If the Mayan’s were right, 2012 is your last chance to follow through on those New Years resolutions. If the end of the world isn’t enough to make this your best year yet, then find what motivates you to finally accomplish your goals instead of recycling them year after year. Hold yourself accountable today – right now.
Too many people put off what is important and act as though the time needed to accomplish a goal will present its self in the future without having to prepare. We tell ourselves, “I will eat healthier tomorrow… Start exercising next week… Save more money next month… Finish my book next year.” But unless you have a plan in place, and clearly defined action steps, it is unlikely you will reach your goals. And in the mean time, you are missing out on the benefits you could be having today.
If this is the way you are treating your 2012 marketing plan then you are missing out on:
- Finding new prospects
- Building strong relationships with customers
- Increasing profits
- Staying ahead of your competitors
It is time to make a commitment and hold yourself and your team accountable. FOCUS on what is important, CONNECT with your target market, and GROW your business.
Focus
Know your target market and focus on the needs of your clients instead of chasing dead ends and spreading yourself too thin. Marketing strategies have become increasingly complex. There are so many ways to get distracted from what really matters and what works best for your company. It is important to keep up with marketing trends so you can maintain a competitive edge, but before implementing a new strategy or campaign make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If you have strayed from your company’s core marketing values then redirect your energy into what has consistently worked for your company.
Connect
The landscape of communication has changed drastically over the years and is continuing to change. Know where to find your target market and their preferred method of communication, and be aware that those preferences could change. According to University of Dayton, 59% of B2B decision makers have used smartphones to research products and services before considering purchases. If this isn’t your target market now, then that may change in 2012 with the increased popularity of mobile searches. Be ready to engage with your audience in new ways.
Grow
In order to grow you need to know what works and what doesn’t work. The only way to know is to measure the results of your marketing efforts. Do you already know where you are putting your 2012 marketing dollars? According to a report by Forrester Research, all industries are expected to spend nearly 26% of all advertising dollars on interactive marketing. If this is the direction your business is moving, then be sure to have an effective way to measure your results. Invest in what works for your company and 2012 will be a year of growth.
What are your 2012 marketing fitness goals? Need some help getting into shape? Contact us for a free 30 minute consultation!