How to make more objective decisions about your products and services

Every now and then, I have people who want to share various different business ideas with me to see what I think about them. Inevitably, my strategist's brain starts whirring with questions. Most importantly: why and so what?

In my experience, business owners and leaders often have great affinity for their work. It's understandable when they've put so much effort and thought into building a business around an idea. And in many ways that confidence is great! The work is borne out of passion, beliefs, and values they hold dear.

The challenge comes when you become so attached or immersed in what you've created (or plan to create) that you can't see the flaws anymore.

Here’s how to make more objective decisions around the products and offers you release.

How learning chess reinforced my love of strategy and strategic marketing

Earlier this year, my son decided he was going to teach me how to play chess, and despite my initial disinterest, he not only managed to successfully persuade and teach me, but I even almost won a game against him...once!

As green as I am on the chess board, I have a deep appreciation for the time players spend learning various tactics, as well as the skilled practice of thinking through and playing out different scenarios. Thinking strategically in marketing and business is a lot like a chess game, which is why chess is so often used to visually convey strategy.

Let’s explore the parallels between chess and business and marketing.

Stop planning and start doing (or vice versa)

Are you planner? I am. At its best, planning is an incredible tool for gaining clarity on the next steps you need to take in your business. At its worst, it can lead to analysis paralysis, stunting your ability to take action.

On the other hand, you don't want to put something out into the world before it's ready to go. You need a minimum viable service (or product), and a plan to launch it to your ideal customers.

MarketingKaren WilsonJuly 7, 2021marketing, planning, strategy, strategic decisionsComment

How to match your marketing expectations to your resources

What’s the long-term vision for you and your business? How do you plan on measuring success? What conversions and KPIs are important to you?

When you have an idea of the overarching plan for your company, you’re able to better gauge which marketing activities will have the biggest impact. Data is your friend! Use it to guide your marketing choices.

MarketingKaren WilsonMay 11, 2021marketing, business goals, strategic decisionsComment

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