Mission Driven Monday (09/23/2024)
Today, we continue our Mission Driven Monday blog series. Every Monday, I deliver a short post in your inbox to help you stay on mission during the week.
The world has enough madness on its own. You were meant for more. Read on to learn more.
Bringing Work Home: Applying the Customer Journey Principle of Business to Home and Life
In business, marketing professionals like to talk about something called the “customer journey.” If your team leader were talking to you about the customer journey, they would ask you to think about what your customer is doing and what they need right BEFORE they make a purchase from you through their decision to buy from you and beyond. You will be encouraged to consider what your prospective customer might need right AFTER encountering your product, too.
Let me tell you: Even if you don’t sell widgets or doo-dads, you do have a product—and that product is YOU. The principle still applies!
I was thinking about this as I was tootling around in my kitchen this afternoon (so nerdy, I know). My son had come downstairs and asked me to make some homemade granola. Homemade granola is the thing I make as a party favor when folks come over for dinner. It’s a fun little treat that says, “We hope you had fun. Thanks for staying up late with us. You don’t have to worry about breakfast in the morning.” I make it for my family, too, but not as often as I should.
But today as I was mixing oats and chopping nuts and folding in the pumpkin seeds and honey, I thought the granola could also be a fun treat to include when I’m taking over a housewarming gift or dinner for a new mom. You probably remember how crazy those first few days in a new house can be or the exhaustion of adjusting to the demands of a new baby. Having something easy on hand that can satisfy hunger cravings would surely be a welcome gift. Plus, granola is healthy!
So I thought…
OK, what might a friend experiencing one of these life event scenarios require right BEFORE I come over?
Well, if they’re anything like me and they know that guests are arriving momentarily, then there’s sure to be a mad dash to hide the clutter, sweep up the dust bunnies, and wipe down the counters. I would NEVER want to give someone a gift that says, “Your house is dirty.” But I’m practically an old lady, and I have collected a few tricks and tips over the years that make tidying up easier than ever. My basket would include some Lysol wipes, toilet tank bleach tablets, after-shower spray, a good fabric stain remover, a roll of paper towels, a scrub brush, and my favorite luxury hand soap (maybe something a little fancy that you know your friend wouldn’t purchase on her own.) These are the items I keep in my “lazy girl’s cleaning kit.” Trust me—among all the scented candles, flowers, and hooded towels (for the baby), the new mom will be pleased as punch to receive something she can actually use.
Now that we’ve talked about the “before” and “after,” let’s address what your friend might need from you at this very moment. That, dear, is for you to discover. Maybe it’s a stop-and-chat. Or fresh flowers. Maybe your friend needs you to hold the baby, so she can take a shower. Maybe she wants to go for a walk. The possibilities might be endless, but if we are to continue with our metaphor, then you must know that what you have to offer is unique. There’s an “only-ness” factor that only you can satisfy.
The customer journey works in business because it’s practical. And it works in life for the very same reason. I bet you can think of other business principles that can easily be applied to the work we do at home. Work that’s just as important as anything you’ll do in an office.