• They spend so much time and energy planning what they are going to do that they forget to figure out how they are going to do it.
• Marketing is a task they don’t know much about, so they are intimidated by it and avoid it altogether.
• They are afraid to fail . What if they spend money and they don’t see an immediate return? What if …what if…what if…?
• They are afraid to succeed. What if their marketing weapons work and bring in more business than they can handle? Are they prepared for that? 
• They are perfectionists. They won’t do something unless they know it’s perfect; therefore, most projects take a long time or are not even started.

Whatever the reason for procrastinating marketing efforts, I have a few ways to help motivate you and get you on the right track.

• Set realistic expectations. First and foremost, determine whether you can afford what you are planning and whether you can realistically find the time or resources to “fire” your weapons.
• Set priorities. Your marketing plan may include several marketing weapons. Establish a timeline for launching each weapon and manage their use efficiently and effectively. 
• Have external accountability. Once you set your priorities, ask someone, whether it is a coach or a friend, to hold you accountable for completing your tasks. Get feedback from them too on the quality and effectiveness of your marketing efforts.  
• Distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important. Implementing your marketing plan is important and urgent. Therefore, it deserves your undivided attention and even warrants turning off your email and letting your calls go to voicemail while you work on it.
• Reward yourself. Each time you complete a task in your marketing plan, reward yourself with something you like or like to do.   

I would be happy to speak with you about implementing your marketing weapons and developing a marketing campaign. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your marketing efforts.

Dear Tom: I have a new photography business. My framed portraits typically go for $800, but to bring in new customers I would like to offer a special promotional price of $300. Do you think I will get new customers from this?

Dear Reader: I am going to answer your question with a few questions. Who is your target market? What is their income level? Are discounts important to your target market? Will this promotion attract your target market or just one-time customers who want to take advantage of your deal? Answering these questions yourself will help you answer your own question.

If you have any marketing questions, please send them to me. In each issue of Under the Oak Tree, I will respond to reader questions. 

Do you wish you had a mentor but never had the time for face-to-face meetings? Do you wish you had a mentor but never found someone who you feel you could trust? Then eMentoring may be right for you!