Caution: If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.

If you can’t see your customers, can they see you?

You can also replace customers with:

• Readers
• Fans
• Listeners
• Investors
• Clients

You get the idea. Maybe you’re a rockstar and you just produce and create and let it loose on the world and they just eat it up. You don’t know who they are (or even care) and you create and they consume.

But probably not.

Chances are more that not only can you see your customers, they might not even be behind you. They might be right next to you and not only can they see your mirrors, they can see you–right through the open window.

Disclaimer: I have a habit of turning signs into articles. I like to see if i can pull out the philosophy of what I think is behind the message … if there is one.

They’re closer than you think. Even if you’d like to be up in the cab and they’re trailing behind you, tailgating even and they can’t see you and you can’t see them, it won’t last. They won’t hang out for long if they can’t see you. If they’re just breathing your exhaust and can’t even catch up, they’ll eventually follow someone else, someone who will drive right next to them, maybe yell out the window or even wave. Maybe they’ll pull over and give you a ride.

When you become the driver, the one up in front of the big rig, slow down and see who’s trailing behind you. You can see them behind you as they swerve around, looking for a way to get closer. Slow down, see who your customers (or listeners or clients) are.