Today on Morning Joe, a Republican strategist was complaining that when President Obama spoke in Strasbourg, he admitted past arrogance, but also urged Europe to be aware of its own anti-Americanism. The strategist was upset because she thought he ought to have said, “We’re not perfect, but we’re the greatest country in the world.”

I’m not pointing this out to be political, but imagine if he had done that. He wants (and needs) Europe’s help in Afghanistan. Being boastful probably isn’t the best way to get it.

Likewise, proclaiming to your customers (over and over) how great your company is, how it’s number one in sales, or you’ve been in business 50 years, etc. may not be the best way to impress them. In fact, someone under 30 recently told me that his generation would look askance at a company that boasted of longevity; figuring they must be out-of-touch and old-fashioned. Instead tell your customers something that speaks to their needs, wants, and hopes. Share how you can meet those needs, make their dreams real, or improve their lives (not yours).

allygirl520

I was surfing the Web the other day and stumbled on a bra dryer.  I can’t post the picture here (copyright issues), but it looks like a mesh sports bra or workout top.  The idea is (apparently) to strap a bra inside it and it will dry faster or not lose its shape or something.

Trouble is, it only seems to come in one size, and well, women come in lots of sizes.

Also, for you guys out there, bras can be hand-washed, hung up to dry, and forgotten about.  Drying them faster is NOT a pressing problem.

I point this out not because I want this blog to regularly focus on underwear, but because the men who came up with this contraption never stopped to do any research to see if anyone wanted, needed, or cared about their product.  Yes, successful products (say the iPhone) can often come from a product nobody KNEW they wanted (until they saw one).  But this, this is just silly.

Before investing time, money, and effort in a new product or service, check and see if there’s any interest.  Show potential vendors a prototype, do some market research.  Google the problem.  Check with users.  Find out their reactions.  Is it wow?  Or is it are you kidding??!!

Photo:  hoyasmeg