Today’s theme: you aren’t your customer. You just aren’t. It’s been my experience that many business owners get bored and give up, or throw away, some of their most valuable assets, resources and ideas, simply because idea or asset in question has become "old hat", normal, everyday, boring.
Well, guess what? You aren’t your customer. You don’t have to work so hard to be innovative, because you are sitting on top of innovation, just like you are sitting on your Great Aunt Matilda’s comfy blue chair.
Check out my surprising lesson- how I found out I’m not my own customer either. Read this article.
Listen to the podcast- about 5 minutes or so.
Ahhh… the comfy blue chair… with cat. What could be better? Come on over and have some tea.
3 Responses
Hi Mark,
Loved your article – there must have been something in the air last week – I had a similar experience. On the day my newsletter was to go out I hadn’t even begun it – but then it all flowed. However, I was convinced this was not a good one. I usually like to write it the day before so I can get some distance from it before I send it. I even gave myself a hard time about not being inspiring.
Until the emails started flooding in – I was writing about doing ‘nothing’ and I received so many emails from subscribers who connected with what I was saying and told me their own stories – I couldn’t believe it. Many more emails than normal too.
I came to realise that I am the last person who knows how good or not my newsletter is – and subscribers will often resonate with what I take for granted.
Your newsletter was a good reminder. Thanks.
And it’s good to know what goes on behind the scenes so we know we’re not alone – it’s easy to think words just flow out of everyone else all the time.
Vicky
Through Molly and Jennifer I was introduced to your writing (spent the past 30 minutes reading here, and will return when not under deadline) and want to thank you for your clarity and congruence: 2 much-needed traits in this so-called Age of Engagement, dedicated to The Power of Us.
Also, thought you might be interested in a book called Us and Them (and his astute blog)
In May I am going to quote you in my Say it Better ezine that goes out to 32,000 subscribers in 28 countries … another fan (raised in Porltand, now in Sausalito).
Woo-hoo, you two. Thanks for the kudos. I’m glad the article resonated with you Vicky. And very nice to meet you, Kare! I’m touched and honored that my words had such an impact on you.