How to interview customers

18 Jun 2024 · efficiency, customers, interviewing

Many organisations struggle to interview customers efficiently.

They fail to maximise the return on this valuable time they receive with customers. There's also a considerable amount of "confirmation bias". So here are a few thoughts on interviewing customers:

Don't ask what a customer wants from you.

A surprisingly high amount don't really know, and you'll get an answer akin to "everything" or "what I have but better".

Try to understand what they're trying to do and where they want to go.

Don't assume, ask about them. Then listen. Then repeat.

This is not easy, and it takes time. Consider it an investment in your customers. The goal is to identify the minimal gap and only build what they need.

Always remember that your resources are finite and that their resources are finite. You're trying to find the best ROI for yourself and them from any situation.