Eavesdropping
I eavesdrop on other people’s conversations. You heard me right. I listen in on what strangers are saying.
Of course, I’m talking about in public places, where people are talking loudly or chattering away on cell phones – there’s zero stealth involved on my part.
But why do I do this? It’s a fabulous way to garner new ideas and gain insight into what people are thinking and doing. You’d be amazed at how much valuable insight you can collect while at coffee shops or waiting in line at the grocery store. It’s like your own personal, free, non-scientific focus group.
You’ll hear it all – what people are doing, what’s bothering them, what problems they’re facing, what they love or hate. This is a terrific way to stay abreast of current trends and cultural patterns, which is absolutely key when it comes to marketing.
So if you see me at the grocery store, beware! Your friendly conversation with your hubby might just lead to the concept for my next blog post or campaign idea.
As Jennifer says, “If you want a marketing concept that creates a frenzy . . . a real, authentic message, you can do it two ways: go to the source, listen to the people you want to influence, or call a fellow marketer. One is academically gratifying and the other works.”
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Marianne June 5th
Too cute, Hannah! The other way to do this is to go to dinner with a law enforcement officer, like my hubby. I often find, instead of gazing into my eyes, he’s looking just to the left or right of my head. The next thing you know, I have a debriefing, as well as a physical description, of every person and every conversation in the room. Can get annoying, but I admit, as a marketer, it often provides me with valuable “Insight.” Keep writing, you little treasure trove of observations!
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