<![CDATA[Firefly Strategies Global | Strategic Advisory

<![CDATA[Firefly Strategies Global | Strategic Advisory - Illuminate Blog]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:55:51 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Marketing Industry Overhaul Needed]]>Wed, 05 Jan 2022 22:22:58 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/marketing-industry-overhaul-neededBy: Rubina Cohen, CEO + Principal of Firefly Strategies Global

As I sit here contemplating the changes and direction we need to go as a company, and as I've completed a few marketing strategies and plans for clients, I see they have taken a new focus. Our plans and strategies are looking at human-centered outcomes rather than focused solely on profit driven ones. With that I am compelled to write and share today what I have been feeling for some time now, and that is that the marketing industry desperately needs an overhaul.

Marketing is long overdue for a drastic overhaul, with brand new systems, principles and laws to help determine success, sustainability and well-being of companies and their customers. It's not just a gut feeling anymore, it feels absolutely and definitely time to re-examine the modus operandi of marketing and it about time we turn to and look at other models particularly those offered in nature, indigenous wisdom traditions, as well as biological and physics models, to re-design and create innovations in marketing.

I anticipate that as we look into this further, we'll start to delve into business and economic models as well...marketing is a an arm of business operations and businesses are in large part what make up our economy.

I am witness to a tremendous amount of stress, seeing the mental health crises both personally, professionally on a local and global scale, am surrounded by sickness and illness that can be linked back, sadly, to marketing, marketing strategies, marketing tools that are currently prevalent in our society. Without a serious commitment to a thorough critical examination that then leads to a re-design of marketing, I don't see how these symptoms are going to change. I know other industries and systems play a role in our well-being and that of the planet, but as a marketer I feel called to look at the areas that I participate in and thus can have greatest impact on.

How can marketing be conducted based on outcomes that go beyond the purchase?
What marketing tools are creating environments, scenarios and conditions that are toxic to customers?
What content does not serve the well-being of the purchaser?
What role does marketing play in elevating the quality of life of the consumer?
What delusions does marketing create around the phrase QUALITY OF LIFE and how can marketing truthfully and honestly provide quality of life enhancement for the consumer?
Can marketing be designed to look beyond profit and have profit be a by product of something greater that benefits tremendously both the company and the customer?
Can marketing create positive impact that spans generations?
Can marketing create situations where vitality can occur for the consumer and for the planet?
Further, can marketing help consumers thrive, become resilient, rather than create conditions that enable divisiveness, fear, narcissism and loneliness?

As my company Firefly Strategies Global and I enter 2022 these are the questions we are challenging ourselves to ask and the work we are stepping into, boldly and humbly. I can only imagine the harsh lessons we are about to more clearly see and learn about and yet, I am excited about the conversations, clients, connections, collaborations, we will create based on this path we are setting forth! Happy New Year!

#marketing #achangeiscoming #industryoverhaul

Are you looking for a Marcomm partner to help create greater impact and reach? To build authority worldwide? Book a free marketing advisory session call with us.

click here to schedule now.

]]><![CDATA[PR 101: 3 PR Tips For Small Businesses]]>Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/pr-101-3-pr-tips-for-small-businesses

By Myla Ashton | Marketing & PR Coordinator for Firefly Strategies Global

Whether you just started a business or have an established business, PR is crucial to any business's success. Marketing and PR go hand in hand, and to be successful, you must include both to help your business, but you do not always need a PR firm to help you. PR can help generate revenue and thousands of views from your target audience, and guess what, you can do it yourself!

1. Tell Your Brand Story
Telling your brand's story is crucial to market and transform your brand. It is the best way to connect with your customers. Consumers love to hear the story behind your brand, why you started your company, what you wanted to improve and why it matters to you. They want to be invested in your brand, and by putting your story out there, they will feel connected to you and your business. Storytelling is not just a want. It is a need for you to maximize your business overall.
A few keys to remember when writing your Brand Story:

Be Authentic
Keep it Simple
Make it Personal

2. Perfect Your Pitch
Before you pitch your products or services to publications, perfect them! Be sure you have done your research, look into your competitors, learn from their mistakes, see what you would change about their products to improve your own products and services. A great product will receive better press than an average product. Perfect, perfect, perfect!
This can, of course, take some time; it can be helpful to reach out to friends or family to get their feedback on your products. This will help you improve your products and brand overall. This process will pay off over time, and your consumers will enjoy a perfected product from your business.

