Ask & Deliver: Discover the Heart of Your Business by Listening to the Voice of Your Customers

by Mary Ann O'Brien

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to understand your customer needs this book is for you!

Ask & Deliver by Mary Ann O'Brien is a book to understand your customers' needs and put your business to work for them, making it grow.
If you have a business that is not giving you the expected results or on many occasions you have wondered how you could do better and do not know which route to follow, this book is perfect for you. The author shares the experience she had with a computer company that was not doing well. With much uncertainty but convinced that she could identify the problem, she decided to do a customer survey, something that not many at that time to achieve discovering the findings needed to improve the business and understand the problems that could be leading to ruin.

I loved the way the author shares her experience, because at the same time, she shares what she did, what she thought and the fears she had. She also shares some tools that I am sure will be useful to anyone who has a business. I highly recommend this book.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must-read for marketers and business leaders

“Ask & Deliver” by O'Brien offers a compelling journey into the innovative world of the author, who is known as "The Mother of Modern Marketing”. This book is basically a masterclass in marketing innovation. The evolution from the founder of OBI to the creator of the groundbreaking O.VoC survey really made me understand how important it is to understand and actually meet customer’s needs. The book not only emphasizes the importance of listening to the customer's voice but also provides a guide in order to be able to implement these insights to drive exponential growth. What I appreciated about this book was the practical and resilient composition of the narrative. This book is a must-read for marketers and business leaders alike. I can assure you that you will learn tons by having a look at these pages full of personal experience and wisdom. It’s always good to learn from someone else’s mistakes and triumphs.

[Laura]

Behind the Scenes of Marketing

This is not your typical business book, which I will admit I usually find a little dull and dry. Even though I myself am not in marketing or business, and have no desire to be, I found this book to be really interesting. I enjoyed reading about the author's career journey, starting with Gateway Computers. She writes in an easy to read, approachable, and interesting way. I found it so interesting to read about data-driven marketing from the perspective of a company that seems to genuinely want to do right by the customer (whether the customer is the end consumer or the business she is consulting), and by doing so helping the company grow and succeed financially. Really interesting read, would recommend for anyone in the business world, or anyone wanting to know more about the behind-the-scenes marketing world.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ask and Deliver, author Mary Ann O’Brien explains her method of data collection that will help readers’ business. The purpose of this information we must collect is to connect our business with clients needs and desires. Employing real examples of real business and business owners, the author describes the importance of putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes in order to discover flaws, strengths and aspects of our projects where there is room for improvement.
I think this is a must-read for anyone looking to demystify the world of data-driven marketing. The author has already discovered the importance of effective customer connection and explains it in an insightful and engaging way. Highly recommended for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a fresh perspective on the intersection of data and customer relationships.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ask & Deliver, Mary Ann O'Brien's masterful work, presents a revolutionary approach to business success by putting the customer at the center of everything. With a captivating narrative, the author shares her unique and highly successful approach to exceptionally attracting and retaining clients. I'm really intrigued by how the author consistently highlights the significance of centering on customers' preferences instead of pushing what the company aims to sell.

In summary, it is a book that expanded my vision about this topic. Ask & Deliver is a guide loaded with practical advice, engaging examples, and thought-provoking stories that support the author's perspective. It's an essential reading for entrepreneurs, business executives, or marketing experts aiming for success in their pursuits. I highly recommend it!

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book

"Ask & Deliver" by Mary Ann O'Brien is a riveting departure from conventional business literature. As the brain behind the transformative O'Brien Voice of Customer (O.VoC) survey, O'Brien shares her journey from re-energize Gateway Computers to steering her firm through economic challenges. Her storytelling, far from the usual business monotony, captivates with authenticity. Focused on prioritizing customer insights, O'Brien presents a refreshing approach that resonates with readers inside or outside the business domain. This book offers a compelling exploration of customer-driven marketing, making it a valuable read for those seeking a genuine and impactful perspective on business success through authentic customer engagement. This book can teach you how to manage your clients to make your business bigger every day.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also liked the flashback to Gateway, from which I bought my first computer. There were so many opportunities in this book to flash back to the various phases of my own business journey through I.T. I especially like how this book walked through the journey to find both what is most important in my own business from reading the pages of this book. I do think the place I lacked early on was the culture that is described so well in this book. I think one of the most impactful images is that as a customer we know what we want but as a business owner, I have often tried to make a square peg fit in a round hole instead of listening to my customers needs. This book helps with that for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A newer approach to Marketing.

Now I understand why this author is recognized as "the mother of modern marketing," as she breaks down effective strategies for understanding and retaining customers. She provides practical ideas on how to transform a brand or company, propelling it toward exponential growth through a systematic approach and unexpected but impactful changes.
Personally, I have found it very useful for my work, as the author simplifies complex marketing concepts, making the book an accessible guide for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of customer needs and drive significant positive transformations in their business or professional role.
Mary Ann O'Brien has left me intrigued and wanting to read more about her content and experiences.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story with valuable information.

