Music critics will argue that Guns and Roses debut album Appetite for Destruction was their best. A simple Google search lists numerous bands that peaked with their first album. The question I often ponder is why? Logic dictates bands would get better with practice and time. Fame leads to more creative opportunities. The result should be better albums. However, this often isn’t the case.
One theory is new bands pour their heart and soul into their first album. The music represents who they are and what they believe. The members have nothing to lose. Once their first album “makes it” they try to appeal to a wider audience. New songs are based on trying to reach more people instead of what they want to play. The result is watered down albums.
A coworker used this analogy when I solicited feedback on my second blog post. My first reaction was “how dare he” and “what does he know about hunting?” My second reaction was: I better find out what he means.
Derek wanted the story I told him in person. In the blog I made it clear the hunt did not go to plan, but I left out some of the details that really brought the story to life. Why?
I always want to portray hunting in a positive light. I never want an animal to suffer. Sometimes I make a bad shot and things don’t go to plan. Regardless of the situation I do everything in my power recover the animal.
My arrow hit the turkey a little low. When the other jakes saw that he was injured they started to attack him. Most hunters accept this aspect of hunting. Non-hunters might find it offensive. Who cares, right?
It is not that simple. Oregon banned using hounds to hunt bears during the 90’s. One of the main reasons was a news station aired a video of a bear being treed by hounds. The ban made it on the ballot and passed. Resulting in a blow for hunters.
A more recent example is Josh and Sarah Bowmar (you should follow them on Instagram). Josh was a college javelin thrower and is jacked. He spent hours and hours mastering the art of throwing a spear. He went to an area in Canada where it is 100% legal to use a spear to harvest a bear. Sarah filmed the hunt and they posted it online.
The video went viral and created an uproar amongst anti-hunters. Under Armor sponsored Sarah for fitness and when the company started to receive heat they dropped her. I support the Bowmar’s 100%. But who really came out ahead in that situation?
After careful thought I have decided to share my video. First, Sarah Bowmar has 1.2 million followers on Instagram compared to my 153. So I don’t think anyone will notice. Second I am not ashamed of being a hunter. I did everything possible to harvest that bird legally, ethically and quickly. The meat provided organic protein for my table. I am not holding back! Click Here to watch the hunt.
How Does This Apply to Business
Defining your target customer is important. Create products and marketing around why your product or service is important to them. If you try to appeal to a wide audience your product and messaging will become watered down. Don’t be a band that peaks with the first album.
One method to define your target market is to look at your existing business. Identify people that use your products or services and you enjoy working with. Once you have identified the top three answer the following questions about them:
1. What are their core beliefs?
2. What are they passionate about?
3. Why do they do business with you?
4. What are their goals?
5. What are their fears?
6. What problems do they face?
7. How can you solve their problems?
These should get you started and help with your products and messaging.
Until next time remember, You’re Going to Have to Earn It