From Seth Godin’s new book, “This is Marketing”

“The lock and the key

It doesn’t make any sense to make a key and then run around look for a lock to open.

The only productive solution is to find a lock and then fashion a key.

It’s easier to make products and services for the customer you seek to serve than it is to find customers for your products and services.”

This applies to the self as well. The most useful skills to build are the ones that will solve one of our problems. The most satisfying purchases are the ones that remove a frustration from our life, not just another thing to show off.

A sale is easier to make when what you are offering is a solution to an existing problem. Teammates are more receptive to listen when you have an idea that will make their day run smoother.