Staying On Track
It seems to me that one of my biggest challenges is to remain consistent in my new business development activities. It appears to be the case with many of my clients, as well. Most of us have a good idea about what we should be doing; we just don’t have a good method for staying on track. So other than accepting that we’re doomed to the surges and droughts that result from lack of consistency, what can we do?
Much of the problem results from not having a process we stick with, nor an environment that helps us to stick with that process. Yeah, I know, you may not like too much structure. I’m with you in that department. However, without a process, you’re bounced from one activity to another without necessarily progressing closer to your goals.
There are many approaches to marketing but they all start with a well thought out plan. There are many forms your plan can take. I recommend a few to choose from: Appendix B of Business By Referral by Dr. Ivan Misner, “7 Sentence Marketing Plan”, article by Al Lautenslager or the OpPlan format used by the military (aka SMEAC or the 5 Paragraph Order.)
The second key element to making this work is having an implementation system. Solutions here include hiring a Business/Marketing Coach, joining a Master Mind Group, creating a peer coach relationship with a colleague, or hiring a Trunk Monkey, Marketing Coaching Edition Trunk Monkey. Having accountability to someone other than ourselves has a way of motivating us to get things done. And having to declare what we will do and then report on what we actually did makes a big difference. We tend to let ourselves off the hook but hate to come up short in the eyes of others.
I’m wondering what works for everyone to get and keep you on track. It’s a constant effort that is worth investing thought and effort into.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Hi Emile,
I am victim of the same fleshly weakness. I once wasted a whole year and a lot of cash convincing myself that I was busy with the right things.
Turns out the only right things to be busy with in business are those which make money. Most else should be delegated.
I am going at it again with a nifty pocket tracker that was designed by a prosperous person far more disciplined then I. If I can make it part of my daily routine, then it will show me my strenghts and weaknesses. Charting activities works to improve productivity.
Good stuff, Emile.
High Regards,
Tom