It’s exciting when strong business and non-profit leaders recognize they need a marketing partner to help them achieve their goals. We love partnering with these leaders on singular campaigns and initiatives that achieve immediate results.

However, these initiatives in and of themselves are not enough to sustain the brand awareness or momentum necessary to meet the larger goals.

These industry leaders often have a strategic plan in place; however, they shrug off the notion that they also need a marketing plan to complement their strategic plan.

What’s the difference?

A Strategic Plan vs. A Marketing Plan

A strategic business plan focuses on the staff, financials and operations of the overall business or non-profit organization. It is operationally-based, and outlines goals for the year. Therefore, the plan helps develop competitive strategies for the business or non-profit organization.

A marketing plan complements the business plan. It details key messages, marketing goals, industry research, competition, target markets, price points, strategies and key tactics. The tactics may include advertising, content marketing, SEO and referral programs. We also consider networking initiatives, social media, website enhancement, direct mail, email marketing and more.

The plans work in conjunction and complement one another. I could drone on for hours about this. Each is essential to a successful business or non-profit — you need both.

A successful marketing plan will build your business, develop your network, create a buzz and pay out. Hence it conveys:

• who you are
• what you are interested in
• that you have an established brand and product suite they must have and will tell all their connections about

Front Porch Marketing will develop a marketing plan that includes an audit of existing marketing efforts and materials and provides specific, recommended marketing tactics and strategies. Our team is driven to define targeted strategies to targeted customers.

We love to be a part of great teams and learn from great leaders. So holler if we can help you!

I don’t mind telling you, friends – the past couple of weeks have been a complete and total exercise in spinning my wheels. I’ve had some big distractions – visiting relatives, a sick child, a big project, some health issues that needed addressing – but honestly I have had a hard time getting back to prime productivity.

Here’s what helps me right the ship when things veer off track:

Make A List 

Writing out a to-do list keeps it all front and center. I always think I will remember everything that needs doing, but the reality is that things will fall through the cracks if it doesn’t get written down. Pen. Paper. Write it out. It’s important! Plus it makes scratching through things as they get done oh so fulfilling!

Set Aside Time to be Productive

If you don’t schedule it, it may not happen. Designate blocks of time to focus and be productive. One thing at a time – get through that list.

Don’t Fall Down the Rabbit Hole

Distractions are the death knell to productivity. A “quick” telephone conversation, “five minutes” of mindless internet surfing, taking a break for a snack – allowing yourself to be distracted in these ways will absolutely sabotage your productive time.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Everyone has to be fluid when things come up, but productivity is a commitment. It doesn’t just happen by accident.

And … Repeat

A system, any system, needs to happen over and over again to be successful. Staying the course and developing good processes is the key to productivity.

Sigh. It’s been a scary week. In fact, it’s just a scary time. Unspeakable violence, natural disasters, discourse and pain and suffering … it’s a lot. A whole lot.

These events have caused me to struggle with feelings of fear and unease, and I have struggled to quell the fear and unease in my children. And although I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, I have looked to others for guidance about how to cope with these feelings, and I thought sharing what I’ve learned might help someone else, as well.

Some Coping Tips:

Acknowledge the Fear. Running from fear is not going to help anyone or anything. Slow down, and let yourself really feel what you’re feeling. It may be intense for a bit, but you will come out the other side and that journey shouldn’t be suppressed.

Offer Help. Tragedies make us feel powerless. Take some of that power back by actively helping those who are affected in any way you are able.

Focus on Your Reality. Yes, what is happening is disturbing. But what is your reality? Don’t overgeneralize threats and allow what is happening elsewhere to affect your day to day movement.

Balance the Negative With the Positive. Tragedies find their way into the news cycle far more often than their more positive counterparts, but there are wonderful things happening everywhere. Seek these stories out. Humanity is a beautiful thing.

Get Help If You Need It. If fear is consuming you, don’t suffer unnecessarily. Reach out for help.

Human life is a precious thing. Hold your loved ones close, friends. This too shall pass.