It can seem much more productive, and more fun, to just go out and sell something. But there are several strong reasons to consider planning before action. A plan can create accountability and save you from spending money on unproductive things, like plush offices. A plan can assure critical elements, however small, are not forgotten. We all waste some time, but a good plan can prevent wasting all of it.
Marketing is the one aspect of business where planning is crucial.
Because without a plan you will never know if your selling, advertising or other marketing efforts are worth what they cost. And without a plan you will not have any benchmarks against which to measure the size or growth rate of your business. Here are a few suggestions for your next marketing plan. There are many ways to reach prospects and persuade them to buy something. List them all from advertising to direct marketing to building a Web site.