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Taming the ‘Bleeding Neck’: Mapping Urgency to Value in Marketing 

 August 8, 2023

By  Joe Habscheid

Summary: Success in business is not just about what your company can do; it’s about aligning what you do with the immediate needs of your prospects. This article dwells on the importance of addressing the immediate problem your prospects encounter, reframed as the 'bleeding neck' problem in marketing. Navigating the urgency of this issue while creating an environment of perceived value, we delve into creating effective marketing strategies by incorporating human psychology's nuances.


Life presents us with many lessons. One that stands out, especially for business people, is the need to address urgent needs before anything else. It's like a scene straight out of life where a person in distress evokes immediate response, addressing the urgent need for help—a 'bleeding neck', so to speak. In marketing terms, this scenario underscores the importance of identifying and addressing your prospect’s most significant and pressing problem.

The 'Bleeding Neck' Problem

Just as a good Samaritan addresses the immediate needs of a person in distress, so should your business recognize and address the significant problems your prospects encounter. These are the 'bleeding neck' problems that, if left unresolved, could critically impact their work and life. Understanding these problems and offering a solution can be the key to unlocking potential growth and success for your business.

Creating Urgency and Perceived Value

However, identifying the problem is only half the battle. Once you've found the pressing issue, the challenge is to create an environment of urgency and perceived value, building a narrative around how you can help alleviate the problem. Remember, it's not about you; it's about your prospects and their needs.

The Role of Human Psychology in Marketing

Understanding human psychology is critical in developing an effective marketing strategy. People are often more motivated by the desire to avoid pain than by the desire to gain pleasure. By focusing on the immediate pain points of your potential clients and providing solutions to alleviate them, your business can present itself as an incredibly attractive proposition.

The Principle of Pleasure

While moving away from pain is a potent motivator, let's not forget the power of pleasure — a cardinal sin in marketing. Along with addressing their immediate concerns, prospects also look for solutions that can bring joy, satisfaction, and success. A dual approach addressing pain and offering pleasure can make your business proposition irresistible.


In conclusion, addressing your prospects' pressing issues while ensuring a direct line to their needs and wants can build a successful marketing framework. By focusing on understanding and empathy, you establish your business as a value-critical entity — offering a helping hand amidst distress and a route to pleasure and satisfaction.

#MarketingStrategy #ConsumerPsychology #AddressingNeeds #PainAndPleasurePrinciple #BleedingNeckProblem

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Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Annie Spratt (QckxruozjRg)

Joe Habscheid


Joe Habscheid is the founder of midmichiganai.com. A trilingual speaker fluent in Luxemburgese, German, and English, he grew up in Germany near Luxembourg. After obtaining a Master's in Physics in Germany, he moved to the U.S. and built a successful electronics manufacturing office. With an MBA and over 20 years of expertise transforming several small businesses into multi-seven-figure successes, Joe believes in using time wisely. His approach to consulting helps clients increase revenue and execute growth strategies. Joe's writings offer valuable insights into AI, marketing, politics, and general interests.

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