Have you ever found the perfect present for someone, bought it, only to realize later that they already had it?
If it happened to you in the past, you probably know the best way to avoid a similar situation in the future: Simply ask.
It may sound like an obvious piece of advice, but you’d be surprised to know how frequently people choose to make random assumptions rather than asking their friends or audience. Here are 5 everyday situations in your professional life where it makes sense to gather facts before making your decision.
#1. Launching a website
Are you ready to bring your business online? Web design projects are exciting because they bring your venture ideas to the public. However, it’s essential to create a website that your audience will instinctively know how to use. Sharing relevant information on every page and designing helpful navigation are game-changers. Yet, you need to test your design with real users to ensure your choices are correct.
UX metrics and AB experiments are some of the most frequently overlooked tools when businesses launch a new website. Never assume what users may expect from your site, and always use real visitors’ data to bring a meaningful and valuable digital solution.
#2. Building the dream team
Small businesses face an impossible challenge when they try to build a successful team. Skills tests and certifications are crucial to the company. But ensuring that people will work well together is just as important. Unfortunately, if your recruitment process skips through interpersonal skills and behaviors, you might find yourself with a team of people who are unable to cooperate productively. Psychometric tests and Firo-B assessments can be fantastic tools to ensure you select the right candidate for the company.
#3. Designing a new product/service
What does a successful product need?
- A great business idea
- The support of the market
- A profitable selling strategy
You may have a unique product idea and a great go-to-market strategy. But if you fail to run adequate market research, there is absolutely no way of knowing whether there is an audience for your idea. Will people buy if you market it smartly? The answer is no. Nobody will buy if you fail to capture the market’s needs.
#4. Solving a problem
IT engineers, programmers, and developers are experienced bug fixers and solvers. Contrary to their geek reputation, IT professionals are excellent communicators who are quick to share and ask about the obstacles and projects they encounter. This habit ensures they can reduce the risk of duplicating effort and work unnecessarily.
The same principle should also apply to other professions in the business environment. If a solution or a challenge is identified, make it a priority to spread the word to keep everyone in the loop. Asking if someone is familiar with a specific issue could save you a lot of hassle!
#5. Using a new work tool
From a new software solution to a cloud storage platform, there is nothing more damaging than discovering that a coworker might have compromised the system accidentally. When individuals have to work with a tech solution, it is the responsibility of the business to prepare training. Assuming people know how to use it or will be able to train themselves can have devastating consequences!
When should you ask, and when should you assume? As the saying goes, there is no stupid question. More often than not, businesses completely skip questions in an effort to save time and effort. However, investing time in getting to know your audience will deliver long-term value.
