Another do-it-yourselfer named their business without first checking Federal trademark registrations to see if it was available. Now, they have a cease-and-desist letter to deal with.
Another do-it-yourselfer created their logo using PowerPoint and felt it looked “good enough to get by.” Now, their competitors are snickering behind their back.
Another do-it-yourselfer just launched their website with placeholder content, broken links, poorly optimized photos, and typos. Now, their business prospects aren’t taking them seriously.
Another do-it-yourselfer took a “build-it-and-they-will come” attitude to launching their early-stage business. Now, they have no proof of concept and can’t find investors.
Another do-it-yourselfer used freeware to cut corners instead of purchasing popular business apps. Now they are having difficulty sharing files.
Another do-it-yourselfer hired their neighbor’s college kid to help them get by with their social media. Now, they’re wondering why people aren’t clicking.
Another do-it-yourselfer decided that marketing should be viewed only as an expense, and doing it cheaply really won’t hurt them. Now, they’re wondering why they can’t gain any market traction.
Another do-it-yourselfer forgot that first impressions are nearly impossible to overcome. Now, they’re losing customers before they get them.
Another do-it-yourselfer undervalued themselves and, instead of hiring a trained and efficient professional for vital tasks, stopped using their time to build relationships and grow their business. Now, they’re weighing their bankruptcy options.
Don’t be just another do-it-yourselfer.
You cannot do it all and do it all well.
Nobody can.
I certainly can’t.
I don’t do my taxes. I hire an accountant.
I don’t do wiring. I hire an electrician.
I don’t drop trees. I hire a yard service.
I don’t cut my own hair. I go to a barber.
Instead, I’m spending my time doing what I do best to grow my business, make money, and hire seasoned professionals to help with the rest.
Why aren’t you?
Related Posts
Many Businesses Make This One Big Marketing Mistake. Is Yours?
I recently visited the websites of some of the top design firms in the world. It was both inspiring and, truth be told, slightly intimidating. However, despite that, I did notice one consistent problem with a majority of them.
Why We Chose Insourcing over Outsourcing
If we all avoid the shortsighted allure of bigger, quicker margins, and keep our eyes focused on building relationships and delivering high-quality products and services, we can reverse these trends and secure the futures of each of our industries.
Marketing Reality Check (Don’t let #9 hurt your feelings.)
We’ve collected a number of the more salient points from our blog and are presenting them as a marketing reality check list. A good number of these apply to new or small businesses. But you’ll also find that some of the largest corporations in the world make many of the same missteps.
Are You Trapped in a Marketing Bubble?
We often get too close to our business to see it the way others do. We build a virtual bubble around ourselves and lose the perspective needed to make sound strategic decisions.
Your Credibility is On(the)line
When you meet new prospects, network or attend industry events, the moment you hand out your business card, your credibility will be on the line. If you’ve taken a long time to build a first-rate reputation, don’t let a second-rate website undo it.
Five Messages to Avoid in Your Marketing
Common clichés, tired sales pitches and unrealistic claims no longer work. In fact, they’ll likely be viewed as disingenuous and undermine your marketing efforts. Here, we’ve outlined five ineffective marketing messages and what you can do to avoid using them.