Is it OK to plan less, and act more?

At the end of last year, I made a business decision to do more educating and less writing.

To share the knowledge and ideas I’d collected in the various corners of my mind over the past 20+ years working in Marketing Communications.

Strategy documents no longer excited me…Marketing theory often falls on deaf ears. And my back was hurting from sitting at the computer for way too long each day.

I needed to stand up, walk around, connect with folk who’d benefit from my ramblings. I even had this idea that I’d actually become a school teacher…There’s a part of me that connects closely with Robin Williams’ character in Dead Poets Society. That moment past rather quickly.

So, I asked myself…”Who would really benefit from what I’d have to say?” And the answer came straight away…Charities (Not-For-Profits) and Small Businesses.

It’s these two sectors that I believe  deserve and need simple, cost-effective, results driven Marketing advice. Particularly in the times ahead.

So that’s what I’m doing. And I’ve just created, booked the venue and am now promoting my first two seminars.They’re for the Charity sector…I figure this would be a rewarding place to start this new journey of mine.

I’m a tad nervous about the whole thing, but excited all the same. I always take the attitude that I’m sharing information that will improve people’s businesses…this removes any self-concious doubt I may pick up along the way.

I’ve got two seminars planned out – One on Traditional Marketing. The other on Innovative Marketing. Both tailored 100% to help Charities with their marketing communications.

My intention is to have those that attend walk out feeling completely inspired to do great marketing…immediately. Something that I find many seminar presenters that I listen to forget to do. It’s all about instant gratification these days isn’t it? Even in business…I’m finding more and more that the feedback I get from my Marketing talks is in direct correlation toh how many practical, quick to implement ideas I hand out. Years ago I would have struggled with this approach…Surely, I thought, we needed to plan and theorize before any action was taken.

Not any more…Go get ‘em I say!

What do you think? Is it OK toplan less and act more when it comes to Marketing these days?

2 Responses to “Is it OK to plan less, and act more?”

1. Cat Matson Says:
   February 8th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

   Yes, yes, yes – it is more than OK to plan less and act more – particularly in the SME sector.

   The ‘plan’ needs to consist of no more than the key objective and then a quick ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’ and ‘how’. Put some deadlines in if they’re required. Then get on with it. Way too much time is wasted in creating the ‘perfect’ plan and considering all the scenarios… meanwhile potential customers are ‘walking by’ because they didn’t know you existed.

   Action always beats inaction! (and planning to act does not count)

   Cat

2. Tim Says:
   February 8th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

   Great comment Cat. I was wondering if it was just me that liked to act. We can often hypothesis to Nth degree, and as you say, watch customers walk on by! Action creates reaction, I say.

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