Your Gut LIES (Part 2)

As noted in Your Gut LIES (part 1), we like to project what we believe and feel on those around us.  How does this lead you astray in your business?

You have to remember: your business is not about you.

Once again:  YOUR BUSINESS IS NOT ABOUT YOU.

It’s about your ideal customer, and what they want – no more, no less.

Do NOT make the mistake of assuming that your customers or potential customers agree with you!

If you are aiming at your ideal customer, you need to be pretty well versed in what they need and want from you.  Don’t be totally focused on what you want from them – serve their needs, and you’ll get what you need naturally.

So how do you know what customers want?  Here’s some ways:

•  Ask outright!  A few ways to do this are: ask them in person, via email or postcard, or via anonymous surveys (free survey tool with basic response analysis here: Survey Monkey)
• Consult studies and white papers.  There are numerous free/inexpensive resources out there to help you understand certain customers and business segments, but it takes some time and some Google-fu to find it.
• Test different ideas/offers/messages and observe the behavior in response over time.

Mmm, Sacred Business Cow.

Make your decisions based upon data and objective facts as best you can. Be open to the notion that your most sacred business cows might need to be slaughtered, slathered in delicious Gate's Barbecue Sauce and eaten because they are not serving your customers’ needs or best interest.

Always keep in mind that you may be making decisions based upon faulty information.  We can’t always have perfect information for every decision we make; just realize that new information might require you to adjust your plan and viewpoint. Be ready to adapt and change.

Because that gut feeling you have just might be lying to you.