You Need a Marketing Plan if You Can’t Answer “Yes” to These Questions: (It's Not Optional, Conclusion)

Test Yourself

You Need a Marketing Plan if You Can’t Answer “Yes” to These Questions:

Q. Do you have a detailed step-by-step plan for how you will succeed in the next 12 months?

Q. Have you defined what constitutes success by establishing measurable goals?

Q. Can you refer to a “game plan” when things get rough?

Q. Does your team know where they are headed and their specific responsibility to the organizations success?

Q. Do you have summary “talking points” that provide a rallying point that focus and motivate your team?

Q. Have you stepped back, gone on retreat, taken in the “big picture” and questioned your current level of performance?

If you can say “yes” then you have done your job.  If you cannot, consider seeking the help of a competent marketing consultant who can help you get the job done and allow you more time to focus on your day-to-day responsibilities. Doing so will help you meet the demands of leadership and get the added benefit of an outside look and a professional plan.  Do this and you will have Your Best Year Ever!

The Marketing Plan Allows for Top-Level Reflection: (It's Not Optional, Part 5)

The Marketing Plan Allows for Top-Level Reflection:

It is leadership’s job to paint the big picture so that everyone in the organization sees the destination.  It is essential that you question whether you are getting all you can out of your products and services, your sales staff, support staff and your markets. Writing the marketing plan is the best time to do this high-level thinking.  Go away to a retreat, go to the home of a principal, or plan at a local hotel so that you can devote yourself to thinking hard about the immediate future of your organization.  (To be continued.)

The Marketing Plan Gives Your Team Purpose and Something to Rally Behind: (It's Not Optional Part 4)

The Marketing Plan Gives Your Team Purpose and Something to Rally Behind:

Companies often undervalue the internal impact of a “marketing plan”. All employees from the most senior to the most junior want to feel they are a valued part of a team engaged in an exciting endeavor. If you want your employees to feel committed to your organization, it’s important to share with them your vision of where the organization is headed. 

A great marketing plan needs input and feedback of your full organization.  Finance, manufacturing, personnel and marketing need to be considered because it will take all aspects of your organization to make your marketing plan work. When it is completed, consider releasing a summary version so that every employee feels involves. (To be continued.)