It’s Hard to Sell a Steak to a Vegan: Know Your Audience
Have you ever tried selling a steak to a vegan? Doesn’t matter how juicy, marbled, or perfectly grilled that cut of meat is—if your customer doesn’t eat meat, it’s an instant “no sale.”
This phrase is more than just a clever metaphor. It’s a simple truth in business and marketing: if you’re offering something to someone who doesn’t want or need it, your pitch is already doomed.
The Problem Isn’t the Product—It’s the Fit
Steak isn’t a bad product. It’s a high-value offering to the right crowd. But to the wrong person, it’s irrelevant—maybe even offensive.
The same applies in any industry. If you’re pushing high-end real estate to someone looking to downsize into a tiny home, or offering high-tech gadgets to a digital minimalist, you’re wasting both your time and theirs.
It’s not about convincing someone they’re wrong. It’s about finding the people who already want what you’ve got—and serving them better than anyone else.
Know Who You’re Talking To
Before you start crafting that sales pitch, ask:
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Who is my ideal customer?
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What are their values, wants, and pain points?
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How do they talk? What do they care about?
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Am I offering them steak… or tofu?
You can’t build trust if you’re tone-deaf to your audience’s preferences.
Marketing Misalignment: The Silent Profit Killer
You could have the best product in your industry, but if you’re marketing it to the wrong people, you’ll feel stuck. You’ll wonder why your message isn’t landing, why you’re getting ghosted, and why your calendar is filled with leads who never convert.
It’s not always about working harder. Sometimes it’s about refining your aim.
Speak Their Language
Once you know your audience, speak directly to their values. If your ideal client is a health-conscious millennial living in the Twin Cities, don’t serve up greasy burger ads—focus on wellness, sustainability, and local flavor.
If you’re offering a service, show how it solves their specific problem. Use their lingo. Tap into their worldview. Don’t try to turn a vegan into a carnivore—just become the best plant-based option on the table.
Bottom Line: Right Offer, Right Person
Marketing isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about whispering the right words to the right people.
So next time your sales are slumping, ask yourself:
Am I trying to sell steak to a vegan?
If so, it’s time to realign your message, re-target your market, and serve up something your ideal customer actually craves.
