Is it over simplistic to think that a business has to solve a problem ?

The quick answer is... NO.

When we define the problem our customers have, this allows us to focus on finding

people with this problem, so we can solve it and charge them.

Some micro, small businesses and freelancers struggle to define their customer problem.

They focus on what they do… the cakes they make, the websites they design, the art they create, or the coffee they brew…

• How can my Cakes solve a problem?

• How does my Coffee solve a problem?

• How does my Art solve a problem?

I think the word PROBLEM is the PROBLEM.

Think of it as a customer NEED, a need that is important enough to spend money on sorting.

Your customers are not buying, cake, coffee or art, they are buying the outcome of your cake, coffee or art.

Put yourself in your customers shoes, or even better – ask your customers why they come to you, why they bought from you. There may be some surprises.😳

Think about it from their perspective, it may be that its deeper than a surface problem or a superficial need, uncovering the real problem, the deeper need can help with every aspect of your business.

Examples:

• Cake - I feel guilty. I forgot my brother’s birthday, I NEED a personalised cake today.

• Coffee - I NEED a kick start in the morning and I have a train to catch, I NEED great coffee with fast service.

• Art – I NEED to decorate this room so it feels calm and relaxing.

What do your customers NEED ?

BTW. The NEEDS above were all mine, they all led to a purchase.