Everyday Marketing Ideas

It is Time to Let Go of Marketing Paralysis

Last week, I was coaching a fantastic therapist who practices in San Francisco. Her clients adore her. She serves on the boards of two non-profit organizations and is very active in her church. But last week she was very frustrated with her marketing efforts. “Casey, my website is almost done but I think I want to rewrite it. And I don’t want to put my listing on the online therapist locators until my website is done. I know you suggested I look into networking groups but I want to wait until I have a better tag line.”

I was quiet for a moment but she filled the silence. (As I said she is an excellent therapist.)

“Okay, the truth is I feel a bit paralyzed. I think I am simply procrastinating – can you help me see why?”

I told Marlene and I will tell you. If I waited until everything was perfect to market my practice, I’d still be $45,000 in debt.

If you find that you are in a state of marketing paralysis, here is what I always do:

Set yourself a goal and then schedule backwards. As a former project manager, I know the value of setting a date and then figuring out what you need to do to meet your goal on that date. For example, decide that your website will be completed 4 weeks from today and then identify the steps necessary to make that happen. If you want to give a community presentation, give it a title and schedule it in 4 weeks from now. Believe me, if you set a date you will get yourself in gear and make it happen.

I told Marlene and I will tell you. You are good enough right now. Perfectly good enough. Get it through your head that nothing is ever going to be perfect. As I have said many times, please focus on completion not perfection.

You’ll be happier – and you will have more clients!

Happy practice building!