Chasing

“They’re in trouble now, they’re merely chasing the game,” said the soccer announcer. He was describing the underdog taking the match to the big dog and the big dog getting desperate to get back into the game. Watching this soccer match reminded me of a client’s situation. (Given enough time I think I can create a sports analogy for just about any situation.)

You see in business and in soccer, success revolves around creating a strategy and although modified due to game situations, executing the strategy to the desired end, i.e. winning. Sometimes though things can go badly and the plan goes out the window and we end up scrambling. Due to the economy this first half of 2009, a lot of companies were scrambling and the marketing/sales strategy wasn’t executed.

When chasing the game in soccer, it means making longer passes and taking longer shots that have less chance of success. In marketing and sales, the same thing can happen “chasing” after the market and trying to gain success with an isolated tactic. Often such tactics are devised because we see the competitor doing it...not considering that the competitor might be chasing the game as well.

Better to step back and assess the situation, reconnect with the plan and determine which parts are still advisable in the new situation. As mid-year is here, this is a great time to take a breather from chasing and consider what the plan should be for the second half of 2009. If you’d like some help doing that, email me and let’s set up a time to talk, or visit www.geniusmarketing.com

SLE