Isn't someone going to congratulate me?
Once a Customer Relationship System (CRM) sinks its teeth into you, it doesn't readily let go.
This is, of course, the point. The goal is to track one's relationship with customers - to recall their purchases, complaints, help calls; and to periodically do that little thing that keeps them thinking of you.
A few months ago it became clear that I'd somehow got onto Similac's "Welcome Addition Club". Similac is a manufacturer of baby formula, and the club is a tool for marketing to new moms.
I'm a little bemused as to how I got onto the list. I think it must have been the beard that confused them.
Actually, I'm unreasonably convinced they get info from the medical insurer or the obstetrician about who's in prenatal visits. I hadn't been aware that my urologist was also an obstetrician, though.
Similac's CRM has been sending me these friendly little letters wishing me well, informing me of all the things a mom-to-be should expect. It's been downright folksy. I'm charmed, frankly.
Yesterday it went a little farther than that - they actually sent me a box of formula. Which has given me a problem - what the heck is the shelf life of this stuff? I don't have a newborn at present, but no doubt there will be some medical miracle (and it would take a surgical miracle at this point) and one will turn up sometime.
I'm waiting to see what they'll send next ...
All humour aside, there is rather a darker memory to this whole thing. My wife has, of course, previously been tagged with this club. The first time was unfortunate, in that we got a promotional box of formula a few months after the miscarriage. Thanks so much.
Can you say: data cleansing? If you're going to automatically add folks to your lists, how about being careful to know when to delete them?
Similac should be tracking the same source they get Mom's names from to note when continued marketing is contraindicated.