Planning your next steps

Okay, so now you have a set of goals and have begun to develop your strategy. An intro mailing was a start, but you’re hardly finished yet. Add into the mix some networking events, writing some how-tos and tip sheets, news releases along with some other marketing and public relations activities. The next thing you know, that 25% increase is getting pretty attainable.

The trick with planning your activities is finding the ones that fit with your personality. If you end up doing something you dislike, odds are, you won’t be doing it for very long. That’s the kiss of death for your marketing efforts. For instance, I’m a card carryin’ hermit, so networking events aren’t my cup of tea. The ironic part is that I get a kick out of speaking and I can usually land some qualified prospects at my dog and pony shows.

Some folks have a home office. I have an office home. My place looks something like Ground Control to Major Tom. I’ve got two computers on my desk and another one on the floor (that’s not counting to other two in the bedroom and the relics in the garage). Anyway, behind my monitors is a wall. There’s also a window, which is nice. I tend to look out the window and watch, who my neighbor’s young daughters has named, “Sparkles,” our resident squirrel, scurry through the tree. But, there’s also the wall. I print out my goals and action plans and stick ‘em up on that wall. I see them every day as a reminder. Find some handy place to post your goals and action plans. Maybe the refrigerator door, or the bathroom mirror. Find some place where they’ll haunt you.

The other thing I do is use my contact manager/calendar to alert me with what needs to be done. Once you start getting busy, it’s easy to put this stuff off. After a bit, you get out of the habit and, the next thing you know, Mr. Feast or Famine can quickly come a callin.’

And there you have it. Taking a little time now to make your plans and then work those plans in a consistent manner will help insure you meet your goals and grow your business.

Until the next
Marketing Minute
all the best,
nt