So I guess you figured out by now, that no one really has the magic bullet. But there are a few things that you, the marketing professional, can do this year to help make your firm successful. And seriously, if there were such a formula that produced marketing results, then that would probably negate any need for our strategic services. Don't you think?
Besides going to the gym and trying not be such an agressive driver, here are 5 new year's resolutions we can all shoot for this year.
First and foremost, your firm needs a "brand position." Take a look at your position now. If you handed it to a competitor of yours could they say the same thing? Yes, it needs to be true but please make it different.
Second, marketing demands personal involvement. As Marketing Director or CMO of your firm, you need to be intimately involved in this process. After all, isn't that why they hired you?
Third, work with a communications firm to develop a marketing plan. All though many great ideas begin with a doodle on the front of a napkin... if you don't put it into a plan, then it's only as good as the drink it sits under.
Fourth, you do need and will need marketing materials. Website, brochures and advertising. Its time to tell your story... now that's when the fun really begins.
Finally, build your connections by networking. Although you may have a fancy website or sexy brochure, most of your best clients come from your indirect efforts. You know, word of mouth... such as client, vendor and even employee referals. I bet you'll never hear Apple say "we have too many brand ambassadors."