BROTHER LOUIE

In the 70’s, a band called Stories was wrapping up recording sessions for a second album and, as an afterthought, included their cover of a Hot Chocolate song called “Brother Louie.” The song, a then-controversial tale of an interracial relationship, was played and produced in a style that was completely different from how the band usually performed.

The single was a big hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard chart, and that created a dilemma for the band. The public wanted more songs like “Brother Louie” from Stories, but the band didn’t want to pursue that musical direction.

So they rebelled against what the public (customers) wanted, never cracked the Top 40 again (sales plummeted), and ultimately disbanded (went out of business).

The way I see it, you have two options:

1) You can create something that you like and hope others like it, too. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.

2) You can listen to your customers, determine what they want, then provide it for them.

Which option do you believe will be most successful?