Small Business Marketing – A Parallel for Life
Posted by danajanelle on February 15, 2008
I recently attended a meeting of a local networking group. The group was established a few months ago, and this was my first visit.
The group was small – eight people including myself – and the topic was marketing. What a perfect meeting to attend! I was certain my 13+ years of media and marketing experience would come in handy! As the meeting progressed, for me it evolved into a study on human behavior.
Several members had opinions and theories about how to market. The ideas were great – many of which I was in support of. The energy was coursing through the room – it was great to experience first-hand feedback from business owners on what works and what doesn’t.
As the meeting progressed, I realized we weren’t just talking about marketing but life in general. Two things that struck me:
-
We all have opinions on what other people should do, but aren’t as clear on what we should do. Several business owners had marketing suggestions for others in the group, but mentioned that it is difficult for them to come up with marketing ideas for themselves. How does that translate into your life? Are you the first to provide direction to others, but aren’t clear about your own situation?
-
We don’t have a plan. I only heard one business owner bring up setting a plan and sticking to it (he is a financial advisor, so I would expect nothing less). The others didn’t. How do you know where you’re going with out a plan? Goals? Are you going through life without a plan/vision/goal?
The first thing I recommend to any client – marketing, coaching or other – is to have a plan. Yes, plans evolve as life’s circumstances come our way. But, without a plan, how do you know where you’re going – or if you’ve arrived?
And, kudos to my clients for working with a professional who can provide them with that outside perspective! It’s hard to see clearly when you’re inside the glass. Find somebody to help you – a coach, consultant or other professional – who will help you see things clearly. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
