Tips & Tools: 10 Things I Have Learned About Marketing

TIPS & TOOLS
10 Things I Have Learned About Marketing
by Diane Cunningham

When you first begin building your business, you have to learn so many new things and it scares the dickens out of us. God gave each of us our businesses, and our business is not going to fit into any fixed mold. Follow God’s plan for your business, and He will show you the steps. Since I started NACWE. I have learned 10 things about marketing:

1. Marketing is FUN! How does that feel? Marketing changes things. You meet new people and do brave new things. Have fun in your business and do what God has called you to do and to be.

2. Marketing is about PLANTING SEEDS. Throw those seeds out there. Out of 1,000 seeds, 100 of them might grow. Sometimes you don’t even know what kind of seeds they are, whether carrots or tomatoes. Some of the seeds grow fast, and some grow much slower, so be ready for that.

3. Marketing is about using your CREATIVITY. We can let loose with our businesses. When I worked at the hospital, I often had so many ideas. I wanted to do seminars and other creative thngs, but it just didn’t fit in. It didn’t work. I had to constantly reel myself in and turn off my creative knob. When you have your own business, you can unleash your creativity. There are new ways to do things. What can you do today that is creative for your business?

4. Marketing is something you do ALL THE TIME! You can join the Chamber of Commerce. You can attend Toastmasters. You can go to coffee with a new friend. You can attend a virtual party. Marketing is a constant adventure where you are meeting new people, planting those seeds, letting others know about the great idea God has given you.

5. Marketing is a LEARNED BEHAVIOR. Certain people aren’t born knowing how to market. It’s just like driving a car. You go on automatic pilot. It does get easier and you begin to trust the process.

6. Marketing is SIMPLE if you let it be. We complicate things. At the event I attended recently with Sheri McConnell, she provided a document that was just 38 pages – but it was brilliant! Don’t let yourself get caught up in distractions. Simplify.

7. Marketing is about BEING YOURSELF. You may have seen my carrot video on YouTube. It’s about being yourself and letting go enough to be uniquely you. Be silly, be fun. Don’t pretend or try to be like someone that you’re not! Act like your true self. Let God’s light inside of you shine through to others.

8. Marketing is about TELLING A STORY. Since I founded NACWE, I have learned how to market. I tell my story through pictures. My Marketing Success Bootcamp ebook is a grown up picture book. For example, for NACWE member Desirae who wants to start an organizing business, tell how organizing things has changed your life. Make your story compelling to others.

9. Marketing is FICKLE, just like you. You may think, “My friend changed!” Yes, she changed. You change! The rules will change. Learn to do what I call “bounce.” Adapt. Be flexible. Learn. Allow for the changes, and go with them.

10. Marketing is FAST! Act fast now. I told Desirae that she was going to start her business on July 1 and she is. Don’t put things off. I call it “distracted.” It’s really making excuses. Yes, you may have a reasonable, valid excuse, but keep moving. Marketing moves fast. Get on board. Hold on and go for the ride! Go to the concert, hear the music, experience life!

God gave each of us our lives and our businesses. Don’t keep following the gurus, but follow Him. He will show you what to do, how to market and who to market to for His glory. Keep walking, because God has you and is holding your hand.