Reset...Refocus

It's easy to get caught up in the internal processes and hurdles that we as marketers face everyday (I plan on doing a post on this at some point). The trick though, is to not let these become the object of our focus. We fight, we get frustrated, we go back and forth, and ultimately we lose focus on what is really important, on why we do what we do.

I know that for me, the reason I got into marketing was because of the customers. Yes, I know that sounds a little altruistic, but bear with me. When I think about what I love (not like, but truly love) about marketing, it's trying to figure out how to convince someone out there that has a need that my product is the best one to satisfy this need. It means understanding what makes that person tick, what is important to them, how they think. It's like trying to solve a puzzle, each and every time. And in marketing (moreso than sales), I have an opportunity to shape not only the message, who that message is targeted to, how that message is delivered, and all of the various components of the message. I get to figure out how to make people aware that there is a message, find people that want to hear the message, and empower the sales team to deliver the message. I hope that a lot of people in marketing feel this way too (I would say people reading this blog, but I know there are only about 5 of you).

Yes, I spend a lot of my day working on reports, arguing over pricing, responding to urgent requests, and dealing with internal obstacles. We all do. The problem is when these things take over, and take you away from your customer focus. Sometimes, you just need to stop, take a breath, hit the reset button, and refocus yourself on what is important.

Today was one of those days for me. But now, I'm refocused on solving the puzzle that is a customer.