Act Like a Boss, Think Like a Customer

That’s right, it’s time to start thinking like your customer.

By Jessica Alex

You're the boss, and what you say goes –– except your product or service isn't really about you, it's about your customer and helping them solve a need.

In order to meet your customers’ needs successfully and consistently, you have to start thinking like them.

“Think like a customer.” –– Paul Gillin

If you were in their shoes how would you want to interact with your product or service?

How would you react to your Instagram feed, your social media posts, your newsletter, your website…as a customer?

How would you feel walking into your establishment? Does the decor and set-up reflect what your customers would want to experience?

You’ve got to create a product, service, content, etc. that resonates with your target audience.

"Don't find customers for your products, find products for your customers." –– Seth Godin

Service-based businesses need to think like a customer

If you're selling a service, what kind of services does your ideal target audience need?

How and where do they want to learn about your services? For example, do they prefer learning through Instagram, webinars, blog posts, podcasts, etc.?

What information do they need to make an informed decision? For example, do they want to see testimonials and case studies first?

What seamless process can be set up to help them have a smooth onboarding experience?

Every detail from start to finish should have your customer in mind.

Product-based businesses need to think like a customer

Or lets say you sell a skincare product, what is it that your target audience wants to see and experience?

What kind of textures and scents would they want to have in their products? For example, if they have sensitive skin, maybe you discover that they prefer scent-free products.

What are the results that they are after? For example, maybe your ideal customer loves dewy skin.

How can you convey those results to them through your marketing? For example, through social proof: other customers who have tried their products and received optimal results.

This example applies to different product-based businesses. For instance, if you have a food product, what kind of flavours and textures do your customers want to taste and experience?

What kind of packaging makes sense and will draw them in?

“We don't want to push our ideas on to customers, we simply want to make what they want.” –– Laura Ashley

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Keep thinking like your customer and think about the things your customers want to see, hear, feel, etc. and apply that mindset to everything you offer them from content to products to services and experiences!