Maybe You Aren’t a Marketer

I spend a lot of my time reading. In fact I love weekends because I can sit down with a good book, and finish at least one if not two. To me reading is all about finding out more than you already know, and expand your knowledge on , well, just about everything.

So I read everything from non-fiction to business books; teen books to self-help. Again, if someone mentions a book, I usually take a look at it.

There are two types of small business owners: the one who loves what they do and plods along barely surviving because they don’t know business. And the one who knows the only way to build the business is by learning about business.

That’s also part of why I like being online. You can find out so much information about anything you’re having trouble with. I usually start out asking Google any question I may have, and and learning what I can from there.

But sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.

One person is saying to mail postcards. Another is saying to build a website. A third is saying to invest in a product that will teach you all you need to know about marketing. And still another is offering you advertising  in their publication. What are you really supposed to do?

Marketing isn’t about following the advice of others - it’s about doing what’s best for your company. And yes, sometimes the best way to get ahead is by working with others. If you don’t know all about it, why not hire someone who does? If you have a “feeling” about someone and the service they’re offering, it may be wise to follow that instinct. The easiest way to get ahead is to follow in someone else’s footsteps. Why reinvent the wheel?

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years, and what I attribute my success to. We found mentors that we wanted to be like, and followed them to learn all we could. We purchased their products, bought their marketing materials, and attended their seminars.

Somewhere along the way we adapted to what they offered, and used it to create our own niche. And of course we moved on to other mentors.

I could easily list all of my mentors in my life. Each had a very important step in who I am today. And I thank each of them.

I also know I’ll have many more over the coming years. That’s how I continue to grow.

I run my business today by helping other small business owners grow to a whole new level for them. Everyone is in a different place. I can’t teach someone just starting out how to run a million dollar enterprise. They need the skills to create a solid foundation. Likewise someone that is making six figures needs refinement to move to a whole different level.

Where are you with your business? I’d love to hear what your questions are and how I can help you.