Who Is Your Customer?

Proverbs 18:13

“ The one who gives an answer before he listens, this is foolishness and disgrace for him.”

Great entrepreneurs don't just ask, "What can I sell?"
They ask, "Who can I help, and what do they really need?"

Proverbs 18:13 reminds us that wisdom begins with listening. Before trying to solve someone's problem, take the time to understand it.

Your goal as an entrepreneur is not just to make a sale. It is to create something valuable that serves others.

Focus:

Understanding your target audience and creating a customer profile.

1. What Is a Target Audience?

Imagine you created an amazing product, but nobody wants to buy it. What went wrong?

You might have created something without thinking about who actually needs it!

A target audience is a specific group of people most likely to be interested in your product or service.

For example, if you sell colorful school supplies, your target audience might be students ages 8–16 who enjoy creative and fun designs.

If you offer lawn care services, your target audience might be busy homeowners who don't have time to maintain their yards.

Remember: Your product does not have to be for everyone. Successful entrepreneurs understand who they are trying to help.

2. Why Is Knowing Your Customer Important?

Understanding your customer helps you:

Create products people actually need.
Solve real problems.
Choose prices customers can afford.
Advertise in places your customers will see.
Communicate in ways that connect with customers.

Example: Imagine you want to start a healthy snack business.

If your customers are teenagers, you might focus on affordable, convenient snacks.

If your customers are busy parents, you might focus on healthy snacks that are easy to pack for their children.

Same business idea, different customer needs!

3. How Does Proverbs 18:13 Connect to Entrepreneurship?

Proverbs 18:13 teaches us the importance of listening before answering.

Entrepreneurs should not assume they know what customers want.

Instead, they should ask questions, listen carefully, and understand people's needs before creating solutions.

A wise entrepreneur listens first and creates second.

Think about these questions:

What problem is my customer facing?
What does my customer need?
What would make my customer's life easier?
How can I serve my customer instead of just trying to make money?

When we listen to others, we demonstrate wisdom, patience, and respect.

4. What Is a Customer Profile?

A customer profile is a description of your ideal customer. It helps you imagine the person who would benefit most from your business.

Smiling female student holding colorful notebooks by a bright window with backpack, portrait of a happy teenage girl studying and preparing for school

Example Customer: Creative Chloe

Fictional customer profile

Age: 14

Interests: Art, journaling, school supplies

Problem: Wants creative supplies that aren't too expensive

Budget: $10–$25

Where she shops: Online and local stores

What she values: Fun designs, quality, affordability

Business opportunity: Create affordable, customizable school supply bundles for creative students like Chloe.

In-Class Activity: Create Your Customer Profile

Today, you will become a business detective!

Using the business idea you have been developing in class, create a profile of your ideal customer.

My Ideal Customer

Class Activity

My business idea (What product or service are you offering?)

Customer's name (Fictional Name)

Age or age range (example 13-20)

Interests and hobbies (What do they enjoy doing?)

Problem or need (What problem do they need solved?)

Budget (How much could they spend?)

Where to reach them (Where would they find your business?)

Your solution (How will this business help them?)

In-Class Activity: Pitch Your Ideal Customer!

Goal: Practice public speaking and pitching your business idea with confidence.

Now that you've created your ideal customer profile, it's time to introduce your customer and business idea to the class!

Imagine you are an entrepreneur presenting your business to potential investors. Your job is to convince the audience that you understand your customer and have a solution to their problem.

Your 1–2 Minute Pitch

Stand in front of the class and share:

Introduce Your Business: What is your business name, and what do you sell or offer?
Meet Your Customer: Who is your ideal customer? Share their name, age, and interests.
Identify the Problem: What problem or need does your customer have?
Present Your Solution: How does your product or service solve that problem?
Explain Your Price: How much would your customer be willing to spend?
Make Your Pitch: Why should your customer choose your business?

Audience Challenge: Listen Before You Answer

While your classmates present, practice Proverbs 18:13 by listening carefully.

After each presentation, classmates may ask questions or offer helpful suggestions.

Remember: Good entrepreneurs listen to feedback because it helps them improve their businesses!

Presentation Tips

Speak clearly and confidently.
Make eye contact with your audience.
Don't just read your worksheet. Explain your ideas!
Show enthusiasm for your business.
Listen respectfully to questions and feedback.

Final Challenge: Can you convince the class that your business solves a real problem for your ideal customer?

Remember: Every time you speak in front of others, you are building the confidence and communication skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur!