Here in the UK, as autumn sets in, the trees start to let go of their leaves, and who knows where we are with the economy, I’m applying some key principles to my marketing.
First, I’m checking my marketing is right – right for my customers, me, and The Marketing Spaces as a business.
I’ve checked using that powerful mix of data, feedback (both sought and unsought) and intuition. Some of the checking has led to small changes. For example, once a fortnight you’ll get this ‘Insights from a Strategic Marketer’ email. It follows the (unasked for but vital) feedback, “We want to hear more from you, Kara – your thoughts and views and how you use marketing”.
Some of the checking has led to huge changes in what we offer (the marketing mix P of ‘Product’) at The Marketing Spaces. For example, we now have short, online courses people can buy, one intensive programme for Marketing Managers, and have opened up our live events with a Pay As You Go model.
Next, as you have so often heard me say, it’s time for me to focus. Focus is hard. Like you, I have so many ideas, things I want to try and do but limited resources of time and money. So, taking my own advice, I’m focussing my marketing energies. This focus is centred around our new courses and live events and ensuring we find and invite the right people to them.
Of course, this leads to more checking: checking we are offering the right things, in the right way, at the right time. As a marketer, checking is eternal – always there!
Focussing has been hard – I have more course ideas to work on, have been asked to speak on more podcasts, at more networking events, have loads more Insights to create and share with you but…
these are all in a plan now and designed to fit the marketing resource we have at The Marketing Spaces.
And finally, let go. Like the trees, it’s time for me to let go.
I am letting go of perfectionism. It’s a habit that’s hard to break but, as one of my wise friends said, “When you feel yourself getting worked up because things aren’t as you want them to be, ask yourself the question – whose problem is this really?”
This question is a game changer.
I apply it to work, marketing, my family life, my relationships. So often, the problem is me wanting things to be perfect when actually 80% will do.
This means my house is now messier (I’m the one with the problem with mess, not my children or husband!), and my marketing bolder. Because that is the issue with perfectionism – it stops progress since you are never, ever ready.
Sometimes, you just have to give things a go even when you aren’t ready – and let things happen.
Have a great week,
Kara
CEO and Founder, The Marketing Spaces