3. Be Active On Social Media
If you are not on social media in our day in age, you are doing it wrong. Social Media can take your brand above and beyond; taking the time to create and post a few times a week will build your online presence and help you connect to your target audience.
Each social media platform has its own benefits, and the best way to start is on Facebook and Instagram; you do not have to be on every platform all at once. Social Media does not have to be a stressful, overwhelming project; make it fun! Social Media is the perfect place to show the world your brand and connect with your customers.

A few tips for creating content for your brand:

Use your logo so your consumers can easily identify your company.
Use or create eye-catching images of your products.
Hashtags! Don't forget to use hashtags; it is the best way new consumers can find your products.

PR for your business does not have to be complicated. Using the simple steps above can help you grow your business and reach new consumers.
If you are looking for a Marketing or PR agency, Firefly Strategies Global is here to help! We provide world-class Holistic marketing + PR strategies to generate tangible outcomes for your brand.

Contact us today, and let's see if we can provide the right solution for you!

Myla is a savvy connector and marketer with a keen sense of knowing what the client needs along with her ability to quickly grasp the branding and messaging of a client. She crafts meaningful pitches and creates content that connects with key audiences. Her experience in fashion sales and merchandising as well as her experience in creating social media content and stories for clients in these industries gives her the edge she needs to make sure she lands features, collaborations and valuable exposure for our clients.

]]><![CDATA[4 Key Questions to Ask Before You Start Developing A Marketing Planning]]>Mon, 19 Oct 2020 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/4-key-questions-to-ask-before-you-start-your-2014-marketing-planning

The year is almost over. For businesses and organizations, this means brainstorming new ideas for 2021. Before you jump into planning, I suggest you do a little thinking. When you THINK strategically, you ask yourself questions, and questions lead to ideas, solutions, and innovation.

Take some time to reflect on the four key questions outlined below. These questions will help you examine and critique your marketing plan while allowing new ideas and strategies to emerge.

Let's get started!

1. What worked and why?

This question assesses how well last year’s plan worked for you. Chances are your plan started as a few great ideas from the beginning of last year; now’s the time to gauge how well they did before you spend more money, time, and energy on ideas that may net the same results. Make a list of what you did, then ask yourself, "What worked?" Keep the answers simple. Then, ask why.

For example, if you circle networking, be sure to ask yourself, "Why did networking work for me/us last year?" The answer may be: "I went to the right events and made contact with the right people." Or you might write down: "I joined a networking group that offered referrals and those referrals really paid off."

2. What didn't work and why?

It’s equally important to follow up with this question, as you don't want to continue pouring time, money, and energy into something that isn't working. So, ask yourself: “What didn’t work?” Then circle those things and write down why.
You only learn when you ask questions.

3. What is my purpose for marketing in 2020? What goals do I want to accomplish to fulfill this purpose?

Your purpose may be the same for 2020, but you shouldn't assume. Things are constantly changing in our entrepreneurial era. Flexibility is key. Your purpose can change from year to year; chances are it will happen even more frequently than that.
So, ask yourself: is the purpose of my new plan the same as last year’s or do I need a new focus? What do my goals look like? Get detailed, write it down, and don't forget to include at least 2-3 goals that will help fulfill your overall purpose.

4. Am I clear on my target market or has it changed?

This is another question that people often think, "Seriously, again?" And my answer is always: YES! Always work to hone your target market. Focus on one group at a time and work on a single message that really resonates with them. Once you've done a good job targeting them, you can choose another group.

This question is even more essential if your purpose and goals are changing in 2020. Will targeting your current audience help you to achieve your goals? Do you need to choose a different target market to get your desired results? Think hard, take notes, and be crystal clear.

Once you answer these questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fantastic marketing plan for 2020.
Do you have essential questions you ask yourself when you conduct business reviews? Did you try out my suggestions? What were the results? I'd love to hear from you!

To your illumination,

]]><![CDATA[Step into 2020 brimming with deep confidence.]]>Mon, 30 Dec 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/step-into-2014-brimming-with-deep-confidence

In the spring of 2019, I was taking a much-needed hike with a good friend and I was going on about how I felt like nothing was going right for me. Even though I had just completed the 28 Day Marketing Challenge program with rave reviews and launched the Women Entrepreneurs Circle—not to mention my daughter was crazy fun—I was still feeling as though I was falling down a dark hole with no end in sight. I told her that this feeling of uncertainty and instability sparked anxiety and somehow managed to crush my self-confidence. Though I was doing so many great things and living a seemingly awesome life, I felt things were spiraling out of control and I was headed towards a slow doom.

