Professionals and entrepreneurs which engage in positive thinking as their main marketing effort rarely experience the changes or success they desire because, in essence, "positive thinking" is a passive activity. One can sit on the couch all afternoon and think great inspired thoughts but without action, nothing will come of it. Hope then becomes a waiting game because just hoping for your life to change or for your business to suddenly do an about-face can lead to disappoint and failure.
There are plenty of websites, books and media focusing on numerous disciplines regarding the laws of attraction, the belief in abundance and mentally "willing" change into your life. That if you truly believe with all your heart that change will happen and you actually visualize that change, then life is going to give you everything you want. There are large gaps missing with this type of approach. In my business networking experiences, I have noticed this attitude or focus has become more prevalent than ever before. Why? Perhaps the dire economy has led folks to alternative ways of wishing for change but in reality, without focused effort in specific marketing activities, no significant changes will happen to your bottom line. You will be wishing with the same anticipation as when you buy a lottery ticket.
There are 3 key action items to get you moving in the right direction.
1) Set some clear 3, 6 and 12 month goals for yourself and your business and write them down. Do you want 5 new clients in the next quarter; to increase sales by $10,000 or 10% within the next 6 months? Make specific targets that are obtainable but require effort. I have found short term goals more motivating than lofty 5 year plans which make it harder to stay focused on.
2) Once your goals are solid, then next step is to narrow down and clearly identify your target market. Who are they? What is a typical profile of an "ideal" client for your business? You can do some of this research by going back into your database and identifying common characteristics of your best clients which purchase or do business with you most frequently or at the highest dollar amount. Create that profile for the 20% which give you the most return for your efforts.
3) Finally, you need an action plan to get those clients and your marketing approach will be that specific plan. This is the area you must think about carefully and possibly with input from your trusted peers. Consider your budget, what you can afford and also consider your availability of time; time and money are an entrepreneurs' most limited assets. Will print advertising reach your target effectively? Can your internet strategy hit your "ideal" client audience? Can you network with other professionals who will support your goals as you support theirs? Once you structure a mix of what you can afford and have the time to invest, follow it enthusiastically and reevaluate every 3 months. You want to monitor your progress and take note of every breakthrough you make so you know you are headed in the right direction.
I completely support and advocate a positive mental frame of mind as a key ingredient to achieving your goals but it is a part of the equation. That belief in oneself must be coupled with directed effort. Meaning, you are working on the specific action items in your business strategy which you have identified as important to your success. Dedicated effort with a great mental outlook will increase your chances of obtaining what you set out to do tremendously. But only hoping for that success could keep you from really doing the things that can make it happen. Make your plan, set your strategy and execute with constant feedback as your guide to achieving your goals.
There are plenty of websites, books and media focusing on numerous disciplines regarding the laws of attraction, the belief in abundance and mentally "willing" change into your life. That if you truly believe with all your heart that change will happen and you actually visualize that change, then life is going to give you everything you want. There are large gaps missing with this type of approach. In my business networking experiences, I have noticed this attitude or focus has become more prevalent than ever before. Why? Perhaps the dire economy has led folks to alternative ways of wishing for change but in reality, without focused effort in specific marketing activities, no significant changes will happen to your bottom line. You will be wishing with the same anticipation as when you buy a lottery ticket.
There are 3 key action items to get you moving in the right direction.
1) Set some clear 3, 6 and 12 month goals for yourself and your business and write them down. Do you want 5 new clients in the next quarter; to increase sales by $10,000 or 10% within the next 6 months? Make specific targets that are obtainable but require effort. I have found short term goals more motivating than lofty 5 year plans which make it harder to stay focused on.
2) Once your goals are solid, then next step is to narrow down and clearly identify your target market. Who are they? What is a typical profile of an "ideal" client for your business? You can do some of this research by going back into your database and identifying common characteristics of your best clients which purchase or do business with you most frequently or at the highest dollar amount. Create that profile for the 20% which give you the most return for your efforts.
3) Finally, you need an action plan to get those clients and your marketing approach will be that specific plan. This is the area you must think about carefully and possibly with input from your trusted peers. Consider your budget, what you can afford and also consider your availability of time; time and money are an entrepreneurs' most limited assets. Will print advertising reach your target effectively? Can your internet strategy hit your "ideal" client audience? Can you network with other professionals who will support your goals as you support theirs? Once you structure a mix of what you can afford and have the time to invest, follow it enthusiastically and reevaluate every 3 months. You want to monitor your progress and take note of every breakthrough you make so you know you are headed in the right direction.
I completely support and advocate a positive mental frame of mind as a key ingredient to achieving your goals but it is a part of the equation. That belief in oneself must be coupled with directed effort. Meaning, you are working on the specific action items in your business strategy which you have identified as important to your success. Dedicated effort with a great mental outlook will increase your chances of obtaining what you set out to do tremendously. But only hoping for that success could keep you from really doing the things that can make it happen. Make your plan, set your strategy and execute with constant feedback as your guide to achieving your goals.
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