Empower Your Business: Strategy First.

Excitement and Pitfalls.

Starting a business is an exhilarating journey. However, it’s disheartening to witness many small business owners seeking marketing strategies just two weeks before their launch. It’s crucial to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about marketing from the very beginning.

The “Tool Trap”.

We get a lot of queries along the lines of should I use this app or platform or which packaging is best, however a lot of these people when we ask to see their marketing plan don’t have one or are going to do it later. We’ve written about shiny object syndrome before.

We understand as a small business owner, that you are constantly juggling tasks and responsibilities ,and you may often find yourself overwhelmed and fraught. A cause of stress that often surfaces is the choice of the right program or app for your business. This worry often overshadows the more substantial worrying factors, such as devising a robust business or marketing plan. While technology and handy apps surely make our lives easier, their role can’t supersede the importance of a well-planned business or marketing strategy.

Beyond Overwhelm.

The million-dollar question, though, is why do small business owners so often fall into this stress trap? The stress surrounding choosing an ‘app or program’ doesn’t solely stem from the vast amount of choices available. Rather, it primarily revolves around how business owners perceive what will drive their growth. 

In the digital age, a common misconception circulates among small business owners; if they could only find that one magical app or program, it would solve all their business problems and propel them towards massive growth. This line of thinking, however seductive, is misleading at best, and harmful at worst. 

Here lies the problem – this undue emphasis on finding that perfect tool often diverts the attention from carving out successful business and marketing plans.

It’s important to acknowledge that establishing a business and marketing plan is a far bigger piece of the puzzle. While modern tools can help with this, they can’t replace the importance of sitting down, setting your goals, identifying your target market, and determining how you intend to reach them.

If you don’t know who you are talking to and how to attract them to your business and what it has to offer no apps are going to save you.

We are not saying the tools aren’t important, but once you get the basics sorted, that will help you to select the tools that will suit your business best. But the key point to remember here is that these tools are merely enablers in executing your business and marketing plans. They are not, and should not be considered, the determinant of your business success.

Finding Balance.

Finding the right balance between using modern technology and focusing on traditional planning might seem daunting. Here are a few ways to strike this balance:

1. Identify your strategies before tools

Before even considering what tools to use, you need to clearly define your business and marketing strategies. 

2. Evaluate tools based on your strategies

Once your strategies are in place, you can then evaluate various tools to understand which ones align best with your strategies and will help achieve your goals.

3. Don’t fall for the hype.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of a particular tool, always remember that the most popular tool isn’t necessarily the best fit for your business.

4. Be willing to adapt.

Just as your business will grow and evolve, so will your strategies and tools. Embrace change and be willing to adapt your tools to suit your ever-evolving business.

Remember, running a small business successfully revolves around grander visions and strategies, apps and tools should not distract you. Let technology aid you, not distract you into believing it’s your business lifeline. 

Get your priorities in order, putting the necessary business and marketing plans first and tools second. Your stress will be less and your business will reap the rewards.

Ready to Build Your Plan?

Download our free knowyourself template and start outlining your path to success, and or contact us for specific help.