All around us there are sales pitches telling us how we can reach our potential.  

It might be about weight, fashion, make-up, self-esteem, finding a job. You get the idea.

And it’s difficult to miss the thousands of websites that address marketing.  

I’ve viewed many of them, and the misinformation just saddens me.  You know the old saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”  Well, when people take the marketing advice they get for free on the Internet and then wonder why the suggestions didn’t work, I just have to shake my head.

Allow me to boast a bit, though.

It’s no secret I’m a Udemy.com instructor with four courses on their website.  Getting people to take my courses is like pulling teeth.  One colleague I know, however, signed up a few months ago for “Easy Market Planning” and “Summertime Marketing.”  I saw her in late September at an event for an organization to which we both belong.

Of course I followed up at the event (this was after several phone calls that I attempted with no success, since she was always with patients).  “What’s the chance you’ve had a chance to view the two courses?  If so, how did they work for you?”

She responded, “I’d like to tell you specifically about the “Summertime Marketing” session.  I did everything you said to do in the course.  Usually our Augusts are pretty slow.  Not only was our August much busier, it was probably one of the best months we’ve ever had!”

Yeah!  Of course I requested a testimonial, which she provided a few weeks later and is now on our website.

Oh, if only more people would take advantage of the high-quality marketing education that’s out there.  That might sound self-serving; but I’ve been in my own business for almost 39 years.   And I have no trouble admitting there’s plenty of experienced competition.

How do you know it’s high-quality?  Simple.  

Google the speakers or authors.  Acquire a sense of their experience, how long they’ve been doing “their thing.”  If you can find testimonials, all the better; although I’ll admit I’m a bit lax in following up with people who promise to provide them.  My New Year’s Resolution is to become more assertive in acquiring those precious tidbits.

So many owners of small and growing businesses operate in a vacuum.  Their employees aren’t marketing-oriented.  They don’t network much, and of course they don’t schmooze.  That leaves them to solve their issues and come up with their marketing strategies all by themselves.  What a shame.

There’s no shame, however, in admitting you’re less than an expert and in seeking marketing education.  Don’t let ego get in the way.  Stop anguishing about what people might say.  They could well be in the same boat and might quite possibly follow your example.  You know how there are walking or other exercise buddies?  Well, how about marketing buddies?  Compare what you’re learning and how the suggestions might work for each of you, considering your different circumstances.

It’s time to educate yourself; your employees, too!  

You’ve experienced self-growth in the personal aspects of your life.  Now do the same for your marketing growth.

You’ll be very glad you did.

Newsflash!!!

Our 2016 Calendar is at the printer!  It’s different this year.  

No more twelve months on twelve different pages.  Instead we’ve provided a four-pager, with schmoozing tips and invitational scripts.  Easy to use.  Only $7.99.  You can go through Pay Pal, email us at azoble@azobleassoc.com or visit our store.  No texting please.

Of course this is also the time of year to start thinking about your 2016 Marketing Plan.  Check out our “Do-able Marketing Plan” workbook and “10-Minute Marketing Plan” program.

Resolve to make life easier for yourself, especially as far as your marketing is concerned.

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