5 Ways For MSPs To Create Marketing That Can ’ t Be Ignored
By Mike Michalowicz
Most people , when they think about tenacity , don ’ t think about marketing . But I do . Other folks may conjure images of triathlons or grueling ordeals that require both physical and mental toughness . And they ’ re not wrong : Running a triathlon does require toughness . But so does effective , powerful marketing . It ’ s not for the faint of heart .
So , I ’ ve written a new book called “ Get Different : Marketing That Can ’ t Be Ignored .” In the book , I make the case for why you need to have a marketing plan , and I share actionable strategies for growing your business by winning new clients .
But I ’ ve been thinking about the notion of mental toughness and its relationship to health , achievement , and success . Speaking from a physical standpoint , I know I have to get regular exercise or I feel like crap , both physically and mentally . Fitting that exercise in , especially when I ’ m on the road , requires discipline — making healthy choices not just occasionally but regularly . I exercise , and I feel good .
It occurs to me that there ’ s a real connection between mental tenacity and marketing as well . People don ’ t just get lucky and accidentally finish a triathlon . They train for it . Likewise , businesses don ’ t just get lucky and have a fully formed , effective marketing strategy appear out of thin air . Both the triathlon and the marketing plan require discipline and toughness , effort sustained over time . And , like the triathlon , a powerful marketing strategy is not only worth having ; it ’ s what will help your business to grow and thrive .
How exactly is marketing like running a triathlon ? I ’ m glad you asked .
You Must Set Ambitious Goals .
James Lawrence didn ’ t just wake up one day and start doing Ironman events . He trained , planned , and persisted over time . Most people won ’ t complete a single Ironman event , and Lawrence set his bar ridiculously high . Why ? Because you don ’ t accidentally achieve great things . You must work for them over time .
When you ’ re working on your marketing plan , don ’ t sell yourself short . Set goals that are measurable and achievable , but set your own bar high . Track your progress and reward members of your team who exceed expectations . If you aim low in your marketing goals , sure , you may achieve them , but you ’ ll never know how much more you could have achieved . Set lofty goals and get ready to work hard .
24 | MSPSuccessMagazine . com • VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6