The Impossibility of Pleasing Everyone

Understanding Your Niche

It might be possible to sell air conditioners to Eskimos, but it's certainly easier to sell them in Florida. The key to success lies in identifying your niche, committing to it, and staying the course. For instance, General Motors, a well-known automobile manufacturer, only sells their products to 2% of the American population. Yet, they are undeniably profitable. They have identified their target market and they stick with it.

Marketing to the Right Audience

Consider the case of the famous rapper, Eminem. Do you think he promotes his albums in senior centers? Of course not. He knows his audience and markets his music accordingly.

A Zen Tale of Staying the Course

There's a Zen story that illustrates this point perfectly. An old man and his grandson are walking down a road with a mule carrying their possessions. As time passes, the young boy struggles to keep up, so the old man places him on the mule.

A stranger mocks them, suggesting that if the boy had any respect, he would let the old man ride. They switch places, only to encounter another stranger who criticizes them for overburdening the mule.

In response, the old man takes a long pole and instructs the young boy to help him carry the mule. As they attempt to cross a bridge, the mule becomes agitated and everyone falls into the water.

The moral of the story? Once you've set your course, it's important to stay focused and ignore the noise. You can't please everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the path to success involves understanding your identity, knowing your target market, and staying the course. Remember, you can't please everyone. Here's to your success!