Two activities I really enjoy are marketing and martial arts. They are from two, totally different worlds, but they do share some commonalities. One of their commonalities is planning. You see, in the marketing world we have to have a plan. Without a plan, we'd run our businesses haphazardly and get nowhere. We'd survive for some period of time, but be dead (out of business) sooner rather than later. The same is true in martial arts. Without a plan of attack, you're a sitting duck. If an enemy approached you, you would be like a deer in the headlights...stunned, then dead. Planning, in both worlds, is critical if you want to stay alive. However...the act of planning isn't the most important factor for either marketing or marital arts. Even with a plan in place, things can (and will) go wrong. So, the question is: will you be prepared for when things do go wrong? I heard Tim Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Work Week and martial arts enthusiast, once say, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." He's absolutely right. In the martial arts, you have a mental plan going into any conflict. However, once you get punched in the face (or hit anywhere for that matter), your plan goes out the window and your survival mode kicks in. Forget your planning and preparation...it's time to survive! Well, the same goes for your marketing plan. You have everything nice and neat, ready to take action. Then, the feathers hit the fan and you're in survival mode. A lot of entrepreneurs are guilty of this right now...with our new economy. So, how do you keep your plan (your training) intact instead of going into survival mode when you get punched in the face? Here are 3 easy ways to stay the course: 1. Read your plan often When you have a marketing plan in place, it's important to read and review it often. You should look at it at least once a week just to make sure you're on track. It's just like in martial arts. We review what we've learned over and over again, so we keep our moves top of mind. 2. Work with a coach Having a coach is essential to keeping your marketing plan in place and running as smooth as possible. A coach will make you accountable and let you know when you're off course. Martial arts is no different. A coach, instructor, or sensei, keeps you focused and moving forward in your training. They guide you through exercises with a watchful eye...if you lose focus, they'll let you know! 3. Take consistent action Taking action in the marketing world is not only essential to bring new customers, patients, or clients in the door; it's essential to keep your game sharp. The marketers taking action know what's working and what's not. They have a 'feel' for the market and how to exploit it. Again, martial arts is no different. If you only practice the motions in the air, you'll be in for a rude awakening when someone attacks you. You have to get the 'feel' for real people with real intent on hurting you. The only way to do that is by practicing real scenarios on a regular basis. Though the marketing world and martial arts world is totally different, they do have their commonalities. Planning is one of them. But more importantly, it is the common thread of knowing what to do after you get punched in the face and after your plan goes out the window.
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