"Show Me the Money!" - Understanding the True Purpose of Your Code

It's crucial to understand not just the code you're writing or the feature you're adding, but what it actually does – not for you, but for the customer. The client pays for or hires your service or product to help them with a need. In other words, what real job does it accomplish?

Take McDonald's, for instance. They wanted to boost their milkshake sales. After a detailed study on how to make their milkshake more appealing, they launched it, only to find it made no significant difference in sales. They then consulted a marketing expert, featured in this video [link to YouTube video], who asked the right question: "What job is the milkshake being hired to do?" Understanding the true job of the milkshake was key to realizing what changes were actually needed.

Surprisingly, customers didn’t buy it for its taste or any innovative features. Its real competitors were bananas, Snickers bars, and cream cheese sandwiches.

Always ask,

"Show me the money!"
about what you're creating. It's a reminder to focus on the real value you're providing to your customers. And yes, it might make you feel a little less crazy for talking to yourself!