Imagine you’re a Cook. You’ve spent countless hours perfecting a new recipe for an assorted Jollof rice. You’re convinced it’s the most delicious Jollof anyone has ever tasted. But when you offer it to your customers, they’re lukewarm. They prefer your old, tried-and-true Jollof and chicken.
This is a common dilemma for businesses: should they offer products or services based on what they think is best, or should they listen to their customers and give them exactly what they want?
The Argument for Offering What You Think is Best
Some argue that businesses should follow their instincts and offer products or services that they believe in. They believe that by staying true to their vision, they can create something truly unique and valuable. This approach can lead to innovation and differentiation in the market.
The Argument for Offering What Customers Want
On the other hand, others argue that businesses should focus on meeting the needs and desires of their customers. They believe that by listening to customer feedback and adapting their offerings accordingly, they can build a loyal customer base and increase sales. This approach can help businesses to avoid wasting resources on products or services that don’t resonate with their target market.
Finding the Balance
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best approach depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of the business, the competitive landscape, and the preferences of the target market.
One possible solution is to find a balance between the two approaches. Businesses can conduct market research to understand their customers’ needs and preferences, while also following their own intuition and creativity. This can help businesses to offer products or services that are both innovative and appealing to their target market.
Ultimately, the key to success is to be flexible and adaptable. Businesses should be willing to experiment with different approaches and to learn from their mistakes. By doing so, they can find the right balance between offering what they think is best and offering what their customers want.
