Who is Your Customer? Understanding Customer Personas

In this episode of 'N My Business,' Dr. Tiffany Allen Smith discusses the importance of understanding who your customers are to strengthen your business. Dr. Tiff introduces the concept of customer personas and shares step-by-step guidance on how to craft and utilize them. Through practical questions, she helps businesses create detailed profiles of their primary customer types, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of customers' journeys. Dr. Tiff also shares real-life examples and insights on how businesses can enhance their services and relationships with customers by using personas strategically. Additional advice includes auditing current business processes and mapping customer experiences to optimize engagement and retention.

00:00 Introduction: Who is Your Customer?

00:32 Welcome to 'In My Business'

01:31 Understanding Customer Personas

02:05 The Importance of Customer Personas

04:28 Creating Customer Personas: A Step-by-Step Guide

06:02 Questions to Define Your Customer Personas

12:15 Building a Customer Narrative: Ashley the Admin

15:01 Sponsorship Message

15:58 Understanding the Customer Journey

18:18 Making Personas Work for Your Business

24:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

25:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

Before diving into business plans or funding strategies, there's one critical question every entrepreneur must answer: Why do you want to start a business?

In this episode, I share my personal journey from military logistics leader to corporate executive to franchise owner, revealing how my "why" evolved through distinct versions from seeking independence, to building community, to creating a lasting legacy.

We'll explore the sobering reality that 32% of businesses fail within two years, but also the encouraging truth that 68% survive when they have a clear foundation. I'll walk you through the strategic planning questions most entrepreneurs skip, the unexpected roles you'll play (spoiler: you'll be everything from janitor to therapist), and the mindset shifts that separate those who make it from those who don't.

This isn't about discouraging your entrepreneurial dreams, it's about preparing you to be part of the 49% who make it past year five. Your why is your anchor when storms hit, and in this episode, we're building that foundation together.

Ready to find your why and build something that lasts? Let's dive in.