“And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.”
Matthew 4:24-25 (MSG)
“Customers buy for their reasons, not yours.”—Orvel Ray Wilson
Jesus was a Master Marketer. There were certain truths He understood and implemented that were effective in drawing everyone unto Him. Whatever you’re attempting to draw people to: your business, your non-profit, or most importantly yourself understand that marketing is key. Marketing is not a department or a course—for you oh businessperson it’s a way of life.
Some people believe that the route to marketing is company then customer—but the correct way is customer then company. The minds of people are forever tuned into the station of WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) and if you’re not speaking in the language of that station…expect to be tuned out. Harry Beckwith, founder of Beckwith Advertising, had this to say about ineffective marketing:
“Instead of talking about the prospect and what she needs, these marketers talk about their company. Instead of showing what they will do for a prospect, they strive to show how good their company is. Instead of speaking the prospects language, they speak their own. The prospect is thinking, ‘Me, me, me.’ Unfortunately the marketer is thinking that too. The two fail to connect.”
Jesus was very effective in His marketing. He understood a fundamental concept to marketing: if there are problems have solutions. He saw needs, and in the beginning, focused the bulk of His attention on those needs. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, food to the hungry, hope to the disenchanted, freedom to those bound by religion, and truth to those who sought it. He did what others couldn’t do and gained a level of influence that others wish they had. He knew that the greatest form of advertising was word of mouth (“come see a man…is not this the Christ” “Behold the Lamb of God” “Is not this the Son of David” “John had heard in prison the works of Christ”)
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Some of the most successful companies are those who understand servitude. They recognized a niche and focused their energy and resources filling that niche. What separates effective ministries is that they meet needs, while the ineffective just have church. What separates top producing salespeople from their lower producing counterparts is that top producers have learned how to meet more needs. The true essence of servitude is being able to meet needs. What needs do you serve? What needs do you see? Or have you forgotten that the greatest among you shall be your servant? Well, till next time. Remember: meet needs and you will meet customers.
