The Marketing Plaza

In today’s environment many businesses just want to keep their heads above water much less be concerned with growth.  But here’s a  business fact:

There is no standing still. Growth of some sort is a given in order to stay ahead.

There are many ways to grow.  Traditionally, we’ve learned to consider growth in terms of revenue or sales. But, there are many other measurements of growth from Market Share to Share of Customer, or simply Audience Reach. Growth can also just mean to stretch yourself and consider new ways of doing things, new things to learn, or new services to offer.

It was Albert Einstein who is attributed with saying that the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing and expecting a different result.  Times are difficult now for all businesses.  One thing we know for sure. Doing nothing is akin to giving up and can only result in retraction rather than growth.  If you want to be there to tell your grandchildren the story of the Big Recession of  Twenty-O-Nine, take a deep breath and try something new.

Here’s one suggestion:  Look into social media.  It’s largely free and help position you for the next era of communication. One news service I subscribe to anticipates that by 2010 — 50 percent of the Fortune 1000 companies that set out to enter the social media world will fail in their efforts. Why?  Because they failed to plan a rationale for being in the social media arena. But, don’t let that stop you. This is a great time to learn if the new media is for you or try it out to determine how it might serve your customers.

In Summary

Growth comes in many forms.  Spring is generally the time for spring cleaning, including giving up old habits and ways of thinking. But don’t lose sight of the fact that the cleaning has a purpose — to make way for new growth. Being on social media is one way to grow and stay active in new ways of communicating. There are many others. Dedicate this month to one growth action — be it personal, professional or business oriented.  And, if I can help, please let me know.

* adapted with permission from post on NAPLLinkLetter.org on 4/13/09, Rhona Bronson, NAPL