Earlier this year, I nonchalantly wrote this phrase on my Facebook wall:

“This bittersweet roller coaster ride called entrepreneurship. It’s really not for the faint of heart!!”

At the time I was going through my own little stress period. You know, the time you start to question every single decision you’ve made, wondering if it was the right move? The times where you stare are the ceiling looking for answers, questioning yourself over and over again? If you’re an entrepreneur you know those moments all too well.  Little did I know how much my post would resonate with other entrepreneurs who were experiencing similar ups and downs on their own journey. Those few words touched the hearts of my fellow business owners as they confirmed that they too were feeling the dizzying highs and frustrating lows of a life few choose to dare.

That night, over social media was a connection of minds are all growing and evolving as business people and as human beings and we are learning more and more about this extraordinary path that we have chosen.

We are forever changing and with those changes, we understand clearly that a certain mind shift must take place as it precedes every action and foresees every result we hope to have in our business. That shift in thinking and understanding is the very foundation on which our business is built, and as such I want to share with you seven myths about marketing and business you must let go of in order to see your company grow

 

MYTH 1:  If it worked for them, it must work for you

While there are many ideas, plans and professional advice that is available, the truth is that there is not blueprint that will guarantee you will hit the jackpot. Marketing is not a ‘one size fits all’ and it takes a combination of many different things to create the results you want.

  • Testing to see what works (and does not work) for your business. Honestly speaking, you will find out what will not work before you find out what does. Do not let it deter you, it’s all a part of the process
  • Figuring out what resonates with your target audience. Knowing what they are interested in and how you can be their one and only solution
  • Researching your competitors and the market to see what works and modifying to suit your needs

Do not be fooled by persons claiming to be marketing experts who fill you up with false promises and get rich quick schemes. There is no one way to glory in this business world just hard work and figuring out what works for you

 

MYTH 2: This course or tutorial will solve all your problems

There are lots of great programs out there by dedicated and highly qualified professionals but, it all means nothing if you do not implement what is learned. Too many of you get so caught up in the details and the planning and learning that you fail to get into action and miss your sale. It’s what I call it being ‘stuck in strategy’

Knowing what to do will not make you richer, putting what you know into action will, and by action I mean literally doing what is learned or outsourcing it to someone who can.  It might be more cost effective to invest in an expert so that you can spend your time doing what you are good at which is making money for your business

As my mentor says, action is the shortest distance to from where you are now to where you want to be and the only way you can truly elevate and transform you business is to constantly be in action.

 

MYTH 3: Lots of  likes and followers on Facebook and Social Media makes you successful

It really irks me when I hear people going on and on about how many likes and followers they have on their page, because it absolutely means nothing if you do not know what to do with it. Many entrepreneurs tend to tie their self worth and who they are as business owners to the number of likes they have on their business page, often comparing themselves to others, but I am here to say it’s not the quantity that matters it’s what you do with it.

What are you offering persons?

How are you translating these followers into buyers?

Increasing your visibility is always a good idea and social media is a great way to interact with potential customers and form relationships so are you focusing on nurturing the followers you already have and turning them into viable leads? Quality over quantity every single time.

 

MYTH 4: Being focused on just how awesome your stuff is

This is a tough one for entrepreneurs because their business is their baby, but any good parent knows that in order to for your baby to grow you have let it go. In business that translates to marketing your business outside yourself. You might think you have the best product or service in the world but if it isn’t marketable then no one will ever know about it. It’s not enough for you to know how great your product is, you need to let others know too. Get out there and be more visible.

 

MYTH 5: You can get everything you need for free

There are some excellent online resources and awesome no cost systems you can implement for your business, but bear in mind free will only get you so far. Cost related to the growth of your business should be considered as an investment and the more you invest, the higher your returns. Consider hiring persons to help you correctly implement what you’ve learned. The right mentor can work wonders for your business, so too can the right team of people. Consider investing in the tools you need to help you grow. Don’t get stuck on one level, invest a little at a time and watch your business soar. Remember: it takes money to make money

 

MYTH 6: You need to give up everything to be successful

Success is a marathon, not a sprint so there will be some things you will have to give when running a business but be clear on your priorities. Your business is not your whole life, but just one part of it. Do not eliminate what you are passionate about while pursuing your business as this will cause you to resent your dreams. Stop choosing but manage your time effectively so that you can be able to enjoy every aspect of your life

 

MYTH 7: Everything has to be perfect before you launch

If you wait for everything to be perfect, you will be waiting forever. Get out there and let people know who you are and what you do. Imperfect action trumps perfect delay every single time.

 

As a business owner you must plan and expect to be successful. Constantly testing to see what your clients want and proving to them that you and only you can give it to them exactly what they need. Let them get to know how awesome you are and how much you care. The bottom line of a successful business is shifting your focus from the money you want to the people you serve, for as long as you are constantly in service the sales will come

For more tips, ticks and information join my free Facebook group The New SMS: Strategic Marketing Specialists and learn to market your business like a pro. Join the tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenewsms/

If you need a little one on one, call (868) 3551567 or email at carli.media@gmail.com to book your FREE 30min consultation