This led me to do what I have always done when I get this way (and no this was not the first time I experienced this): I researched. I sought out a dozen or so books, signed up for innumerable self-help webinars, newsletters, audio programs, teleconferences, and read an infinite number of blog posts and articles, all in the name of "fixing" whatever it was I was going through. I remember one of the prayers that passed my lips one of those nights, "God, please fix me!" Why the hell couldn't I find any solace, or better yet, an answer to my problems in any of the outside sources I tried?
I love meditating, yet I couldn't get myself to meditate. I love yoga, but doing things that once brought me joy just didn't feel right; I didn't want to feel joy in the middle of my tantrum. A stubborn stupor came over me and a huge part of me demanded to feel important. I wanted to feel like I meant something. Then I realized it: my ego had taken over.
If there's one thing I know about the ego is that when your ego runs things, you can't feel happy. You always feel like you aren't doing enough like YOU aren't enough. Your ego is handy but not when it's solely running the show. That's why I turned to so many outside sources to get more knowledge because I didn't feel like I was enough and that shot my confidence. Me. Not enough? THAT couldn't be farther from the truth and the truth is that everything I need to succeed in life and work already exists within me.

I AM enough.

I am enough and more than enough.
I am small but I am big and I am beyond anything I can ever imagine.
I am whole, expansive, infinity can't even hold me.
What I am is measured in smiles, hugs, laughter, and in the stars,
in stillness and in silence and yet I am immeasurable.
and what I am is what I am and I LOVE who I am.
and I need no one and no thing else.

I am enough and more than enough.

I wrote this soon after I figured stuff out. If it speaks to you, I encourage you to read the above poem as a mantra to yourself. Say it to yourself enough times and believe me, the ego will quietly step away and your confidence will reemerge. You will open up and hear the wisdom around you. It will come crashing into you. It will knock you on your face and then it will pick you up and dust you off. It's quite extraordinary.
Am I saying forever abandon your books, your sages, your therapists, your webinars, and whatever else you use to enrich your life? NO. It's fabulous to have those things in your life to invigorate you, to give you motivation, to ignite new ideas, to help you spearhead projects, and to work through your emotions. It's when you are doing all of these things and you STILL don't feel happy that you should step back and examine what's really going on. It's most likely that your ego has crept its way into the driver's seat.
Knowing you're enough gives you unwavering confidence. It gives you permission to go ahead and do that thing you've been putting off. It allows you to step forward, to say what you need to say, to promote and stand up for what you believe in. Knowing you are enough offers the entrepreneur the opportunity to play big, for the nonprofit to stand tall and ask for the big donation, and for the individual to truly love life and themselves.
The next time you recognize the ego has taken over, go within. It is exactly the time to find the strength and will power to meditate regularly, to do yoga, to journal about the things you are and should be grateful for, to repeat mantras that support the inner you, and to be mindful. This absolutely applies to work, even more so in this day and age. I like to have support when doing this kind of work and I thought you might, too. So, check out my recommendations to develop deep, abiding confidence in 2020.

7 Laws of Spiritual Success by Deepak Chopra is one of my favorite all time books.

Businesses should check out Ruby Renshaw's article on Two Sets of Eyes and all the other great info at her site strategystream.com where Ruby combines the inner and outer to help you reach success in your business. While you're at it, sign up for her upcoming business meditation workshop.

Executives and Leaders connect with Heather Robertson. Her powerful coaching service is a blend of business savvy combined with yoga and meditation that promises to help stretch, motivate, and integrate your personal and professional self and create massive results and success. Learn more at heather-robertson.com

Nonprofits should read Jessica Haynie's innovative white paper titled Mindful Fundraising.

Finally, individuals looking for health + personal development should check out Kaya Hirsch's yoga classes at thedragonrising.com. Kaya integrates her knowledge of Ayurveda, yoga, astrology and the 5 elements, to bring you an integrative and whole movement experience that will awaken and nourish you to the core.

Do ALL the things that speak to you and call your confidence back. Remember that everything you need to succeed is inside you. My wish for you is that you step into 2020 knowing you ARE enough and brimming with deep confidence!

Let's Illuminate our lives!

]]><![CDATA[Your Number One Marketing Priority For 2020...]]>Mon, 16 Dec 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/your-number-one-marketing-priority-for-2015

Businesses and nonprofits often ask me what they should focus on when it comes to marketing. That’s a great question; how you spend your time and energy is very important—but what goals and tasks should you prioritize?
The answer depends on where you are in your marketing business, the size of your company or organization, who your target market is, and what you are selling. ALL of these factors have to be taken into consideration when figuring out your marketing plan. However, no matter what size you are, no matter what you sell or who your market is, there is one VITAL component that can make or break your marketing efforts and investment. You can have the best marketing channels and a huge budget, but if this ONE component is missing, your marketing strategies will fail.

