Last week, I announced the launch of a client website at: www.BoundariesBooks.com. A big reason why I enjoyed this project was due to the great content in the seven “Boundaries” books. For example, Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud emphasizes a counterintuitive idea that “control freaks make great leaders.” Yet, he has a different spin on the definition of a control freak:
Focus your time on what you have control of that directly affects the desired outcomes of your organization. When you do that, two powerful things happen. Not only do you get results, but you also change your brain so that you function better and then get even more results, in a spiraling, upward direction.
To read his full article, click here.
Dr. Cloud’s point can be directly applied to marketing. If you want to improve your marketing, focus on what you can control. This mindset is a much better option than obsessing over variables that you can’t affect. When you dwell on the negative, you usually wind up frustrated or depressed, such as:
- Someone never called back or responded to your invitation to build an alliance.
- Another book got a high profile review instead of yours.
- A radio or TV producer ignored your press release.
- Google won’t put your website on the first page of search results.
- A publisher rejected your book proposal.
If you want to break this negative cycle and become a better marketer, then become a control freak. Focus on the promotional tasks that you can complete and execute. Then, you’ll maintain a sense of hope and power. None of us can control other people’s actions, but we can control our attitudes and responses. What does that look like?
- You continue thinking creatively and maintaining passion for your product or service.
- You focus on learning new skills and being productive each day.
- You press on with quiet perseverance in the face of rejection.
- You maintain a positive outlook and remember your past successes.
If you want to be a better marketer, be a control freak (just not the weird, overbearing type that drive people crazy). Use your day to concentrate on the activities that you can control. Write that next newsletter, pursue a new partnership, work on your next book, practice your new speech, create a new free resource, develop a new product, etc.
When you focus on what you can control, your brain will feel better. Your energy level will stay higher. And, you’re spouse and kids will probably enjoy you more when you’re home. 🙂
