Whose Problem Are You Solving? The Mindset Shift That Unlocks Real Sales

Lone’s Sales Tips

Selling is the lifeblood of any thriving business, but let’s face it, it’s not always easy. If you’re just starting a business in Chiang Mai out or scaling up, closing deals can feel like an uphill battle.

The good news is that with the right approach and a few smart techniques, you can turn selling into something far more natural and effective. These tips are designed to take the pressure off and help you get better results.

Whose Problem Are You Trying to Solve? Yours, or Your Customer’s?

In sales, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tunnel vision. You have targets to hit, deals to close, and pressure mounting from all directions. The temptation is to push harder, chasing every potential buyer as if your quarter depends on it.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: your customers are not concerned about your sales target.

They are not here to solve your problems. They are already juggling their own.

Whether it’s inefficiency, uncertainty, competitive threats, budget constraints, or ambitious growth targets, your customer is navigating a unique set of challenges. Your job is to understand those challenges thoroughly and help solve them. If your approach begins with what you need instead of what they need, you are already off track.

Selling from Scarcity Doesn’t Work

When you are desperate for a sale, it shows. The conversation becomes strained. You try to make your product fit where it doesn’t. You start solving for your own needs, such as revenue or survival, instead of solving for the customer.

This approach usually fails. Customers sense the pressure and your desperation. It makes them uncomfortable and so they walk away.

sales process in chiang mai

Flip the Focus

Instead, ask yourself: How can I solve three customer problems in a way that also solves mine?

Begin by acknowledging your own challenge. For example, perhaps you need three sales this month to stay in business. Rather than thinking “Who can I sell to?” try asking “Whose problem can I solve right now with what I offer?”

Take it further. Consider:

  • Bundling your solution to address several customer pain points
  • Creating flexible offers that reduce friction for the buyer but still serve’s your financial needs
  • Tailoring the value, you provide in a way that benefits both parties

When you truly align what you offer with what the customer genuinely needs, the sale often follows naturally.

The Real Shift Is in Mindset

The best salespeople do not force a sale. They solve problems.

They listen actively. They ask thoughtful questions. They stop pushing a pitch and begin pulling insight from the customer. They build trust because they focus more on solving the customer’s problems than meeting their own quotas.

And here is the surprising part: when you consistently solve the customer’s problems first, your own often resolve as a result.

You build loyalty, earn referrals, create repeat business, and gain long-term momentum.

So the next time you feel pressure to close a deal or meet a target, take a step back and ask yourself:

Whose problem am I really trying to solve?

Because if the answer is only yours, it might be time to rethink your strategy.

lone's sales tips for local SME
Lone Andersen
Lone Andersen

Business Advisor | Champion of Strategic Growth & Sustainable Innovation

Lone Andersen is a dynamic business leader, serial investor, and startup founder with a global track record of driving growth and sustainability. From advising governments on waste management in Singapore, Rwanda, and Bangladesh to scaling B2B and B2C ventures across Asia, Europe, and Australia, Lone’s expertise spans industries and borders. Known for her sharp strategic insight, she empowers founders, investors, and startups to establish and expand in Thailand and ASEAN. With a passion for sustainable business practices, Lone is the trusted partner for those aiming to scale smart, grow sustainably, and lead with impact.

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