Surprise! Finding Marketing Tips in the Least Expected Places
Last week at this time, I was strolling through the Italian countryside. It was marvelous. Now that I’m back, I want to serve up 5 tips about how to be a better vacationer. But the truth of the matter is, this is not a travel blog, so the digital marketing lessons that follow will be applied for marketers, especially those striving to be a 10X Marketer.
1. Be Prepared for Setbacks
I’m not going to go there, but let’s just say my family and I had a little setback and stressful situation just getting to our destination. Well, that is not uncommon but don’t let that define your situation.
If you thought you were going to knock it out of the park with that killer email marketing subject line, but it just didn’t get the distance you were looking for then stop lamenting over it and go back to the drawing board and try new strategies for killer subject lines.
Do you know why many loyalty programs’ points expire with inactivity? Because no one is interested in what you did 5 years ago, 3 years ago, and the truth is no one cares why your subject line from last month did not perform well. Get over it and don’t let that define you.
Solider on!
2. Have a Digital Marketing Plan
Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame catcher who probably had the best knack of one-liners once quipped, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
If you’re not familiar with this baseball giant – though he was just a tad over 5’7” (1.71m) – Berra was a legend on the field and off. He was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player. Off the field he was known for his smile and his sage advice – he went on to win 3 more World Series championships as a coach.
Anyways, his line about ending up in the wrong place is perfect for business. True, you do not possess a crystal ball with what the future holds and there will be bumps in the road, but you need to have an understanding of where you’re going. And bonus points for those that take the time to make a crisis control marketing plan, too.
This might be the most important one of the 5 digital marketing lessons: You don’t show up at an airport without knowing your destination!
3. On Vacation or in Digital Marketing, Always Be Open to the Scenic Route
One of the places my family went to was Cinque Terre, the gorgeous five towns that are nestled into the Italian coastline. In my research, I had read about the train route, but one of the locals suggested heading out there via the coast. Well worth it; highly recommended.
The point here is that you don’t need to be an expert in everything you do. However, you need to be receptive to listen to the experts in everything you do.
Subtle difference, but it can yield enormous benefits!
4. Focusing in a Mobile World
Smartphones are great. They’re great for taking pictures – the one adorning this article is not a stock photo. And they are great for navigating the roads and quaint country villages but remember to disconnect. Turn off distracting notices like Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, etc.
I think this one goes without saying, but when you’re in the office and need to hustle, minimize all your distractions. I’m not telling you what to turn off and it is fluid.
For me, LinkedIn notices work during the workday, but it’s a no-no when I’m on vacation.
5. Work Hard and Play Harder
This goes without saying, make sure you unwind every now and again – family first.
That’s my motto.
