Your customers know what they need next – but maybe you’re not paying attention. Shifting expectations, subtle frustrations, and new aspirations are all signals that can shape how you evolve your products, services, and experiences. To stay competitive, meaningful, and relevant in the future, focus on solving your customers’ problems and helping them achieve their goals.
Are you listening to what your customers are telling you about the future?
I was in beautiful Hobart last week, speaking to a retail franchise group about what the customer of the future looks like, what they should be doing to engage more with them, and how to stay competitive in a crowded market.
I love that they are very customer-focused – and truly customer-centric. Their slogan is, “Make your customer’s day”. So they are always looking outwards to see what they can do to enhance their customer experience and improve their customers’ lives.
When I finished my presentation and was waiting for my ride to the airport, I was sitting in a little cafe and I saw a sign that said:
“This is the sign you’ve been looking for”
How appropriate!
When I was talking about the customer of the future, I made the point that you should always be looking for the signs your customers are giving you about what they want. And then look beyond your current customer to explore what other customers you might attract in the future.
As a futurist, I’m often asked: What’s the number one, most important thing we should be doing to be future-ready?
And I always say this:
Solve your customer’s problems.
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday work, the crisis of the day, operational stuff, and other internal issues. But if you’re not solving your customer’s problems, they’ll find somebody else who is.
So make this your number one goal: Ask your customers what matters to them. Look for the signs. Listen to what they’re saying. Then do whatever you need to do to help them get where they want to go.
For more, download my worksheet about solving your customers’ problems. Your customers HAVE changed – but have you?
