What do they (really) think of you?

‘What do they (really) think of me?’ We waste so much time trying to get into other people’s heads — assuming the worst and (more often than not) completely missing the mark. It’s as true on a personal level as it is in business. How much time have you spent speculating over why your customers do or don’t work with you? How many opportunities have you missed because you didn’t ask the right question?

Perception Studies cut to the chase — let’s just ask the question. 

Replacing assumptions with facts means that you can celebrate your strengths, reset misplaced narratives and strategise for the future. Asking your clients the questions gives invaluable insight for marketing and BD plans. Better yet, it shows your clients that you’re willing to listen, learn and adapt. 

But once we show willing, how do we ask? 

Is a third party better?

A neutral party is an ear to the ground — scoping out the candid views of employees and clients who might otherwise hold back. These views can be used to bring together an objective overview of your business, creating an unbiased assessment that can act as a springboard for change. 

Ask the right people

Let’s talk quality over quantity. It’s better to deep dive into the views of the people that matter than the uninvested views of hundreds. The roster should be made up of past, present and yet-to-be-bagged clients, as well as marketplace influencers. Add to this internal views and you start to understand the range of viewpoints that help to create a 360-degree view of your business.

Ask the right questions

What do you want to know, why do you want to know it, and how can you get to the bottom of it? To have a proper conversation take the time to develop open-ended questions that help you to understand peoples thoughts, experiences and behaviours — What’s the job you’d never consider them for? When have they narrowly missed out on your business and why? What channels do you use for market awareness and inspiration? 

Perception Studies are about stripping back the covers to see what’s already there. Hearing your client and employee views might be daunting, but it offers the insight that so many of us need to give us the confidence to tackle the year ahead.