Mirror your Customer – Understanding his process

Decision The previous blog on this subject discussed a 10-step decision process for a customer and what may take place. Now, the next requirement from a Lean Marketing perspective or any other perspective for that matter is to understand the meaning and to define it in a useable manner. Listed are just a few of the perceptions outlined:

  1. The perceived seriousness may determine the call to action.
  2. Who values what outcomes. They may differ through out the company.
  3. Understand the underlying symptoms, much like a doctor would.
  4. What are the up-front parameters, your customers need met. Good solutions can often get thrown out early because they are perceived to costly or to complicated in the early stages.
  5. You must determine that your solution satisfies the needs of key decision makers. Maybe as importantly, know who needs you may not satisfy.
  6. What are the possible outcomes with your product or services and with others. Is yours really the best solution?
  7. What is the worst possible scenario with your product. It may be better than the best possible outcomes product. People fear the worst.
  8. Preventing the worst case may win the battle. Even at that provide a parachute and describe it.
  9. When the plan is created for purchasing, are you part of it? Can you help create it. Can you write the plan and spec your product in?
  10. The checklist provides a systematic method on how to determine the decision. If used it should bring forth the best possible solution.

This is the 3rd in the series of 5 blog post based on Mirroring your customers buying process.