| Two activities I really enjoy are marketing and | | | | you get punched in the face? |
| martial arts. They are from two, totally different | | | | Here are 3 easy ways to stay the course: |
| worlds, but they do share some commonalities. | | | | 1. Read your plan often |
| One of their commonalities is planning. | | | | When you have a marketing plan in place, it's |
| You see, in the marketing world we have to have | | | | important to read and review it often. You should |
| a plan. Without a plan, we'd run our businesses | | | | look at it at least once a week just to make sure |
| haphazardly and get nowhere. We'd survive for | | | | you're on track. |
| some period of time, but be dead (out of | | | | It's just like in martial arts. We review what we've |
| business) sooner rather than later. | | | | learned over and over again, so we keep our |
| The same is true in martial arts. Without a plan of | | | | moves top of mind. |
| attack, you're a sitting duck. If an enemy | | | | 2. Work with a coach |
| approached you, you would be like a deer in the | | | | Having a coach is essential to keeping your |
| headlights...stunned, then dead. | | | | marketing plan in place and running as smooth as |
| Planning, in both worlds, is critical if you want to | | | | possible. A coach will make you accountable and |
| stay alive. | | | | let you know when you're off course. |
| However...the act of planning isn't the most | | | | Martial arts is no different. A coach, instructor, or |
| important factor for either marketing or marital | | | | sensei, keeps you focused and moving forward in |
| arts. Even with a plan in place, things can (and will) | | | | your training. They guide you through exercises |
| go wrong. | | | | with a watchful eye...if you lose focus, they'll let |
| So, the question is: will you be prepared for when | | | | you know! |
| things do go wrong? | | | | 3. Take consistent action |
| I heard Tim Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Work | | | | Taking action in the marketing world is not only |
| Week and martial arts enthusiast, once say, | | | | essential to bring new customers, patients, or |
| "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the | | | | clients in the door; it's essential to keep your |
| face." | | | | game sharp. The marketers taking action know |
| He's absolutely right. In the martial arts, you have | | | | what's working and what's not. They have a 'feel' |
| a mental plan going into any conflict. However, | | | | for the market and how to exploit it. |
| once you get punched in the face (or hit | | | | Again, martial arts is no different. If you only |
| anywhere for that matter), your plan goes out | | | | practice the motions in the air, you'll be in for a |
| the window and your survival mode kicks in. | | | | rude awakening when someone attacks you. You |
| Forget your planning and preparation...it's time to | | | | have to get the 'feel' for real people with real |
| survive! | | | | intent on hurting you. The only way to do that is |
| Well, the same goes for your marketing plan. You | | | | by practicing real scenarios on a regular basis. |
| have everything nice and neat, ready to take | | | | Though the marketing world and martial arts |
| action. Then, the feathers hit the fan and you're in | | | | world is totally different, they do have their |
| survival mode. A lot of entrepreneurs are guilty of | | | | commonalities. Planning is one of them. But more |
| this right now...with our new economy. | | | | importantly, it is the common thread of knowing |
| So, how do you keep your plan (your training) | | | | what to do after you get punched in the face and |
| intact instead of going into survival mode when | | | | after your plan goes out the window. |