Your Monthly Marketing Calendar

For many of us, our marketing efforts could aptly be described as “random acts of lunch.” And, of course, we get the results that we put into our efforts — random referrals from people who might think of us.

One of the problems I had when I was practicing was figuring out what I should be doing other than taking potential referral sources to lunch. I’ve previously written about the importance of following up with people.

Your marketing plan. But, what really works is having a marketing plan — a system to do certain things. Well and good, but plans aren’t worth anything unless they’re implemented. So, I’m going to suggest that you set some goals and deadlines for your marketing activities.

What marketing activities are we talking about? First, think of all the marketing things you should be doing, and how many of each you should do during the course of a month. Your activities might include:

• Face-to-face meetings with potential referral sources
• Sending interesting information to potential referral sources
• Making follow-up calls
• Publishing (an article, a blog) and letting people know about it
• Attending networking meetings
• Social events
• Sending thank you notes

Your marketing calendar. Once you’ve created your marketing goals, put them on your calendar and break your monthly activities into weekly activities. Then, track what you’re doing on a weekly basis to make sure you’re keeping up with yourself.

An accountability system helps. If you have accountability issues, ask a team member to check in with you weekly. If you’re like me, you’ll actually do some of the things you should be doing because you’ll be too embarrassed to admit to your employee that you’re letting yourself down.

Be patient! Marketing takes time. After a month or two of tracking your monthly activities, you may think you’re not getting the results you want, but if you keep at it consistently, you’ll develop the relationships — and generate the referrals — you want.

Please let me know how this helps you!