That component is CONSISTENCY.
The number one thing businesses and organizations can do to significantly improve their marketing success is to be consistent with their marketing. By “consistency,” I don’t just mean how many times per month or week you send something; you must be consistent in your messaging.
Be Consistent in Your Delivery
When people sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media, they have given you permission to communicate with them. Like a good friend, it is your responsibility to send updates, share news, extend invitations, and ask them important questions; you need to do all this on a regular and consistent basis. It takes, on average, twenty “touches” before someone finally takes action towards becoming a customer or a part of your community. A "touch” generally means to “be in front of.” It’s recommended you deliver a variety of communication materials several times a month. For instance, on social media, you should post once a day. A newsletter should go out at least once a month. Figure out what you are doing with your marketing and make sure you are delivering your communications consistently.
Be Consistent in Your Message
As mentioned before, it takes up to twenty “touches” for someone to finally take action, whether becoming a customer or joining your community. Therefore, your marketing message has to “be in front of” your potential customer up to twenty times before they decide to sign up for your e-newsletter or like your Facebook page or make a purchase. If they see a different message each time, then it counts as a brand new “touch” instead of the 2nd or 3rd. It’s like you’re starting over and setting yourself back. You have to keep the same message out there long enough to convince your potential customer to take action.
I strongly recommend that EVERYONE makes this one, single New Year’s resolution: be consistent. Pull out your marketing materials, look over your website, posts, and tweets, and examine your message. Is it consistent or are you saying lots of different things? Are you sending your communications out on a consistent basis throughout the year?
If you are not seeing consistency in both delivery and message, make that change your priority for 2020.
In honor of your illumination,

]]><![CDATA[Top 3 Marketing Strategies to Close the Year Strong, Part 2 - Emails]]>Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/top-3-marketing-strategies-to-close-the-year-strong-part-2-email-strategy

Here we are, the day before Thanksgiving, and on the cusp of the holiday season. During this time of year, I recommend businesses and nonprofits increase their communications. A well-crafted message, sent at just the right time, provides tremendous value to your community. Take a look at my earlier blog on discovering what’s valuable to your audience.

In my last post, I told you about 3 strategies you’ll need to execute to end the year on a high note. Today, I’ll tell you how to implement a successful fourth-quarter email campaign.

We get so many emails every day. You’re probably deleting several and ignoring even more. It's hard to believe that email is still statistically the best way to communicate with your community.

So, how do you ensure your emails don’t go straight to the trash?

First, your email list should be composed of folks who have willingly subscribed to your list, not a bunch of people you added because you got their business card at a networking event. The open and click-through rate on your emails will be low if your subscribers aren’t organic. Make sure people are voluntarily opting-in to your email list.

Second, you should be consistently communicating with your community; this means, at minimum, a monthly e-blast. If you haven't been doing this, then dedicate this coming quarter to establishing regular communication.

These next steps will bring a significant return on investment (ROI) with your email marketing campaign.

Write out one or two things you want to sell (or, if you are a nonprofit, the exact amount of money you want to ask for) this holiday season.
Next, determine some valuable topics and themes that relate to the item, or items, you are promoting. For example, if you are trying to sell an introductory home organizing package to get your clients cleaned up for the holidays, then you might start by sending emails about easy organizing tips.
Break the topics down and create interesting email subject lines so you have enough content for weekly emails. These emails should provide something valuable to every reader. What this value sharing does is establish you as a subject-matter expert and leader in your community.
Make the last two emails of your campaign about your offer. Link the topics, ideas, and thoughts you shared previously to the product or idea you’ve based your business around. Don’t do a hard sell; graciously invite your readers to collaborate with you through the purchase of your product or via the donation they will make.
Set up an easy way for your community to buy from or donate to you. Don't make them search for your product or force them to follow too many steps.

Want us to help you implement this strategy successfully? Need additional guidance setting up email campaigns for your organization, business, or nonprofit? Contact Firefly Strategies at 505-216-6110 or email rubina@fireflystrategies.com.

Until then, please have a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday!

