The word “consumer,” meant to describe your audience or the people who buy your products, is demeaning and should be banished. In the old days it made sense: you put out a product, advertised it, and then the “consumers” would come along, shell out their money, and consume your product. Today, the pool of people who mindlessly “consume” brands is ever shrinking. With so much competition, people expect a deeper emotional connection and dialog with brands. Ignore this at your peril.