ENTREPRENEURSHIPMonths to result

The Strength of Many Little Customers

Focus on serving many little customers

Problem it solves

business growth stalls

Best for

Entrepreneurs who want to build a loyal customer base

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to focus on serving many little customers

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of focusing on serving many little customers, rather than trying to land a few big clients. It encourages entrepreneurs to build a loyal customer base by serving many little customers and creating value for them.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Focus on serving many little customers
  2. Build a loyal customer base by creating value for many little customers
  3. Don't try to land a few big clients, instead focus on serving many little customers

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify Your Target Market
    Identify your target market and focus on serving many little customers.
    Pro tipTalk to potential customers and understand their needs
    WarningDon't try to serve everyone, focus on your target market
  2. Create Value for Many Little Customers
    Create value for many little customers by solving their problems and meeting their needs.
    Pro tipFocus on creating value, rather than just trying to make a sale
    WarningDon't try to land a few big clients, instead focus on serving many little customers
  3. Build a Loyal Customer Base
    Build a loyal customer base by serving many little customers and creating value for them.
    Pro tipFocus on building relationships with your customers
    WarningDon't try to just make a sale, focus on building a loyal customer base

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author's experience with CD Baby, where he focused on serving many little customers and built a loyal customer base.

OutcomeCD Baby became a successful business and helped many musicians sell their music directly to customers.
Dollar Shave Club

Dollar Shave Club's experience, where they focused on serving many little customers and built a loyal customer base.

OutcomeDollar Shave Club became a highly successful business and was acquired by Unilever.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Trying to Land a Few Big Clients
Trying to land a few big clients can lead to neglecting many little customers and missing out on opportunities.
Not Creating Value for Many Little Customers
Not creating value for many little customers can lead to not building a loyal customer base.
Not Focusing on Serving Many Little Customers
Not focusing on serving many little customers can lead to not building a loyal customer base and missing out on opportunities.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson through his experience with CD Baby, where he focused on serving many little customers and built a loyal customer base.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Derek Sivers · 2011
Open source →