To your illumination,

]]><![CDATA[Top 3 Marketing Strategies to Close the Year Strong, Part 1 - Referrals]]>Mon, 18 Nov 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/top-3-marketing-strategies-to-close-the-year-strong-part-1

How are you feeling about your business or organization’s progress this year? If you haven't hit your revenue and growth goals, then I'd like to recommend a few key strategies you can implement right away to end your year on the right foot.
The three strategies are referrals, emails, and events.
Let’s focus first on referrals...

The people who have already worked with or bought from you before are most likely to buy again and/or refer your product or service to others. It takes less effort, time, and overall investment to get previous clients back in the door (or past donors to donate again) than it is to secure a brand new client. So, it's appropriate—and easier—to target this group as part of your referral strategy.

Another great group of people to approach for referrals are the organizations, vendors, suppliers, and contractors you work with. They know your product and services and can vouch for your product. It's also in their best interest that you keep your doors open.

Let’s get started:

Draft up a list of past customers or clients (or donors, if you’re a nonprofit). Don't forget to include all the people that help keep your business going.
List any organizations or businesses you’ve collaborated with or contacted before. Be sure to include the names of your specific contacts.
Include email addresses or phone numbers next to all the names on your contact list.
Schedule a set time to send emails or make calls.
Write a script for your emails or calls. Know exactly what you want to ask them. What do you want them to do on your behalf?

Now you're set to start asking for referrals. If you begin this process now, you'll see results in no time.

Stay tuned for Part 2: implementing email strategies!

Until then, here's to your illumination,

]]><![CDATA[3 Ways to Get Motivated and Be Productive When Things Get Tough]]>Mon, 11 Nov 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/3-ways-to-get-and-stay-motivated-and-be-productive-when-things-get-tough

We’ve all had down days. Days where it’s hard to get motivated; days where you just can't seem to get anything done. As luck would have it, your motivation often starts drying up right around the time something big is scheduled to happen at work or in your business. You’re launching a new program or your nonprofit has a huge capital campaign coming up...but, life is overwhelming you. Your child is sick, there are troubles at home, you were in a car accident, or a family member is struggling financially.

I’ve been tested like this more times than I'd like. Being a mom who runs a business is extremely challenging, but I can say I’ve found ways to stay productive and sane, even during the worst times.

Here are the three things I do to stay motivated and productive when life throws me a curveball.

Redefine Productivity

Look at what’s required of you and what it really means to be productive. Does “productive” mean that every little thing on your list gets crossed off? If you analyze your to-do list, you’ll find several things you can hand off to others. Pick the most important, "I gotta get it done" items off your list, then delegate the others to colleagues or drop them altogether.
Do the same thing with your personal life. Does the house need to be spotless or are you just adding to your stress? Take a second look at what you’ve said “yes” to and allow yourself the opportunity to say “no.”

Build Up Your Energy

Productivity increases when you have more energy. Give yourself the time and space you need to build your energy stores back up. Part of that includes dropping activities that zap your energy, like surfing the web, hanging out on Facebook, or watching endless hours of TV. I know how good it feels to marathon a show when life is getting you down, but that’s probably the worst thing you can do if you’re lacking motivation.

Try exercising for just 10 minutes. Listen to uplifting music. Eat some superfoods, like walnuts, avocados, chia seeds, yogurt, or blueberries. Meditate. Go for a walk or a hike. Doing these things will help restore your waning energy.

Get Support

This may seem overstated, but SO many people neglect this. Whether it's talking to a close friend or sharing with your significant other, do what you can to make this burdensome time less lonely. Don’t forget to tell the other person that you just need to vent; no advice is needed. When someone else tries to solve your problem when you’re just looking to vent, you can get frustrated and regret sharing.

Asking a friend or family member to brainstorm solutions is another great idea, but make it an actual brainstorming session with markers and flip charts. Really get them involved in figuring things out so you aren’t fighting alone.

Remember, as tough as things are now, you can get through it. Redefine what productivity really means to you. Do things that build up your energy; and as much as you might want to hide what you’re going through, take time to confide in someone. These three simple things will set you back on track to maintain your motivation and productivity.

Here's to your illumination!

]]><![CDATA[Stop These 4 Marketing Practices]]>Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/stop-doing-these-4-things-in-your-marketing

In our current economy, many old rules of marketing no longer apply. I’m constantly surprised to see businesses and organizations doing things the old way, but I don’t blame them as these outdated principles are still taught in college classrooms across the country.

Today, I’m going to outline how to stand out in today’s economy. These are the top four things you should STOP doing in order to elevate your marketing efforts...

