Marketing Monday: Be Strong and Be Smart

The Balance of Hard Work and Smart Strategies

While hard work is essential, it alone won’t yield the desired results. Let’s face it who wants to work tirelessly every day without seeing significant outcomes? Conversely, working smart can drive results, but it may not produce the specific outcomes you need, especially with many competitors employing similar strategies.

Rest assured, if business were easy, everyone would be doing it. The reality is that competition would be even more intense, making it harder for those of us willing to combine both hard work and smart strategies to grow our businesses.

This may sound harsh, but it’s a reality. Many startups and established businesses, when faced with challenges, either don’t want to step up to the plate or simply can’t. They bow out when the going gets tough. So, how can you generate more leads?

Key Questions to Consider
Before diving into the myriad of marketing tools at your disposal, I often ask two essential questions:

1. Do you know who your ideal customer is?
 - Consider the "who, what, where, when, and why."
2. Do you have a Marketing Activity Program (MAP), and do you implement it consistently?

While these questions require deeper exploration, ensuring you understand your ideal client and what motivates them to use your products or services is crucial. Establish a clear strategy to engage them, and maintain that engagement through a robust cross-media marketing approach. For instance, if they come from an online platform, think about how you can continue to engage them offline and vice versa.

The key is to make a start. Let’s be honest; failing to take action is something we all experience at times. However, taking that first step can set your business apart from the competition.

Marketing Tools to Consider
Here’s a list of online and offline marketing tools you can utilize:

Online Tools:

• Email Marketing
  
• Pay Per Click (PPC)
  
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
  
• Content Marketing (Videos, Blogs, etc.)
  
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  
• Webinars
  
• Podcasting
  
• Affiliate Marketing
  

Offline Tools:

• Direct Mail
  
• Point of Sale Materials
  
• Branded Uniforms
  
• Include postcards or other marketing materials with products or services.
  
• Product Packaging
  
• Signage on vehicles and storefronts
  
• SMS Marketing
  
• Joint Ventures with local businesses
  
• Workshops, seminars, and information nights
  
• Public Speaking
  

The list goes on. The important thing is to select two or three tools, make a start, and work smart rather than relying on just one marketing method.

If you need to generate new leads and sales quickly, consider a combination of the following strategies:

• Pay Per Click (PPC)
  
• Email Marketing
  
• Direct Mail
  
• Include postcards or marketing materials with every product you send out.
  
• Facebook (be cautious when using this medium for selling)
  

A Final Thought
I attended a training seminar last week where a powerful statement resonated with me:
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got!”

Remember, even when time is short, don’t miss out on opportunities to promote your business.
Wishing you all the best in creating and implementing effective and efficient marketing strategies.