Yesterday, I had a lovely coffee and brainstorm with a local business owner. We sat chatted about the joys of getting found online, online advertising, social media, email and more. We touched briefly on pricing and markets – and dogs too…
But, the crux of the matter was, while she was trying hard to be everywhere she hadn’t pinned down exactly who she was trying to reach.
Then last night, I was catching up with some blog reading and saw this cartoon.
It summed everything up for me.
When it comes to getting customers online, addressing their needs (or what they think they want!) is something you do need to pin down at the beginning. Otherwise, you’re pedalling fast and going nowhere.
It doesn’t matter what your business is. If you don’t know who your ideal customer is and what they need from you, your communication on any platform won’t be effective regardless of price.
What are your thoughts? Leave a note in the comments 
Cartoon by Tom Fishburne
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Great point Jan, I always stutter when trying to answer this one, the fact that the answer does not come out of my mouth quick enough say’s ‘I am ain’t sure’ :O
Cher
Cher recently posted..Green Juice ~ Perhaps A Tad Earthy
There’s your homework this week then, Cher – pin down why
So true! I believe I read the same article and what I got from it is you aren’t helping your customer if what you have is to far below them and they don’t have that need any more. And if what you have to offer is to far above them and it would be of no use to them as of yet. You have to be where your customer is at this point of time.
Shawn recently posted..Marketing With Beginner’s Guides
Great points, Shawn – it’s about communicating what they need from you
Thanks for your comment!
Good point! I know that, as The Declutter Lady, I could go crazy trying to cover every area of disorganization. I focus mainly on “when you don’t know where to start” since that is the biggest issue my clients face!
Brenda Spandrio recently posted..This IS normal!
Exactly, Brenda! Now you have given me an idea for future posts! Thanks for popping in and commenting
Straight to the point and good advice! Thanks for sharing!
Debra recently posted..Looking For A New Job In 2013?
Makes a change me being straight to the point! Thanks for popping in, Debra
This is exactly what I expressed in my article about Targeted Buyers. I was amazed to find out just how many comments there were, and questions asked, because people were not sure WHERE to find their targeted customers.
Bonnie Gean recently posted..5 Important Things To Consider Before Installing WordPress
Pinning down the target is the first step isn’t it, Bonnie. I found that most people I speak with don’t give it much thought.
Jan Kearney recently posted..HTML Email Marketing – Do’s, Don’ts, and You Did What’s?
So true Jan. So many businesses hate to be pinned down to a niche because they fear it will limit them, when in fact of course it actually positions them! Always good to have a reminder to refocus! Thanks Jan
Jenny recently posted..Vulnerability – The hardest thing of all
Thanks for your thoughts, Jenny. It’s true, that focus does work really well!
Jan Kearney recently posted..Top 5 Community Building Activities to Grow Your Audience
It is without a doubt the number one thing that everyone to who I ask the question ‘Who do you think your target market is?’ – well you know the answer, they always say everyone!
Hard to get your head around the fact that narrowing your target actually gets you more business!
Sue
Sue Worthington recently posted..We All Want More Traffic!
Oh yes, I hear you, Sue! I want to reach everyone is a stock answer here too