STOP focusing SOLELY on features and benefits

For years we were taught to market the features and benefits of a product or service. However, thousands of others, just like you, are also promoting their features and benefits in the exact same way. To set yourself apart, know what makes you different from everyone else. Why would a client choose you over another business offering the same product or service?

STOP trying to FIGURE it out all by yourself

All too often, entrepreneurs decide they have to do everything themselves. Maybe they don’t want to spend the money to hire someone to do the work or maybe they don’t want to share their secrets; no matter the reason, they’re only hurting their business by tackling everything on their own. There are so many resources available, online and off. You don’t have to know or do everything yourself.

So, ask yourself: what’s the true cost of doing this all by myself? How could my business grow if I enlisted the help of a few talented individuals?

STOP doing it the way you've ALWAYS done it

Routine is the number one killer of marketing innovation. To solve your clients’ problems and provide the best solutions, you have to stop doing things the way you've always done them. “If it ain't broke, don’t fix it” isn’t always true.

Instead of rehashing old ideas, reflect on how you can do things differently. Come up with new, more effective solutions or programs for your customers. Look for a fresh perspective. New messages and creative communications will set your brand apart.

STOP marketing as a REACTION

Chaos ensues when you operate without guidance. Reactionary marketing projects an image of desperation, leaving your audience feeling suspicious.

Take a look at the following questions to see if your marketing efforts need a little more structure:

What are the marketing activities we've conducted over the last year?
Do we know which activities worked?
How can we measure our efforts?

Following these steps will help you break from your old marketing habits. It’s time to establish more effective strategies that are better suited to today’s economy.

Need help implementing new rules? Or maybe you’re looking to reshape your marketing priorities? Reach out to Firefly Strategies at 505-216-6110 or email rubina@fireflystrategies.com.

To your illumination,

]]><![CDATA[Get Organized to Rock your Revenue Goals]]>Mon, 21 Oct 2019 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.fireflystrategies.com/illuminate-blog/are-you-poised-to-hit-those-4th-quarter-revenue-goals

Even though we’re well into the year’s fourth quarter, it’s never too late to do some creative marketing. A great strategy for getting organized is making a marketing schedule.

You’re likely implementing several different marketing strategies, from social media updates to emails and press releases. Writing down all that needs to happen and when it should happen will make it much easier to stay consistent and results-oriented.

Creating a marketing schedule doesn't have to be a stressful or time-consuming task. As with any business task, if you can't find the time or don't like doing it, outsourcing is always an option. But, if you’re going to create your own marketing schedule, it's best to find a scheduling tool that fits your needs and style.

Downloadable Tools - There are numerous online calendars, spreadsheets, and scheduling tools that can be used to create your marketing schedule; the key is finding one that speaks to you. Search "downloadable marketing calendars" or "downloadable marketing schedules,” then pick one and try it for a while. If you don't like it, try another one.

Spreadsheets - Using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets is another great option. You can create multiple tabs for each marketing channel or build your plan all on one page.

Google or Outlook Calendars - This is a fantastic option if you primarily work off a calendar. Create a separate calendar in Google or Outlook that’s only for your marketing schedule, then import it to your personal calendar. Google makes it particularly easy to create and share calendars with others on your team.

Note or Document Programs - Evernote and Trello are two excellent examples of note-taking programs that can help you plan out your marketing schedule. These sites let you add images, save links, and create journal-style schedules. Note and document programs are great for those who like to write out ideas and create lists but prefer to do things digitally.

Paper Calendars - Don't discount the tried-and-true! If using a pen and paper is more your style, stop by any office supply store and stock up on the tools you know will work for you.

After you've picked your method, you can start planning. Begin by creating a list of topics you want to cover through the rest of the year; make sure to include holidays, special events, sales, and product launches. Think about your target audience and their interests. What have people responded to in the past? What value do you want to bring to their lives? What will keep them coming back for more?

Take a deep breath, the hard part is over! With your list in hand, it’s time to use your scheduling too and create your marketing schedule. Schedule the topics on the various platforms you use. Be thorough. Keep a folder on your desktop with marketing images and graphics so you can easily access them when you’re writing your posts. Schedule your topics in an order that makes sense while making note of special dates or time-sensitive topics.

Flexibility is key during this process. Your marketing schedule is a guideline, not a contract. If something isn’t working, change it. With that said, remember the importance of consistency. Choose 1-3 things and stick with them. Wait a good three-to-six months, then review and revise accordingly.

As always, if you have questions, comments, or thoughts to share, please email me! I’m happy to listen and help in any way that I can.

To your illumination,

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