Don't get caught in the middle.

As a marketing manager, I wanted to offer some free guidance on companies looking to advance in 2014. As the title states, don't get caught in the middle. So what exactly is the middle? The most important thing in offering a service or product to a customer is defining your terms. Be clear. Don't expect your customers to figure it out or they will make it what they want for you.

 As you know, the world is getting more and more connected everyday with the latest social media methods. There seem to be new social media sites appearing everyday and old ones revamping and returning stronger than ever (Myspace 2.0 and Google+ are expected to bust new doors down in 2014!) Businesses are able to close in on the distance between their products (or advertisements) and the consumer like never before. Companies will be able to utilize the services of say people like me that will capture trends on the virtual/online presence like before.

So, the middle. The middle is the danger zone that exists in every company. Let's take a look at TVs for example. Customers want small ones to take on the go (such as available via an app on an iPhone or Droid) or the ginormous ones that essentially make you feel like you are sitting in the stands of the football game you are watching. When is the last time you or anyone you know has looked for a 27" TV (except for maybe a kitchen space)?Small is great, large is great, middle is bad. This approach works on every product you can imagine. Even people looking for churches desire large ones that are doing ridiculous amounts of ministry they can be a part of or small ones where they can really know everyone there.

Don't get caught in the middle of 2014 wishing you had prioritized the small and the large.