Has marketing got anything to do with customers?

O2, the mobile telecoms provider, has just announced that it is axing 40 marketing jobs as it "aims to put the emphasis back on the customer."

If that's the case, can I ask what the heck those 40 so-called "marketers" who are losing their jobs have been doing up until now - presumably, ignoring the customer?

The story reminded me of a recent article on MarketingProfs.com entitled Dear Marketing: An Open Letter From Your Customer which should be required reading for any marketer. And, of course, it also reminds me of one of my favourite marketing books - It's All About Customers by John Frazer-Robinson. Need I say more?