Anyway
As marketers things are never easy. "Do more with less" is a common refrain heard. Or the lovely "Your marketing budget is flat (or cut) from the previous year but we still want x% sales increase." Ah the joys of marketing and the expectations placed upon us chosen few.
My view is that we now have to be proactive in the online space and not just be 'marketers' but 'entrepreneurs' almost. Thinking outside the box is no longer a cliche but means of success. Who wants to simply survive? Even if we are part of a large firm, be it agency or client-side, this mindset can no longer apply to only to small or start-up companies.
If it came down to one word? Innovation.
These days it's as if you must incorporate that in your business DNA to be successful. Granted, one could always take the route of competing on price but it's a zero sum game. Someone will always be around the corner who will find a way to be cheaper than you. And even if they are not located in your city, province or country - they are somewhere in the world.
Don't get me wrong. Being innovative isn't easy as it requires both patience and persistence. Two commodities that are in short supply these days but are there if you find the right company and culture. It's also important to keep in mind that what is 'innovative' thinking for one person/organization could be construed as stone-age thinking by another. It's all relative.
So when you have those moments that you feel like you are in a game of snakes and ladders, remember to persist. I came across the adage below many years ago by an unknown author and has helped when I come across some slides in life and in business.
So remember, People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; do good anyway.
If you're successful, you win false friends and make true enemies; try to succeed anyway.
The hard work you do today will be forgotten tomorrow; work hard anyway.
Honesty and frankness will get you nowhere; they make you vulnerable and weak; be honest and frank anyway.
What you've spend days building may be destroyed overnight, I've seen that happen; build anyway.
People really need help but they attack you if you try to help them; help others anyway.
Give the world the best you've got and you'll get kicked in the mouth; give the world the best you've got anyway.
