"Marketing" in Life

i just found the first ever Marketing concept that i could actually relate to life.

Customer Equity is defined as the combined discounted customer lifetime values of all of the company's current and potential customers. customers are viewed as assets that needs to be managed and maximized. they can be classified one of four relationship groups, according to their profitability and projected loyalty. each group requires a different relationship management strategy.

now, don't get me wrong. i'm not putting a price tag on people or anything like that. let's not look at it in a business perspective but through life's perspective. this is my understanding of the concept when applied to life.

Group 1: Strangers

these people do not bring much into your life and show little projected loyalty. there is little fit in what you can offer and their needs. the relationship management for this group is simple: 

Don't invest anything in them.

i guess these are the random people you meet every day. i personally think that strangers can turn into true friends if you're fortunate enough to get the chance to know them and like what you find out.

Group 2: Butterflies

these people make an impact in your life but not loyal, in other words they're seasonal.  there is a good fit between what you can offer and their needs. however, like real butterflies, you will be able enjoy the short while you have with them and then they're gone.

efforts to change butterflies to become loyal are rarely successful. we should instead enjoy every moment we spend with them. you give them everything you've got to make your presence felt for the rest of their lives as they did yours.

Group 3: True friends

these people will make give a strong impact in your life and are loyal. there is a strong fit between their needs and what you have to offer. you would want to make continuous improvements to delight them and nurture, retain and grow your friendship. if you're lucky, true friends will turn into true believers, who will never walk out of your life and spread the happiness to others.

Group 4: Barnacles

these people are highly loyal but do not bring much into your life. there is a limited fit between their needs and what you have to offer. a good example would be those who share ONLY bad times with you. when they're happy, you will often be forgotten or vice versa.

like barnacles on the hull of a ship, they create drag. these are probably the most problematic people. but i guess it is up to your tolerance level how long you wish to keep them around and when to make the cut.