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3 Ways to Declare Your Independence From Tired Sales & Marketing Tactics

Ashley Zeckman
Ashley Zeckman
Online Marketing

In the United States Independence Day has become a day free of work where individuals can spend time with their families and friends setting off fireworks, eating, drinking, and being merry.  July 4th is indeed a day for celebration, but also a day for reflection.

In 1776 the 13 American colonies were facing a series of challenges.  They believed that they were being treated unfairly and were forced to live under a set of antiquated rules and regulations, many of which denied them basic human rights.

Forward thinking marketers and sales representatives are facing a less extreme but relatable set of challenges today.

  • Employees may feel that their voices are not being heard
  • Teams are  working under a set of processes that are no longer effective
  • Innovators have found that convincing their team to get on board with new ideas is virtually impossible

You can’t expect your situation to improve without making a few declarations of your own.  In this post I have included what I consider to be 3 of the best ways to declare your independence, without evoking a revolution.

Abolish the “Business As Usual” Attitude

Introducing change to an existing organization is often met with resistance.  Not because your team doesn’t want to be successful, but because they may have become comfortable with the way that things have been done in the past.  However, future strategy creation cannot be based on past success alone.

Eliminating the “business as usual” attitude from your team can have many benefits including:

  • Ridding your team of complacency which leads to stagnant work product
  • Jumpstarting the creative juices which will lead to more innovation
  • Enabling forward thinking team members to actively participate

Introduce Innovative Concepts in Phases

Fear of change can often derail even the best projects or initiatives.  In order to convince your team or upper management that an idea is worth implementing, you must construct your argument in a way that appeals to their goals and objectives.  I have found that taking a phased approach may remove some of the fear and uncertainty that can cloud your overall objectives.  Below I have included an example of a phased approach that you may find useful for your own planning.

Phase 1: Assessment

  • Where are you at currently?
  • Which strategies and processes are working, and which are not?
  • What are your goals and objectives?

Phase 2: Planning

  • Which team members can help fulfill determined objectives?
  • When are you looking to implement your new policies, procedures, or strategies?
  • Who should be responsible for overseeing the project?
  • What checklists and timelines need to be created in order to effectively manage the change?

Phase 3: Implementation

  • Get it Done! Work within the guidelines you’ve created to execute on the plan you’ve laid out.

Phase 4: Measurement & Refinement

  • How effective was your change?
  • What would you have done differently?
  • How will you adapt to improve your results?

Do Not Forget What You Stand For

Our founding fathers fought for independence so that their fellow Americans could experience equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  We must also remember why it is that we are fighting for change.  It is essential that you assess your objectives to determine if they:

  • Have your organization’s and teams best interests in mind
  • Are aligned with your customers goals and objectives
  • Represent an  innovative and forward thinking strategy
  • Will enable you to have a larger impact
  • Allow you to continue to be competitive in your marketplace

A more literal interpretation of the advice included in this article could lead your team to come up with your own mini Declaration of Independence or mission statement and goals.  This will serve as a guide and reminder for your team on an ongoing basis.  I’m curious to know what you have found to be the biggest challenges in making a shift within your organization and how you have overcome these obstacles.  I hope that everyone has a fun and safe mid-week holiday and remembers those that made our independence possible.

About Ashley Zeckman

Comments

  1. Valerie Joy Deveza says

    July 3, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    I have to agree with you that this is an opportune time for us to re-assess our marketing tactics and break free from what’s been hindering us from success. Happy Independence Day! 🙂

  2. Stephen Kavita says

    July 3, 2012 at 11:41 pm

    One of the saddest thing that can happen to a human being is refuse to change. The marketing strategies that used to apply in the 90’s cannot work in today’s fast moving world. You are right when you say that we have to leave old tactics and embrace new technology and techniques.

    • azeckman says

      July 5, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Great insight Stephen. Change will happen with or without us!

    • JessicaBennington says

      July 13, 2012 at 3:43 pm

      Wondering if you can hire a research paper writer, get custom writing help, buy an essayor just have someone write my dissertation for me? Are there any essay writing services that can provide me with some thesis help ? Sure you can get sample and original works at http://www.researchandwritingservices.com/Services.html

  3. Op Ed Marketing says

    July 4, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    Great, topical blog! Indeed I think those who over-embrace the “business as usual” attitude usually find themselves out of business…quick 🙂

    • azeckman says

      July 5, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Good observation!

  4. Alex Mandossian says

    July 5, 2012 at 12:22 am

    This is the biggest challenge for marketers – change! that would be in relation to strategies, planning, implementation, etc. Embracing it and acting on it is difficult but is worth the risk.

  5. desmondong.com says

    July 9, 2012 at 4:30 am

    Awesome list of solid marketing ideas. Great marketing strategies for any marketing companies to learn.
    Change is the only constant thing in this world, so as the marketing world.

    • azeckman says

      July 12, 2012 at 7:41 am

      Thank you for sharing your feedback!

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