I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how our assumptions about what people want can really mess with our business decisions.
A recent study by the think tank Populace found something fascinating. While most people said they value relationships, fulfillment, and character more than money, they also believed that the majority of their fellow citizens prioritize status above all else. This misperception can lead to some serious consequences, like making misguided career choices.
Think about it. How often do we entrepreneurs make assumptions about what people would or wouldn’t do? We might dismiss marketing, pricing, or operational strategies out of hand because we think they won’t work. But what if we’re wrong?
I’ve seen it happen time and time again in marketing studies. Things that shouldn’t have worked, worked. Changing a product name, tweaking the description, or even keeping an old, messy website can boost sales significantly. Reality doesn’t always conform to our beliefs.
So, the next time you hear yourself or a colleague scoff at an idea, stop. Don’t assume it won’t work. Test it out! You might be surprised by the results.
Remember, misperceptions can be costly. Don’t let them hold you back from making smart business decisions. Get out there, test your assumptions, and see what happens!
Someone with nothing to say, writing for someone with nothing to do.