealing with the loss of the IKON distribution channel, document management solution integration with copiers and printers, etc. will all be addressed. The dealer representatives on the board also have a laundry list of ways Canon can better support us. And guess what, Canon will listen... even to us in little Boise, Idaho.
I applaud Canon for their approach to listening to dealers and customers. If anyone has any comments, questions, or concerns for me to share with Canon’s executive team… I, too, am all ears.