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Just this week I went to the doctor for my almost annual physical. I’ve got a great guy’s doctor. And every time we meet part of his instructions for me are to exercise. Now, I’m not crazy out of shape, but I could stand to lose 15 lbs or so. Like almost everyone, I’m so busy I don’t know where I would fit it in.

This particular visit we talked about exercise from a different angle, we talked about heart disease and vascular health. He told me that you cannot reverse damage to the heart and that you cannot reduce the build of plaque in your arteries, you can only slow down the future damage. He also said I needed to be concerned about what could happen if I came under heavy stress. Was he taking stuff like heart attack? Ok, I’m just 52, but you know what, I’m there. Like it or not, I’m not in my 30′s or even 40′s anymore, I’ve got to start thinking about stuff like this.

So, am I at crisis? No, but changes are needed. Here’s what he said, “Take a 20 minute walk everyday.” That’s it. He told me that the residual benefits from moderate exercise last 24-36 hours. He said it’s better to do something everyday, than go to the gym 3 times a week. Yay, because I can’t fit the gym in one day a week! But, I can take a 20 minute walk, I can do it in my street shoes at lunch, I can do it when I’ve got time between tasks and my dog, Charlie, would be really happy to accompany me. So what does this have to do with marketing?

Marketing is like Exercise

Most businesses are out of shape, and most can’t handle heavy stress and at the very least, they could definitely use a check up. So, let’s start with a check up. When was the last time you sat down and thought and wrote about your business and your plans? That’s the self exam part, looking in the mirror and saying, I need to get rid of that gut. We are our own best doctor, but we have to be honest with ourselves. We can and should consult professionals that can help us, yes a marketing doctor. Here at Marketing4B you’ll find resources, many are free, lots low cost and simple, most you can access online.

Prevent a Heart Attack

Yes, as business owners we do have to worry about heart disease, there are so many things that could cause a heart attack, like losing key customers or vital employees and the ever present financial challenges. Do you regularly explore new ideas for marketing and improving business? Do you have some good customers (you know, the ones where you make a good profit and they appreciate what you do!) that you could ask why they choose you to do business with? That will reveal your strengths. And it will help you determine what your best customers are, then go find more of those! 

I regularly call some of my competitors to see how they are doing, to see what they are hearing in the areas I do business in. I try to share some of the things I’m learning too. It’s brought some opportunities where we’ve come together and both made money. The reality is, and you know this, it’s nice to have someone to talk with that understands your business. If you don’t think you’d want to talk with a competitor, find other business owners to network with. You can become workout partners, and help motivate each other, plus it can make your life a lot more fun.

And since you’re reading this from the internet, you know how much information is available. Websites, blogs, ebooks, white papers, webinars are all available as sources of new ideas and knowledge. How about taking a few minutes over the next 10 days searching for and finding and implementing just 1 new idea to help market your business? It’s kind of like taking the stairs instead of the elevator!

And one that I like is to read a book about a part of my business. I find it amazing that for less than 20 bucks I can have in my hands what someone has taken years to learn. And much of that came from them learning what doesn’t work, the hard way. I’m ok with not learning everything from personal experience which can sometimes really suck.

Here’s the Bottom Line

Promise yourself that you’re gonna start taking better care of your business. Take a little time each day to do something about your future. Remember the benefits, bigger profits, more free time, less stress, more fun and so on.

Most people think I can’t do it just right, so they do nothing. I’m asking you to just do something every day. A little consistent effort builds on itself and will reap big rewards.

You, yourself, are worth it! And yes taking a physical 20 minute walk would be a good idea too!