When creating a marketing strategy, don’t forget this one thing. . .

Megan Germane

There are many things to consider when creating a marketing plan.  Your list probably includes goals such as identifying your target audience, creating a digital advertising approach, analyzing your competitors, and creating content.  Those are some of the tried-and-true tactics that add to a comprehensive marketing strategy.  But one thing you may not have considered including in your plan is a simple, often-overlooked marketing principle that can pay incredible long-term dividends: networking.

Before you offer your excuses (not enough time, don’t like to talk with people, etc.), here are four reasons why networking is a brilliant addition to your marketing strategy.

• It will help you refine your “pitch.”
  
  If you’re going to present your business to someone—be it a person or an entity—you’ve got to be able to describe what you market in a succinct, interesting way.  Networking will give you an opportunity to practice articulating what you do and why your business is unique.
  
  
• It will help you identify what your customers want.
  
  Once you start sharing your pitch, you’ll notice right away what excites listeners.  Which part of your product are they most excited about?  What makes them ask questions?  Identifying the parts of your pitch that resonate with your listeners will help you make better business decisions.  This information can help you develop new products and change your messaging to better address the need of your customers.
  
  
• You will learn about new strategies that will help you succeed.
  
  As you get to know and understand the marketing tactics for other products, you’ll identify shared pain points and discuss solutions.  These discussions will spearhead new ideas for initiatives or strategies that you haven’t yet tried, leading a fresh perspective to a marketing plan.
  
  
• It will revive your passion for your product!
  
  Marketing a product day-after-day can become monotonous when you’re working alone or solely with your team.  Talking about your product to someone who is unfamiliar with what you do can be invigorating.  Their response will reignite your passion for your product and give you a renewed focus and desire for results.
  
  

Networking is an essential part of a marketing plan—no matter the size of the business.  Although it requires an investment of time, the payoff is worth every minute spent.