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This is a topic that many entrepreneurs struggled with, and then the pandemic hit. Let’s take a look and realize that if 2020 taught us anything positive, it’s that you can’t do it all. And that is OK.
I originally wrote this a few years ago, but reading it again I see that the points are even more important. Imagine if you can go into 2021 and beyond and give up the idea that you have to do everything. What if you are FOCUSED on what is truly important? How much less stressful would that be? You CAN achieve goals if they are manageable.
Do you find that you’re constantly thinking about the list of all of the marketing things you “SHOULD BE” doing, yet feeling guilty for not doing them?
I know the voice inside your head. I hear it, too. It reminds me that I need to write a blog post. Or send out an email blast. Or order new postcards. Or make an update on Facebook. Or write new website content. Or do that new idea. I didn’t want to admit this to anyone, because then I’d have to talk about my “failure”.
But I need to, because sometimes it’s easier to hear this message from someone else. You need to be gentle on yourself, and give up the expectation that you need to be perfect in order to be online. My husband has to remind me of this a lot, and I remind him, too. I remind my clients. This post is a mental note for all of us.
Yes, ultimately, the “best practice” is to make updates and interact online consistently. But for MOST PEOPLE, there are going to be times when that’s just not possible. Or even necessary.
If you are in the cycle of feeling guilty for not doing more,
here are a few examples that have haunted me or my clients.
IT’S OK THAT YOU ARE NOT DOING THAT NEW MARKETING IF…
You have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic
If you have been sick or have had a loved one sick, my heart goes out to you. Other impacts are industries that have changed or stopped, lack of networking in-person, economic changes in spending of consumers & businesses, uncertainly in the future that makes planning harder, changes in your target audiences, and the stress of having to adjust to unprecedented times.
Other businesses have had a surge in growth, but that also means adjusting to scaling which can be exhausting. You may be so busy serving clients that you can’t do additional marketing. Whatever the situation, 2020 showed all business owners that we need to rethink the marketing we “should” be doing.
Don’t feel guilty about marketing you “should be doing”!
Your business idea isn’t ready to launch
If you have limited time, it’s often a better idea to focus on getting your business on solid ground instead of spending all day social networking (or going to in-person networking events!) It’s business networking — and if your business is in the pre-launch mode, then wait.
Don’t feel guilty about marketing you “should be doing”!
You are busy with current clients
Stop right here… pat yourself on the back and give yourself a break! When you catch your breath, you can think about a manageable plan for growth.
Don’t feel guilty about marketing you “should be doing”!
You have family priorities
I personally do not believe in the “no excuses, 24/7” approach to growing your business. What’s the purpose of having your own business if you can’t be with the ones you love? So sometimes, that means taking time offline to take care of new babies, illnesses, deaths, pets (yes, fur balls are family) or just taking time to just enjoy being with them.
Don’t feel guilty about marketing you “should be doing”!
You are sick or exhausted
You are not a super hero. You’re an Entrepreneur. (Big note to self on that one!) It’s going to happen that you just need to take a break and recover. If you are feeling really bored with resting, then jot down some notes for what you can do later. Or just REST!
Don’t feel guilty about marketing you “should be doing”!
Please, be gentle on yourself.
Too often, we make the whole process of building our online brands SO MUCH HARDER because we set meaningless deadlines while forgetting that this entire process is just PART of our lives. Things are going to come up. You can be wiser in the futures about setting S.M.A.R.T. goals — but even more important is the mindset adjustment to know that this is not a road that you need to drive at 120mph every single day.
You’ll get to where you want to go, and sometimes it’s OK to take the scenic route.
Do you beat yourself up for not doing more online? Let’s talk! I can help you get focused on what’s most important…and take the rest off of your TO-DO list!!
Hello Service-Based Entrepreneur,
I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed by reading blog posts full of ideas, tactics & tools. Be honest...
- How frustrated will you be trying to implement this on your own?
- How much time will you waste if it's not your next best step?
- Did you just take the time to read this but you won't make any changes?
- Or are you ready to take a small next step to build your brand?
Get clarity & your next step forward!
I'm here to help you with your marketing for the new normal & beyond. Let's talk about your options to work with me on a FREE 30-min call.
To your success,
Marketing Strategist & Designer
I offer a blend of 30+ years of expertise in marketing, websites, brand identity, strategy, tech solutions, and more. I work with service-based entrepreneurs to start & grow their brands. I use a practical and flexible approach to adjust to changes in your business & life. Toolkits & done-with-you planning create your strategy. Then add on other services for a custom solution.
