When you think of your comfort zone, what comes to mind? Is it curling up on the couch and enjoying your favorite show? Is it going to the gym? Avoiding social gatherings? Any routine can be your comfort zone.
When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone in real life and in your business's marketing?
If that question makes you anxious, don't worry. You aren't alone! We all have our own comfort zones, and many of us struggle to get out of them.
You may be wondering, "Well, why would I even want to do that? I love my comfort zone. I want to stay here." Understandable, but how will you grow?
Ginni Rometty, the former CEO of IBM, said, "Growth and comfort do not co-exist."
It's true! To grow, you have to learn to leave your comfort zone. Let's talk about how to get out of your comfort zone and try new things in your marketing.
Take risks
Taking risks may inspire some anxiety, but in business, stepping out of your comfort zone has far more benefits than not. Some of the most successful companies are known for taking risks.
Venturing in "risky" territory will give you an edge over competitors who are too afraid to go there.
Use different tactics
Using the same tactics over and over again will stunt your growth. Marketing is already a rapidly-evolving industry, and it's important to be innovative if you want to stay ahead of your competitors. Don't forget Sandler Rule #42: A Winner Has Alternatives, A Loser Puts All His Eggs in One Basket.
When you are constantly evolving and exploring innovative tactics, you are also learning and growing. If you want to grow your business, you have to be willing to try new things.
Revisit old tactics
Just because something didn't work the first time you tried it doesn't mean it won't work now.
For example, say your business posts two blogs monthly but didn't see much return on investment (ROI), so you ditched that and did something else. Revisit those blogs and ask yourself what you could do differently to improve them. What can you do now to get a better ROI? Post more blogs? Add better graphics? Increase content? Pick different topics?
Show who you are
A mistake many businesses make is that they appear too "corporate" in their marketing. Their audience may have no idea who the people are behind the company name and logo.
People want to know who you are, and there are a million ways to do this. Create a Meet the Team page on your website, showcase your employees with spotlights on social media, or do live videos and interact on social media. The more creative and fun, the better!
Getting out of your comfort zone can be nerve-wracking. Don't be afraid to fail because failing is how we learn. Now is your chance to leave your comfort zone and enter the growth zone in your marketing.
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About the Authors
Mike Crandall, Sandler of Oklahoma
Mike Crandall is a Speaker, Consultant, Coach and Trainer focused on Sales, Management, and Leadership Development. He's also the owner of Sandler Oklahoma, a world leader in innovative sales, management, and leadership training. They offer consulting, coaching, and training for individuals and organizations serious about professional development and growth. Mike is the author of "Motivational Management The Sandler Way" and has written a sales column for several years.
Tim Priebe, T&S Online Marketing
Tim Priebe is a public speaker, author, columnist, and the owner of T&S Online Marketing. He helps businesses that are worried they don't have the expertise or time required to incest in doing their own digital marketing. He helps them plan where and how much to invest and often helps execute the plan. Tim's company helps with websites, social media, blogging, email newsletters, Google rankings, and online video. Time is the author of several online marketing books, including "102 Tweets," "Blog a Week," and "Online Marketing Mindshift."
