Your Customers Are Questioning You

Of his time in a Nazi death camp, Viktor Frankl wrote: "What was really needed was a fundamental change in our attitude toward life."

He continued: 

We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life -- daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk or meditation, but in right action and in right conduct.

This unconventional thinking helped Frankl survive the same conditions that killed 6 million other people.

After revolutionizing his world from the inside, he was able to endure unspeakable hardship on the outside.

Now. No matter how tough times may be for you, seen in this context, they aren't that tough.

But you may be facing uncertainty, even despair, in your business. You may have days (weeks?) when you ask yourself: Why am I doing this?

Well. How about switching the questions around, as Frankl did?

Instead of asking about the meaning of your business life, think of yourself as being questioned by your business. Specifically, you are being questioned by your customers:

• What are they telling you?
• What do they want?
• Will you give it to them?
• Why not start tomorrow?

Asking new questions is the best way to get new answers.

This kind of thinking helped Frankl survive nearly three years in a concentration camp, along with the loss of his family and his profession.

So, try turning your business problems around. The next time you get stuck, ask yourself: What do my customers want?

If you're not 100% sure, go ask them. Or call them on the phone. Then start giving them what they want.

It just might help your business survive -- and thrive -- in an economy far less hostile than a death camp.


(Kevin M. Donlin is author of the Special Report, Guaranteed Marketing for Service Business Owners.)