To drive business, there are two mantras you need to follow.

N.S.M.-Never Stop Marketing

A.B.C.-Always Be Closing

Or, as my cousin, Barry, says: “it’s all about pipeline.”

Back when I worked at Microsoft, I spent a lot of time coaching partners and supporting their marketing activities.

What happened…a lot…was that a firm would land a big deal, submarine for 4 months (on the marketing front) while they serviced the client and then, when it was done and they would come up for air, the question was:

“So, where are my leads?”

The answer: “4 months ago when you stopped marketing.”

I know there are times when you are swamped with client or project deliverables. It’s easy to let the marketing activity wait until tomorrow.

But those tomorrows add up.

And then you find yourself with no pipeline…for sales, customers, or your next career move.

So, make a resolution (we’re still in the zone for accepting those, I’m told) and say, “even on the busiest days, I will do at least ONE thing to further my marketing.”

• Update your email signature to make it “remarkable.”
• Change your voice mail.
• Write a handwritten note to 3 top clients to say thanks.

And, note, I didn’t say “I will try to do one thing.” You will do it.

And, if that’s not motivation enough, maybe 3rd prize will do it for you. Enjoy the clip (some profanity, but it’s Alec Baldwin, so I think it doesn’t really count)

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