Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be A Guessing Game
Should you make more sales calls, go to more networking events, advertise in the local paper, or simply tweet your way to success? With so many options, the best question to ask yourself is: Which marketing activity will bring you the most revenue in the shortest amount of time?
I can’t tell you the number of clients I’ve worked with over the years who hate networking, sales, or whatever, but believe they’re necessary to be successful. Don’t get me wrong. You do have to take action in order to grow your business, but that action doesn’t have to be so painful. You don’t have to force yourself to do what you hate in order to grow. I know this seems crazy but it isn’t. It’s really a paradox.
How to Identify What To Focus On
It’s actually best to spend your time using marketing tools that you enjoy. Your marketing efforts will have a better chance of paying off because you’ll do them more frequently. When you do, your success will fall into place more easily, too.
Successful marketing can be a simple, 3-step process:
- Decide what marketing activities you enjoy most. For example, maybe you prefer meeting potential referral sources over coffee, attending networking events or speaking to groups. That’s how you should spend the majority of your marketing time.
- Evaluate which of the above will help move your business ahead. If you like public speaking, make sure you speak to a group of your ideal clients. If you prefer meetings over coffee, then have coffee with individuals who either know your work and/or people who know others that might be able to use your product or service.
- Put the steps you’ll need to set up these marketing activities into your calendar right away. You’ll be more likely to do them and less likely to procrastinate. Remember, if you don’t take action, not much is going to happen.
When you do what you love, you’ll feel more fulfilled. People like to do business with those that have a positive energy and you’re likely to exude that, too. Plus, you’ll enjoy your business more — always a bonus!
“We created a more effective sales and marketing plan which was better suited to my own personal style and needs. I didn’t even know such a thing was possible!”
Josephine M., Insurance Agent
I’ve watched the businesses of many-an-entrepreneur take off when they start focusing on the marketing activities that not only make sense for their business, but also those they enjoy.
