“Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express.”
― Brenda Ueland
Do you ever wonder if the big businesses actually listen to their customers?
I know I wonder that – a lot. Or do they just put the merchandise out there and expect you to go with the flow? Like they are telling you what you want, even if you don't really want it. Do you wish they would listen instead of expecting you to follow the herd? Are there any businesses that do listen to their most important assets – their customers?
I Can Honestly Say That My Followers...
Are the most important inspiration for product development and website design. While I do admit to checking out the latest NYC trends and Pantone color palettes for inspiration, I take that information and ask my customers for ideas based on the initial research.
One of the most important lessons I have ever learned is if you try to sell to everyone, you will sell to no one. I used to think that target market research was a waste of time until I learned this lesson. Know who these people are gives a person's creative juices a jump-start. Keeping it real with them and letting them tell me what they want actually makes my business life easier. I don't have to try as hard to come up with new ideas.
Once I get the NYC and Pantone inspiration, I can then turn to these people who know what they want or at least have an idea of what they would love to see. I feed them the data to narrow down the focus a little by asking in (small tidbits) what kind of ideas they might like to see. Be it color choices or basic design. Their input builds my confidence to a new level each time.
And It's Not Just Product Design They Help Me With
I recently decided to get serious about building my website. Oh I had tried many (many) times before but it always flopped. Because I was trying too hard. (Yep, that is a thing)
I was trying to make like this popular site or that popular site. And I tried to rush through getting it done because it wasn't my passion. But it wasn't what my tribe wanted. And let's face it, at the end of the day, they are the boss.
Instead, I took the design process to them. I asked in my Facebook Free Spirit group how THEY wanted to shop for thing. And while they do like looking at a nice site, my folks are get in, get what they want and get out. They didn't want to scroll through hundreds of similar items to get what they want. They wanted quick, simple, and easy (ie: focused). Instead of whole bunch of listings spread out, they wanted similar items grouped together for easy pickins'.
I Can Now Move Forward With A More Organized Focus
And it is all thanks to these wonderful people who aren't afraid to let me know what they want. Because I am not afraid to listen to them. Maybe some of these bigger businesses should try the same system?
What do you think? Do you think that businesses should take the time to focus on customer needs/wants instead of just the “trends”? Let me know in the comments.
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