Last time we learned that marketing puts customers at the center of business decisions. Now let's explore what this customer-centric mindset actually looks like in practice.
This shift in thinking is one of the biggest differences between successful and struggling businesses.
Engagement Message
What do you think most companies focus on first - their products or their customers?
Many companies start with product-focused thinking. They create what they think is cool, then try to convince people to buy it.
This sounds like: "We built this amazing feature!" or "Our product is the best quality!" The focus is on what they made.
Engagement Message
Think of one example where a seller emphasized features over your needs—what were they selling?
Customer-centric thinking flips this completely. Instead of starting with products, you start with customer problems and desires.
This sounds like: "Our customers struggle with..." or "People want to feel..." The focus shifts to understanding people first.
Engagement Message
Which approach feels more appealing to you as a customer?
Here's a real example: Netflix didn't start by saying "We have the best DVD-by-mail service!" They identified that people hated late fees and wanted convenience.
They focused on the customer problem: frustrating video rental experiences. The solution followed from there.
Engagement Message
What customer pain point did Netflix identify that led to their success?
To develop this mindset, start every marketing decision with customer questions: "What do our customers really want here? What problems are they facing? How do they feel about this?"
Put yourself in their shoes before thinking about your products or services.
Engagement Message
What's one customer question you could ask about a business you know?
