As business owners we know we have to build contingency plans into our recurring projects, be they marketing tactics, fitness routines or weight loss programs.
Obstacles are inevitable. It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN they will happen.
Initially when you start the plan, you are enthusiastic and see a clear path forward.
But soon, life happens and challenges arise.
In fitness, these might be bad weather, injury, or loss of motivation.
In marketing, similar disruptions occur – budget cuts, shifting market trends, or simply lack of enthusiasm.
Success in both realms hinges on anticipation and adaptability.
Just as a seasoned athlete has indoor alternatives for rainy days, a savvy marketer needs backup strategies.
Here are a few obstacles you might encounter and potential solutions that can help you stay on track:
- Content Scheduling: Plan ahead with a content calendar. Schedule topics and deadlines in advance to manage time efficiently.
- Batch Writing Sessions: Allocate specific days for writing multiple posts. This approach maximizes productivity during available time slots.
- Outsourcing: Hire freelance writers or a content creation agency. They can produce quality content, maintaining the blog’s consistency.
- Repurposing Content: Transform existing materials like newsletters, presentations, or videos into blog posts. It’s a time-efficient way to create new content.
- Guest Blogging: Invite guest writers or industry experts to contribute. It diversifies content and reduces the writing burden on the client.
If we are being honest, business owners often get off track due to a variety of reasons:
- Lack of Time Management : Balancing multiple roles can lead to poor time allocation, pushing priorities like marketing to the backburner.
- Overwhelming Workload : Running a business involves numerous tasks. This workload can be overwhelming, causing some aspects, like consistent marketing efforts, to be neglected.
- Limited Resources : Constraints in budget, staff, or technology can hinder the execution of marketing plans.
- Changing Market Conditions : Rapid shifts in consumer behavior or market trends can disrupt planned strategies, requiring immediate attention elsewhere.
- Personal Challenges : Personal issues, like health or family matters, can impact focus and productivity, leading to lapses in business activities.
It’s not always about allowing obstacles to get in the way; often, it’s about the complex, demanding nature of running a business. Recognizing these challenges is the first step to addressing them effectively.
The second step is to build that contingency plan and/or to build an infrastructure to support your efforts when life wants to pull you off the rails.