It's a Beautiful Day...

... to smash a computer. Most of us sit in front of a computer for several hours every day and every day we accomplish the majority of our work in relative ease. Somedays, however, the computer decides to take a different turn - websites won't display, you can't log in to your e-mail and the only thing you can do is sigh in frustration as every thing you do becomes a little more difficult.

As spring creeps in, remember to step away from your desk for a little bit when you have these frustrating days. Take ten minutes and walk outside to stay refreshed. And while you're out there, take a look around you. Maybe you'll be inspired by the billboard across the street or the passing bus or your neighboring business. Maybe you'll find a new way to market your business.

That's why every good media plan comes built in with a contingency fund - that's right, a well-written media plan even plans for the unknown. Because on those days when you want to smash your computer in frustration you might just walk away for a minute and find your next biggest thing.

It's a beautiful day, what are you going to do with it?

Plan of Attack!

"You've got no direction with your lives.
No plan.
When there's no plan, there's no attack.
No attack, no victory!"
- One Crazy Summer (1986)


One of the biggest mistakes most companies make is not having a well-defined plan of attack for their advertising. I write about this concept frequently because I see it almost everyday.
A business owner doesn't want to commit to a plan for advertising, doesn't want to spend the money and yet he still thinks that customers are going to magically appear. Well, I hate to break it to you, but the advertising fairy doesn't give a crap about your company unless you're ready to hand over some cash and be very creative in doing it.
If you have no direction in your company, no set branding practices, no plan, you cannot "attack" your rivals, you cannot "attack" future customers with your amazing product or service. And if you can't even attack (INFORM PEOPLE!)in the name of your business, there can't be any victory (MORE SALES, MORE CUSTOMERS!).
In case you missed the point here, let me be clear - If you don't have a solid advertising plan designed to inform people about your business, you won't be able to attract new clients and customers in a manner that will not only ensure success, but will also be the best use of your money.

So the next time you're thinking of spending that $5,000 on an ad in the Yellow Pages, Stop! Plan first! Attack next! And achieve victory!

As for the advertising fairy - he does exist.