What Would You Buy?

I'm a guy. A married guy. This means I have ongoing gift purchasing obligations – Birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Anniversary, etc. History suggests many husbands struggle with this process, buying their wives a Waterpik, vacuum cleaner, gardening tools, floor mats, even exercise equipment.

Even when these men realize their limitations and ask for help, they are often tripped up by one simple question “Well, what does your wife like? What is she into?” Blank stares and worried faces often follow. The problem for these men? They love and appreciate their wives, but they don’t really know their wives.
 
As a business owner, I’m sure you love and appreciate your customers, but how well do you know them? Who are your best customers? Who spends the most? Who are your most regular customers? What type of promotions do they enjoy best? Why do they buy from you? Where else do they shop?
 
The more you really know about your customers, the more opportunities you have to help them, and by help, I mean offer them additional products or services. Engage your customers through conversation, surveys, a suggestions box, sales staff, referral programs… Anything to initiate dialogue. The more you know about your customers, the better it will be for your business.
 
Just as it is my duty as a “thoughtful and caring husband” to know and understand my wife, it is your duty as a “thoughtful and caring business owner” to know and understand your customers.