Know Thy Customer: From Garage Sales to Bumblebees

I liked Peter Smith's commentary on Minnesota Public Radio the other day on garage sales. "All that stuff, it's a window into these peoples' lives. Every table tells a story I don't want to hear or read." It reminded me of Grant McCracken's (@Grant27) insight into the "homey" aspects of American life from his book "Chief Culture Officer: How to Create a Living, Breathing Corporation".

Here's the full audio of Peter Smith's commentary.

Interestingly, Fast Company also picked up a choice quote on the need for a cultural perspective. In the June 2010 issue, Shiro Nakamura, Chief Creative Officer at Nissan, said, "More designers have to understand the values of society and the people they are creating the vehicles for." This creative direction may be why FC highlighted Nakamura's inspiration as coming from such ordinary, everyday objects like shoes, video games, and bumblebees. He subscribes to the belief: Know Thy Customer.

Comments

[Patrick McGowan]

Grant -- Thank you for your comment and insight. That's interesting about the "consumer is king" since 1912. The consumer is definitely a moving target -- all the more reason to stay alert. Thanks again. //PM

[Grant]

Patrick, thanks so much for the shout out. This is the big question, how do we get to know the customer? Parlin said the "consumer is king" in 1912 so the corporate world has been asking it for almost one hundred years. The trouble is the consumer keeps moving away from us. Apparently there's a gap we can't close! But trying is fun. Thanks again. Best, Grant

[Patrick McGowan]

Excellent question. Thank you for your comment. To start, visit garage sales, practice the art of observation, and ask the question "Why?" Smith observes and asks an important question in his commentary, "Why is there always a thigh-master?" Why indeed -- and I might conclude the ever-present dissatisfaction of most Americans with their physical appearance and want for a better life. Is the thigh-master a representation of this need to always pursue perfection? Maybe. Butit's a start. More on "how" can be found at Grant McCracken's blog cultureby.com and his book.