''Ask & Deliver: Discover the Heart of Your Business by Listening to the Voice of Your Customers'' is a business book that combines the author's experiences throughout her career. In this book, Mary Ann O'Brien, founder and CEO of the award-winning marketing firm OBI, shows us her most valuable tips and lessons that you can apply in your professional life. Here you will find information related to how to create a different experience with your customers and how this will help you increase the number of your company. This book is useful and at the same time, it is an entertaining read. Here you will find a good source of information to apply in your business.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read!
To set up a business seems to be easy but what is not that simple is to make it flourish and increase the number of customers. So, to make your business a good one, you should read “Ask & deliver”. It's a useful guide penned by Mary Ann O’Brien who shares her vast knowledge and experience in the field.
O'Brien has gathered data with surveys that many of her clients answered. By doing so, she was able to visualise their necessities, tastes and work for a better product. Apart from that, she pays special attention to the methodology of the company, among other points that help improve a company. It's a complete, well-explained and helpful book that will enlighten business people. It’s definitely a must read!

[Almiria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ask and Deliver by Mary Ann O’Brien is a marketing biography of sorts, which explores how the author’s companies progressed on the business and marketing front. You will discover how the information she gleaned from her endeavors shaped her expertise and success in marketing. The book contains helpful insights into the importance of putting your customer first and making sure that everything you do is geared to customer needs. The details of the specific business endeavors did not always interest me but the summaries on the lessons to be learned are very useful. Business owners and others involved in marketing will find plenty of useful information and actionable insights in this book.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask & Deliver is a marketing book, that focuses primarily on client satisfaction. There are several techniques to achieve success in a business, but I think that client-orientated companies are the ones making the bigger growth in the last couple of years, so I take seriously the lessons from the author, Mary Ann O'Brien.

Overall, the book has great characteristics. The writing is progressive, starts easy but dives into harder-to-grasp concepts, which makes it suitable for most kinds of readers. It's precise and concrete; with 200 pages only, it focuses on the key concepts and cuts right to the point.

Definitely recommended for beginner entrepreneurs, at least I know I learned a lot.

[Carlos Armando · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ask & Deliver" by Mary Ann O'Brien is like the secret manual to understanding your customers and getting your business off the ground! It seems to me that O'Brien has a unique way of explaining how listening to your customers not only improves your product, but also builds a genuine connection. I think the best part is how she breaks down practical strategies for getting honest feedback. Their hands-on approach and real-life experiences make the process of understanding your customers exciting. If you are looking to boost your business, I would definitely recommend this book. I loved how he transformed the idea of ​​listening into a business superpower.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good guide

This is a guide to modern marketing strategies. What I liked the most is O'Brien's groundbreaking approach, showcased through the evolution of OBI and the O'Brien Voice of Customer (O.VoC) survey. By emphasizing the significance of directly engaging customers, listening attentively, and tailoring the customer experience accordingly, the author provides a compelling blueprint for brand transformation and exponential growth. The book serves as an exploration of innovative marketing methodology and a captivating narrative of O'Brien's journey, demonstrating how her approach navigated business challenges, including the Great Recession and the Covid crisis.

[Andrew Bondarev · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hopeful for the book after reading other comments, but was left disappointed. The book is nice if you’re looking for an inspirational story about one persons success in the world of marketing, but did not provide enough information on how it was done or practical information on how one could do it themselves. I was hoping for additional guidance on how to gather VOC, how to implement it, etc… Instead it makes it seem that you need to hire a professional marketing firm to do it for you. For certain large projects I’d say this is necessary, but not if you’re trying to incorporate VOC as part of every day ongoing developments.

[Candice Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask and Deliver written by Mary Ann O’brien is a good book to read if you are interested in learning something new. She desires to help companies retain customers. From one of her first experiences working at a company she learned the value of the customer. This book helped me to look at companies in a different way. Sometimes I thought companies just wanted to sell a product but there are some that want to help customers. I like learning about a new perspective about companies through this book.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through compelling anecdotes and practical examples, Mary Ann O'Brien demonstrates the power of directly engaging with customers to shape brand experiences and drive growth. O'Brien's adept handling of challenging business environments, such as the Great Recession and the Covid crisis, further highlights the resilience and effectiveness of her methodology. This book is an invaluable resource for marketers seeking to revolutionize their approach and prioritize customer-centric strategies. I will totally recommend this read.

[Ashley Dauby · Rating 5 out of 5]

great & informative book!

A very interesting book about building your company with a unique approach. By asking & listening to customers and even employees, you can build your company to something even bigger than you may have imagined. Packed with information and studies on different companies that have gone with the o.Voc survey. I truly enjoyed reading this and seeing how the survey went and worked for different companies.

Thank you for choosing me as a winner in the Goodreads giveaway for this book!

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide on how to help your business grow and move forward, and O'Brien clearly shows it by her reflections on her work throughout the guide. Everything was laid out, and she shows you how she got it done. My favorite part is that after all the hard work for other companies, she used her own method on herself and her company. I hope every company reads this. It's a great way to learn how to retain your customers and learn what "loyalty" means for them.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ask & Deliver: Discover the Secrets of Keeping Customers Happy with Mary Ann O'Brien's guide. O'Brien explains that satisfied customers are not just one-time buyers but the key to business growth. Think of this book as your marketing expert, offering straightforward advice for success. If you're serious about improving your marketing and staying ahead, reading this is a must.

It's a game-changer!!!

[David Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and poignant

I loved reading this book. The experience and wisdom.shared were so well thought out and I know will habe a positive effect on my team, my business, and me personally. .Thank you!

[Carlos mutua · Rating 5 out of 5]

know your customers

Nothing is as good as getting really understand your customer, this guide will take though the known way to understand your customer.