The Hummingbird Effect

Are you or have you been around someone who enjoys feeding hummingbirds?

There's a process and it just may give us incites about business.

First, you have to purchase a hummingbird feeder. All such feeders have one thing in common - all or part of them is red because hummingbirds are attracted to red.

Upon assembling the feeder it is time to fill it with a special elixir.

One has to make sugar water to an exact formula. Mix the sugar and water together and heat so the sugar and water become a blend. Make a batch and keep extra in the refrigerator - you'll have to change out the feed often.

Next, filled the feeder and put it outside. Then wait for the hummingbirds to show up. You have to do this in the summer. Hummingbirds are migratory and prefer warm weather.

It is necessary to keep the feeder clean. Once the food gets too hot or dirty, they won't feed on it. Bees also have a tendency too like the sweet liquid and some get inside the feeder. By the way, the birds won't feed if there are bees around. They prefer a safe environment. Any noise or distraction and they quickly zoom away.

I'm not sure I'd go through the effort myself,  but it's enjoyable to watch hummingbirds as they feed, their habits are very intriguing.

Now what does this have to do with business?

Just as the bird enthusiast's goal is to attract hummingbirds; one business goal is to attract customers.

The bird enthusiast wants to attract hummingbirds; a business needs to know who their customers are, who they want to attract.

The bird enthusiasts knows they need to have a red feeder; a business needs to know why their customers buy and what attracts them.

You attract the hummingbirds with a sweet mixture; people want great service - to be treated with empathy and compassion - people are attracted to "sweetness" also.

Like hummingbirds, if your service or product becomes "bitter" customers go elsewhere.

Customers also prefer a safe environment, no pressure and they want the truth - predators stay away.

What attracts customers to your business?

How do they like to be treated?

Why do they keep coming back?

What environment do they like?

How do you match up?

Get out there and test how your special "elixir" meets the desire of your market.