Being committed, consistent and patient marketing your small business
Posted by Rebecca Blackwell on Sep 29, 2008
Marketing Guru Seth Godin wrote in his blog the other day about the importance of being “irrationally committed” to your business as an entrepreneur. I can’t think of better words to describe the level of persistence needed to get through the inevitable discouragement, overwhelm, bad decisions and sheer frustration that can come with starting, marketing and growing a successful business.
Entrepreneurs, being the big idea people that we are, are attracted (perhaps addicted) to the rush and the thrill and the risk of starting a small business. We have lots of great ideas, and often vast amounts of energy to throw behind turning those ideas into action. However, no matter how great the idea is, it’s the level of persistence (commitment, consistency and patience) that will determine whether or not we end up with a successful business.
In Seth Godin’s book, The Dip, he describes that inevitable point that every business owner comes to, where the business you began with great gusto and excitement becomes really, really hard.
I have often described starting a small business and marketing a small business as pushing a boulder up hill. You know that once you get to the top you will be just fine. It’s getting to the top without getting squashed that’s the problem. If you’re nodding your head in agreement right now because that’s exactly how you feel, Seth would say (and does say in his book) that it’s decision time. You must decide not whether you can push your boulder to the top of the mountain, but whether or not there is a top of the mountain.
The difficulty of the present moment is either:
1. A necessary step that will push you to learn, refine, and sharpen so that when you get to the top of the mountain you are highly competitive, competent and strong, and highly likely to have and maintain a successful business.
2. A never ending, exhausting journey in which you will eventually wear out and be crushed.
Which do you think describes your present moment?
If you’re unsure, you need to read Seth’s book. If your answer is #2, get out now. Guiltlessly. You need a new business plan. That is the wise and very, very smart choice. If your answer is #1, the most important asset you have is your level of irrational commitment (persistence) that will set you apart from everyone else and ensure your long term small business success. Right now, your ability to stay focused and motivated is all important.
Oh it is tough. But with tenacity, my inner worth grows as much as my outer worth.