Know Your Market

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or if it’s necessarily the case where you live, but where I live, Dollar General stores have popped up everywhere.

Anytime I ride by one or reluctantly walk in one :), I can’t help but notice how they all seem to have a booming business.

The reason?

In my opinion and from what I’ve noticed, they know their niche.
They know their market.

They realize that they’re never going to compete with the Wal-Mart down the street or the Target a town over, but they know they can compete with the gas station right beside them. For what they sell, they’re going to be a bargain compared to what is offered at places around where the company places them.

Ultimately, they know their market.

I don’t think this principle can be overlooked in any part of life or leadership.

  • If your leading a church, know your market (culture).
  • If you’re buying a new house, know the market.
  • If you’re competing for a job, know the market.
  • If you’re hiring for a new position, know the market and pick the person that best fits.
  • If you’re shopping for anything, know the market.

The truth is, we can try to be someone or something else, but it may not be very effective where we are… with what’s around us.

So we have a choice…
Be them, or be effective.

Know your market.


Comments

12 responses to “Know Your Market”

  1. Have you reach Church in the Making by Ben Arment? Cause he talks about this principle in depth.

    1. No I haven’t. Need to check that out. Thanks man!

  2. Very true, Jonathan. This made me thing about our founding pastor that just retired and our current pastor, who was previously second in command. Our current pastor has changed things that more readily reflect the people coming to church now. He’s changed things up to be more modern and less “back in the hippy days of the charismatic movement”. It’s good. It’s better than good. :)

    1. Haha. That has to happen. Good stuff. Thx Sandy.

  3. It goes back to how Paul said he became all things to all people in order to save some. That doesn’t mean we change who we are, but that we know the culture and attitudes around us and get involved.

    I do this a lot when I take mission trips. I’m not the typical American – wanting our American comforts, craving the nearest McDonald’s and constantly talking about America. I try to fit in as best I can in the culture I’m in – eating like they do, getting to know their history and customs, even trying to learn their language.

    It’s in that way, I’m hoping to see some saved.

  4. april Avatar
    april

    Jim and I have always believed it is important to know your surroundings what it needs, has to offer and learn how you can meet that particular market where they are and lead from there. Good post. Have a good week! Blessings

    1. Exactly. Thanks so much April!

  5. Tiasha Avatar
    Tiasha

    This is very true, and I find it interesting because I’ve always wondered why the Dollar General is always full and why stores are springing up. I’m a college student, and on a college campus there are clubs and organizations. You also have to know the market to those on campus before joining them. There are plenty of people who have joined organizations not knowing the market and now they resent joining. I’m only adding to your message. :-)

  6. Great thoughts Jonathan. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thanks for reading man!

  7. […] more on reaching your culture, see my post here.] If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or join the conversation […]

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