Have you ever have some trouble explaining what marketing is? It is a straightforward concept, but not everyone gets it. At times, they would even think that marketing is a form of grocery shopping. It is a true story. I had some stranger who told me that. Could you imagine my reaction?

Before I move on and explain what marketing is, you may want to understand the context of a market. In this article, the market refers to a consumer or a group of customers. It's not a place.

Here is the definition of “marketing”, as quoted from Hubspot.

"Marketing is the process of getting people interested in your company's product or service. This happens through market research, analysis, and understanding your ideal customer's interest. Marketing pertains to all aspects of a business, including product development, distribution methods, sales and advertising.”

In other words, think of marketing as a form of courtship.

You are the company. Your love and affection are the product and service — your potential love interest is your market. You would want to find out everything about him or her, by asking her friends, checking out her social media accounts, talking to her to understand what's her type. You would then decide if you want to give her a rose or a daisy, bring her out for a romantic dinner or engage her in some exciting sport... blah blah blah...

If you successfully woo her, she is your market. And, if you scare her away, obviously, she is not your market. Or rather, you are not her market.

And, if you need to explain to a 5 years old.

“Darling, you are a good person. When you make friends, you would play with them and learn more about them. The fun and happy time is the service that you are providing to your friends. It's how you make them feel. When you are kind to people, they would remember you. They want to be your friends and hang out with you.”

And, that's marketing (and pretty much building a relationship). It is to attract the right people to be interested in your company (and you).

It's that simple.

x, Esther