The chili soda

I asked for soda water at a restaurant in Sri Lanka. The waiter asked me a few follow-up questions, then suggested something.

I made a face. 🤨

He told me to give it a go based on what I’d said I liked. And you know what? I’m here to be a little spicy, live a little dangerously.

I ended up with some crazy chili-lime-ginger sparkling fizz concoction, and it lit up my soul. I’m still dreaming about it.

Walking through a garden in Colombo, a gardener asked where I was from. When I told him I was American, he connected every plant to something I’d know from the United States.

Across the five places I’ve visited in Sri Lanka so far, I’ve noticed a pattern. Before recommending something, people ask questions. What am I interested in? Why am I here? Where am I from? Then they use my answers.

Fallacy number two in marketing land: forgetting that you aren’t your target market.

Sometimes we’re so focused on what we want customers to know, whether it’s a product feature or a fact that might change their minds, that we forget to ask whether it’s what they want to know. Or what they need to hear at that moment.

Meet the customer where they are. Earn their trust. Then offer them the chili soda.

I came for the breathtaking nature. I’m staying to wander among new people, new places and new dishes. And give me my spicy peppers!! 🌶️