The single most important question you can ask your target audience

One of the key mistakes business owners make is failing to ask customers for feedback. The single most important question you can ask your target audience is, “What products or services do you need to build your business?” Too often companies create what they think the market will want. Seldom do they take the time to ask what is actually needed. 

You need to have an interesting story to pitch, and be able to tie it to your business and expertise. A strong hook instantly grabs interest. A weak one is instantly forgotten. To create a substantive business, people must know you exist. You may not be comfortable taking an eye-popping or controversial position, but driving free traffic to your business via publicity is a small price to pay for such temporary discomfort.

Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online by Steve Olsher