Do you remember what it was like when you had your first child?
Lots of joy, of course, but also lots worrying, lots of advice, and a whole lot of stuff.
Baby showers, baby books, birthing classes, feeding schedules, endless “helpful” tips on what to do or not do in every situation.
You had it down to a system.
Everything had to be perfect.
You couldn’t afford any mistakes.
This is a child, after all, and it’s all your responsibility.
Then you have another kid and realize you can’t do all the same things you did for the first.
You don’t need to anymore because you know what’s important and what isn’t.
By the time you get the third, you’re feeding the kid formula while nursing a gin and tonic, in the bath, with the older 2 bungie jumping off the swing set in the backyard.
Anything to keep them occupied.
(Can you tell I was number 3—of 4?)
Most marketers don’t want to tell you this, but you should really treat your marketing more like your third kid than your first.
If you have no idea what you’re doing, maybe you need a huge, complicated system just so you don’t accidentally electrocute the business.
But it’s bound to run you ragged.
Experienced business owners know you don’t need to add more, bigger systems.
That just means more headaches.
You need to find those few systems that work with your style, your clients, and your business, then make them perfect for you.
For marketing, some of those may be:
- a website with lead magnets to get new leads
- an email marketing system or newsletter to nurture leads
- a social media presence to reach more people
- an ad campaign or SEO program to target specific populations
- a automated marketing workflow to track and follow up with contacts
- local events, sponsorships, referral agreements, or other “offline” outreach to build in your community
Just don’t try to do them all.
They aren’t all going to be right for you no matter how big you are.
Pick 3-4 MAX to really focus on and make your own.
The ones that excite you the most or that resonate the most with your patients or that bring in the most leads for your money.
Do those really well and your business will grow up like a weed with less stress and anxiety.
The other kids will be just fine, I promise.
All those baby books are overrated anyway.