Designing a marketing strategy isn’t always fun.

In fact, for some trainers, consultants, and coaches, taking the time up front to think through their marketing approach can feel like absolute drudgery.

That’s why so many people rush through the process. They skip the boring “strategy” part and jump right to the fun stuff—going out to networking events and conferences, starting random conversations with random people, posting their best advice on LinkedIn—hoping that something will work.

This urge to get started is totally understandable, especially if you’re just starting out or have hit a plateau in your business and aren’t attracting enough clients.

Not to mention how overwhelming it can be to figure out the “right” approach. There are so many contradictory marketing strategies, tactics, and best practices to sift through. One person says that cold calling is the best way to get prospects’ attention. Another claims that cold calling is dead, and that social media is the best way to break through. Yet another makes the case that face-to-face networking is the best way to build your client base.

It’s all just too much, right?

So, since we don’t like feeling overwhelmed with too many options, we ignore most of it and just go with what feels most familiar.

But here’s the thing…

If you haven’t first spent some time pondering your options and designing your marketing strategy, you’re probably going to miss some really great opportunities to build your business.

Maybe you’ll get lucky, and some of those random conversations turn into paying clients. But what if they don’t? What if, after all that time and money and effort you spend “doing stuff,” you’re still exactly where you started?

Marketing strategy might not always be fun. But it’s a lot more enjoyable than spending months (or years) smacking your head against the same wall.

Ask yourself…

• Am I rushing through the “thinking” and going straight to the “doing”?
• Am I considering marketing tactics that make sense today and in the foreseeable future, or am I just repeating what’s felt comfortable in the past?
• What’s my Plan B if my current marketing approach doesn’t produce the results I’m hoping for?

Listen to the full podcast episode: Focus on the Right Marketing Activities For Your Unique Training, Consulting, or Coaching Business.