Thinking of offering a new product or service?  Before you spend too much time creating the perfect solution, take some time to ask your clients and prospective clients what they are looking for, as well as what they are willing to pay for.

 Here's how:

Survey your list.  You can use a free survey tool at www.SurveyMonkey.com.  This tool will allow you to create a survey with as many or as few questions as you like.  It also allow the respondents to remain anonymous if they so choose.

My best surveys have been short and to the point.  I also add an incentive for anyone who fills out and returns my survey, such as a free informational CD or mp3 download, or a special ebook or report.  It's my way of thanking them for taking the time time help me focus on gaining valuable information that will serve them better as I create my programs.  Remember, the product or service you offer is not about you, it's about how you can be of service to your clients in a powerful way.

Here are 3 great questions to ask your list in a survey, but go ahead and ask whatever you want.  Have fun and be creative if you want.  I have found these 3 questions to elicit the best responses that really zero in on what my clients want and are willing to pay for:

1.     What keeps you up at night?

2.    What topics/information would you like to learn more about?

3.    If you could wave a magic wand and change 3 things about your life, what would they be?

The information you receive from these surveys is valuable content for what you can create in the future as you continue to serve the ever-changing needs of your clients in order to grow a business that is wildly successful and abundantly profitable.