There’s a Bridge for Sale in Brooklyn

Needs and wants.  What’s the difference?

Not too long ago, Syd got into a discussion about needs and wants when her teacher asked the class whether their cell phones were needed or something they simply wanted.  To me it was no surprise to hear Syd tell me that her classmates were convinced their cell phones were absolutely needed in their lives.   There’s a great section (in my opinion) in Biz in a Boxx that explains to the kids the difference between needs and wants and so Syd argued that because one’s cell phone wasn’t needed to survive, it was merely a want and not a need.  Unfortunately, her classmates didn’t buy her argument.  (Syd also had a friend tell her that you don’t have to pay taxes on wages unless you own a credit card.)

There are only so many things we really need, like food, water, clothing/shelter, air in order to survive.  But there are many things we really want and when we really, really want them, we tend to believe we actually “need” them.  Just like a cell phone.

In sales and marketing it’s of no use to try to argue with your customer over the actual difference between what they need to survive and what they want to have.  What’s more important is understanding the fine line people cross when rationalizing wants into needs.

So what turns a want into a need?

1.  My problem is solved: We know products or services are supposed to solve problems and the bigger the problem, the more a solution is needed.  If public transportation is inadequate and you have to somehow get to work, a car, which is a “want” becomes a “need”.

2.  I’m happier: People buy things because they make them happy.  The happier one can become, the more they need to have it.

3.  My life is better: That new cell phone that can access the internet, send and receive documents and upload useful apps makes my life better because I’m not stuck at my computer all day.  And the more I adapt my life to this technology, the more I seem to need it.

If your customers just aren’t sure why they should buy your product, take a step back and ask yourself whether your messages are conveying your product as a want or a need.

If you have a kid or teen interested in starting and running their own business, Biz in a Boxx is something they definitely need to give them the knowledge to run a more successful business.

Success to you!

Melissa

Tagged as: business for kids, Entreprenuership Small Business Global Business Education, kid business, kids business, kids business ideas, young entrepreneur, young entrepreneurs, youth entrepreneurs