Ever watch FIGHT CLUB with Edward Norton as a depressed narrator?
He has no real name mentioned in the movie, which is probably why he spends his days making fake names and joining support groups.
He’s addicted.
First, a group for testicular cancer survivors. Then for people afflicted with cancer, tuberculosis, brain tumors and on and on and on.
All the while he feels important, valued, and alive. But then he’s thrown for a loop when a woman enters the mix.
A woman goes to the testicular cancer group and all his other groups where she can’t possibly belong. He’s forced to realize he’s just as disturbed as her.
I can’t help but think about this since you’ve been told to do the same.
You’ve been told to Google your customer type with a term like “forum” or “support group”.
Then delve into those private virtual spaces and copy and paste what you see as research.
Maybe interact with them as their friend like the dude in FIGHT CLUB?
“Exspurts” call it target market research, but in any other context it’s just creepy.
Let’s call it what it really is “virtual espionage”. And it doesn’t work because:
a) You don’t know these people.
b) You can’t trust what they’re saying as real or something they’re saying to “fit-in” the group like in the movie.
c) You can’t guarantee that they’ll buy what you make because they may just enjoy commiserating and never solving their problem.
Most important, you look silly doing it.
But there is a way out where you can ensure solid findings without being creepy or pretending to be what you’re not.
None of it includes being a sneaky spy like our Cold War predecessors or faking that you lost a testicle.
In July’s issue, I share the exact place to go to hear people willingly share and answer questions you have about their wants and needs.
You’ll never have to make a username for a forum you don’t belong in ever again.
And you’ll have the ultimate cheat code for learning everything you want about a new market in only 20 minutes.
Do this one strategy right and you’ll earn new clients WHILE you’re researching them.
Be well,
Max!