The discrepancy of the ask

• Can you add this feature?
• Can you build me a landing page?
• Can you make the website load faster?

This is always how clients express their desires. I’ll use the word client even if it’s someone from your company.

But what they really want is not a feature, a landing page, or more speed.

They want an outcome.

More sales, happier customers, higher LTV, higher conversions.

This is a problem because if you give them **exactly **what they ask for, and it does not work…

Well, it’ll be your fault.

Never agree to a feature request until you’ve dug deep and uncovered the reason behind the ask.

Two reasons:

As the expert, you probably know better how to get them what they want.

And you will evaluate the feature through different eyes if you aim for an outcome.

Trap:

This is a difficult conversation to have. We humans love our ideas and don’t like being told there’s a better way.

Be naturally curious about why this feature is important. Curious about why it’s important now and how it might lead to success.

Then, help them succeed.

Best regards,

Taj

P.S. This has been a great way to write a lot about the things I’m passionate about. I will start repurposing some newsletter content into other formats (video and long-form). Let me know if you’d like a deep dive into a specific topic.

In any case, you’ll be the first to know when I have something concrete.

I’m looking forward to building on top of this!

Thanks for reading until the end. You are amazing and I appreciate you!