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Make It Your Best Year Ever:
5 Marketing Fitness Tips for 2009
 I got into a little problem in 2008. It was a potato chip thing. That, and I stopped exercising in October. I got lazy. So two bad things and now I need to drop some pounds.
45 minutes a day on the elliptical machine should take care of it. Oh, and dumping those addictive Lay's Sour Cream and Onion chips.
Marketing is a lot like the diet-and-exercise thing. We know what we're supposed to do. But we get lazy. The jobs are coming in regularly. Besides, we are working so hard to provide our product or service. Who has time to market?
2009 will be the year that separates the fit marketers from the out-of-shape. Already, friends, colleagues and clients who kept their muscles flexed in the good times are glad they did. Because they still have connections, strong relationships, customers who wouldn't think of going elsewhere for their tax return services, massages, copywriting, web design, bath products, or whatever.
5 Marketing Fitness Tips for 2009
Try these ideas on for size. They're not new, but they are proven to work-if you work them.
If it feels too overwhelming, start with just one or two. If you are doing well with some, consider trying one of the others:
1. Create and communicate a consistent message. It's tough out there with so many other businesses doing the same thing you do. It is vital to develop a unique core message. Identify what you do differently or better than anyone else and then put that message out everywhere.
2. Use the right message with the right customer. Your customers and clients are unique. Each one processes information and marketing messages in different ways. If you use a variety of media and strategies, you'll reach them all. More on this here.
3. Try at least one new strategy. For me, it's the business networking site LinkedIn.com. I'm registered but haven't taken advantage of all the incredible tools on the site. I'll keep you posted on how that's going on our Cat's Eye Marketing blog. You may already be a LinkedIn rock star, but haven't explored twitter (a micro-blogging site), a blog of your own, an e-newsletter, or a plan for attending networking events more regularly. Choose one and go for it.
4. Build a support network. This is a big one. Make it a priority to grow your referral garden. Find a supportive group of colleagues and ask for help when you need it. And be sure to give back.
5. Be authentic. Showing your authentic self helps you connect with your ideal clients, the ones you were supposed to be working with all along. Being transparent about who we are and what's important to us is the best way to build trust with our prospects and clients.
Take five minutes and write down one or two marketing strategies you are willing to try in 2009. Then get out your January calendar and pencil one or two activities in.
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