By Tom Trush

"Failure only happens when you stop trying."
 
No doubt, you've seen a version of this quote before. I bring it up again because I'm often reminded of how well the advice applies to marketing.
 
So often, business owners and entrepreneurs seek out the magic pill to marketing nirvana. They crave the secret to a single action that results in an instant stream of leads. 
 
One action ... one marketing medium ... one shot at opportunity ...
 
Well, the truth is this approach rarely returns results, especially when you're desperate for revenue. 
 
You see, business owners and entrepreneurs who aren't consistent marketers frequently need leads fast because revenue dries up. So they put all their efforts into one approach. When it doesn't work, they give up and stop marketing altogether. 
 
This is like the baseball player who steps up to the plate, swings and misses at the first pitch, and then stubbornly stands with his bat stuck on his shoulder. Of course, a hit in this situation can't happen.
 
Just like in baseball, you must keep swinging when marketing, regardless of what happens on your first attempts. Marketing is a process you refine over time. And let's be honest ... 
 
No one gets it right the first time around. 
 
Effective marketing is an evolving process -- the amount of change depends on how much work you put forth. 
 
So are you willing to keep swinging? 
 
Here are several tips to help you the next time you step up to the plate:
 
> The most important piece of the promotional puzzle is attention-grabbing, compelling copy that delivers value. 
 
> You can't create effective marketing if you rely on interrupting as many people as possible with a message they never asked for.
 
> Listen to your prospects' most pressing problems, fears, frustrations, desires and dreams -- then use those words to craft your messages.
 
> Instead of just talking about your product or service, explain to prospects what it will do for them.
 
And one final thought ...
 
If you compare your marketing efforts against results achieved by others, you will always fail -- at least in your mind. You come up short every time you determine your success by others' accomplishments. 
 
Tom Trush is available on his website at https://www.writewaysolutions.com.
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© Trey Ryder
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