Marketing is your business .... EVERYDAY, even on a Sunday, hence this note! I am in constant debate with people that think marketing is merely a support function, NO it's the heartbeat of the business, a strategic element. In fact the famous 4 P’s in the marketing mix prove that. Let me first remind you of what the 4 P’s are (sometimes we forget) It is your product, place, price and how you promote your business or personal brand. Now personally, I don’t believe in the 4 P’s , there are a lot more P’s out there that add value to your mix. For instance, people (your customers, team), packaging, permission, persuasion and what the famous business guru, Seth Gordin has a identified as a critical element of any organisation - THE PURPLE COW (How different you are - google to learn more about this - it will change the way you think in business).
Some may argue that Finance is the core function of any business, and usually you find that they are the department to quickly cut marketing spend. I don’t blame them after all they have to protect the bottom line. But, if marketing is all about those P’s then you need to change the way you think. Finance is important, but sales are what will drive your profitability and having a marketing mindset is the holistic & imaginative approach to creating business success.
Always re-imagine every aspect of the mix, because my friends, change is the only constant!
So as you relax this Sunday, re-imagine what you will do differently this week. Will you invite that special client out to lunch to show your appreciation (people), will you run a short promotional campaign to get rid of slow moving stock, will you contact a public relations expert to help you devise a publicity plan or will you simply sit back, and let another week pass you by without imagination and change?