Driven2Distraction

There’s nothing like a county fair to distract the average teenager. Besides the bright colors, neon lights, rides, games, and girls (or boys), there is the food and drink. So much to capture one’s attention and, when you’re 15, it’s obvious you have limited amounts of attention to pay.

Earlier this month I picked up my son and his friend from the nearby event. Almost immediately I heard one of them say, “I’m hungry.” Naturally, I wondered why since I had sent them off with some money earlier in the evening. My young friend quickly shared his tale. “I was distracted by the Strawberry-Lemonade.” If you haven’t been to a fair lately, that’s $5 right there. The refill was shortly after and it was another $4 bucks or so. Later on he was tempted by the Watermelon-Lemonade and maybe one game and there you have it. No money left for dinner.

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As I was practicing my short-order cooking skills at midnight – I reflected.

A Marketing Reminder4Us

Have you determined the core drivers in your marketing plan? Most of you have or, if pressed, could likely list them. Yet, I’m guessing that newest gadget, social media channel, or fad is distracting you from improving your core strengths. Facebook is a prime example.

For some businesses it is critical, for others I see an awful lot of energy put into a platform that tamps down your ability to communicate with your fans and followers. It’s a fun place and certainly business is done there (especially for some categories), but it’s a time suck for many humans and equally so for a lot of businesses.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t spend time there, I’m suggesting you make sure your marketing pillars are steady and in place first. Then give some attention to those neon lights and order your Strawberry-Lemonade refreshment.