"The best way to look at any business is from the standpoint of the clients"

Understanding business from the clients' perspective is all about putting yourself in their shoes and seeing through their eyes. It means that instead of focusing solely on what you're offering, you prioritize what the customer truly needs and desires. This isn't just good advice—it's essential for thriving in a competitive market.

Think back to the early days of customer-centric business strategy. Back in the 1960s, when the world was changing rapidly, a man named Theodore Levitt coined the term "marketing myopia" to describe businesses that were so focused on their products that they lost sight of what customers actually wanted. It was a game-changer. He argued that companies should focus less on just selling products and more on understanding and meeting the needs of their customers.

Let's dive into a real-world example to bring this idea to life. Imagine you're running a local coffee shop in a bustling neighborhood. You serve incredible coffee, but business isn't booming. You decide to see things from your customers' perspective. You notice that most of them are young professionals who are always in a rush. This insight leads you to tweak your business model. You introduce a mobile app for pre-orders, so they can grab their coffee without waiting in line. You also add a quick “espresso to-go” counter. Suddenly, your coffee shop becomes the go-to spot for the morning rush. By putting yourself in your customers' shoes, you made their lives easier and your business more successful.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own situation? Start by listening—really listening—to your customers. Use surveys, read reviews, and engage in conversations. Don’t just ask what they want; ask why they want it. Look for patterns in their feedback and be willing to adapt. It might mean changing your product, your service, or even the way you communicate.

Imagine you're a freelance graphic designer. You've got talent, no doubt, but you're struggling to land consistent work. Try this: instead of presenting a portfolio that shows off everything you can do, tailor it to what your potential clients need. If a client is launching a new product, show them examples of your best product branding work. Speak their language. If they see that you understand their needs, they're far more likely to hire you.

Here's a relatable scenario. Picture Sarah, an independent bookstore owner. She's been in the business for years, and while she has a loyal customer base, sales have been declining. Sarah decides to step into her customers' shoes. She realizes that many of them are parents who struggle to find time to read. So, she sets up a cozy reading corner for kids and starts hosting weekly story hours. Parents can now browse books while their kids are entertained. Sarah's thoughtful approach turns her bookstore into a community hub and boosts her sales.

In essence, viewing your business from the clients' perspective isn't just about satisfying their immediate needs—it's about building lasting relationships and creating value that resonates with them. By genuinely understanding and addressing their pain points, you set yourself apart and pave the way for sustained success. So, next time you're thinking about your business strategy, remember to step into your customers' shoes. It's not just good advice; it's the key to thriving in any business.