Businesses often get distracted by trendy technology like AI. However, if foundational business metrics, such as a call center booking rate below 85%, are underperforming, focusing on new tech is a mistake. Solidify core operations in marketing, finance, and sales first before chasing shiny objects.
Businesses often misuse marketing by mismatching tactics to the customer's buying timeline. A short-term strategy, like a 30-day radio campaign or an instant rebate, won't work for a long-cycle purchase like a new HVAC system because the customer isn't immediately in the market. This misalignment guarantees failure.
Using makeshift solutions in integrated software like a CRM isn't a harmless shortcut. Each component is interconnected, like a chain of dominoes. One improper configuration or workaround disrupts the entire system's harmony, preventing reliable reporting, audience targeting, and accurate data analysis.
Constantly pushing a single, low-cost introductory offer without a broader brand story is a strategic trap. This "Promo Sapiens Syndrome" creates a race to the bottom, lacks differentiation, and prevents the business from building long-term value. The promotion should be a sidekick to the brand, not the headline.
Posting content just for the sake of it is counterproductive. Low-quality, non-engaging content actively harms your reach by signaling to social media algorithms that users are not interested in your brand. This suppresses visibility for all future posts. It's better to post less frequently with higher quality.
Teams are composed of two mindsets: 'creators' who push boundaries with new ideas and 'doers' who execute existing plans. Asking a doer for creative, expansive ideas is a mistake, as they will default to what they know is achievable. True innovation requires tapping into your creators.