Have you ever had a customer present a problem to you and before they even finished what they were saying you provided an answer… Only to find out you didn’t answer their actual question?

All too often we are so eager to help we fail to not fully listen — or understand — the real problem at hand.

And what’s worse is when businesses don’t ever ask their customers what the problem is and then develop a service based on pure assumptions.

Listening to your customers directly corresponds to the success of your business. By not solving their problem immediately or assuming it you’re able to dwell in problem purgatory. And as a result new, and sometimes unlikely, solutions emerge that will ultimately be what your customers need and want.

So how does this relate to your marketing? By fully understanding your customer’s problem, you are able to approach all stages of their buying process more effectively. From awareness the problem exists, to what information they need when considering solutions, then what final pieces they need to decide on the best solution for them.

Doing this will ultimately help you build authority and trust because you understand their problem holistically.

So remember to avoid solving problems too quickly so you can better understand your customer’s needs. I’m Sarah from Third Angle with your Marketing Minute.