"Nous ne nous concentrons pas sur l'apparence du prochain trimestre; nous nous concentrons sur ce qui va être bon pour les clients."

This quote is all about prioritizing the long-term satisfaction and needs of customers over short-term gains or appearances. In simple terms, it's saying that what's most important isn't how things look right now or the immediate profits, but rather making decisions that will make customers happy and keep them coming back.

Think back to when Apple launched the iPhone. Back in 2007, a lot of people thought it was crazy—who would pay so much for a phone? But Steve Jobs and his team weren’t just thinking about the next quarter. They envisioned a product that would revolutionize how people interact with technology. And, well, look at us now... we can hardly imagine life without our smartphones. They focused on creating something genuinely useful and remarkable for their customers, not on immediate profits or how their stock prices would look in the short term.

Now, let's take a real-life example. Imagine you're running a small bakery. You could use cheaper ingredients and cut corners to save money, making your quarterly profits look amazing. But what happens when customers taste the difference? They'll likely stop coming back, and your reputation might suffer. Instead, if you focus on using high-quality ingredients and providing excellent service, your customers will notice and appreciate it. They’ll keep returning for that unbeatable taste and tell their friends about it, too. Your business might grow slower initially, but you'll build a loyal customer base who trust and love your product.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your own life or business? Start by always considering the customer’s perspective. What do they need? What will make their experience better? Sometimes it means delaying gratification. Resist the urge to take the easy win now, and think about how your decisions impact your customers in the long run. It might be a bit tough to stay focused on the future when the present is pressing, but this approach builds lasting relationships and trust.

Here’s a little story to make this more relatable. Imagine you're a freelance graphic designer. You’ve got a project with a tight deadline and a client who’s a bit demanding. You could quickly throw something together, get paid, and move on. But if you put in the extra effort—really listen to what the client wants, maybe even exceed their expectations—you create something fantastic. Your client is thrilled, and they remember your commitment to quality. They come back with more work, recommend you to others, and suddenly, your client base starts to grow. The short-term sacrifice (a bit more time and effort) pays off in the long run with repeat business and a solid reputation.

So, next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself: "Is this just good for now, or is it good for my customers in the long run?" Keep your focus on creating value and satisfaction for your customers, and the rest will follow.