Since the inception of Occupy Wall Street, many unsatisfied Americans have been clamoring to make their voices heard, while many others quipped that they ought to quit their yammering. 

With many punny takes, I've seen people label them the "Green Tea Party," "The Flea Party" and names even more unsavory. But the truth is this: Whether you agree with the partisan politics behind the move, it's likely you believe in the democratic principals that allow the movement to spread. 

And you probably also agree that you're sick of getting nickel-and-dimed while banks and corporations report higher profit margins. (I think that's a pretty common idea across the political spectrum, right?)

In a twist of events not directly related to the Occupy movements, institutions are heeding customer protests in great numbers currently, and I can't help but think that the Occupy protestors lended a face to much of our frustration.

As you likely recall, the much-loved Netflix recently nixed plans to separate its streaming services from its movies by mail after customers canceled their subscriptions in droves.

And today, Bank of America announced it would drop a $5 debit fee that angered many account-holders, on the heels of announcements from many other banks, too.

I'm not sure whether all of the negative reactions were conveyed in direct customer relations calls, on social networks, or in the media, but I do know this: We consumers ought to keep making our desires known. 

Just as we have the right to chime in on political debates and voice respectful disagreement with our government (Thank you, First Amendment!), so, too should we have the right to influence the business world. Maybe not through votes or lobbying, but definitely at the point of sale. Business cannot operate without customers, and it seems sometimes large ones forget that.