Mikaila Tutt

Failure is an option. https://www.candymoose.com/single-post/2018/01/12/Failure-is-an-option January 12, 2018 | Mikaila Moose There's a saying that goes around, "Failure is not an option." But, in a world where marketing is ever changing, I tell you, failure is an option. If a marketer is afraid to try something new in fear of failure, then what is the point of marketing? Your marketing team, your marketing manager or your marketing agency should embrace change and embrace failure. If an idea is put on the table, something so out of the ordinary and ridiculously hard to believe that it will succeed, but might just, then why not try it? I have never understood the negativity around failure, it's a learning curve. You might say, what if it doesn't work? Oh, but what if it does? What if your new marketing strategy, or your new ad campaign is so out of the box that people stand up and take notice, what if you catch the attention of that one big customer your business so desperately needs? Nothing is impossible. Marketing adapts, it changes, consumers don't want to see the same thing day in and day out. Consumers are flooded by selling strategies and advertisements constantly all day, every day. They go on their social media pages, they see ads. They drive to work, they see billboards. They binge watch DStv at night, and they see ads. My opinion is, you need to come up with a concept that is different, that stands out from the rest. Now I am not talking about negative publicity, I am talking about something that pricks the ear, or tickles the eyeball. Let's say, you're selling personal coaching classes. You're amazing at what you do, you really are. But how will you show people that? What sets you apart from the rest of the thousands of personal coaches out there? Focus on that. Tell people your story, and talk about the journey you've been or your brand has been on. I don't care that you've got a great logo, or your site is perfectly user friendly and well designed (although these are very important). What I want to know is, what makes you qualified to make a change in my life? How would your coaching teach me something different to one of the others out there? What is your back story? I'm weird like that I guess, I want to see the face or name behind the brand. I want to know what happened to get you to where you are today. Use that, make people understand why you're different, why your product or service is better than another. Unique Selling Points are vastly underrated, people don't advertise or sell enough about what sets them apart from the rest. Focus on these things. Put together a list that you think sets your business apart from the pack. Then put together some artwork around these things. Talk about your concept, your ideas and don't be scared that somebody is going to turn their nose up at it and think you're crazy. Put these up on your website, on your Facebook page, put your face on the brand, even if you don't think people want to see it. Try a new tagline. Try a new sales promotion. Don't be afraid to work with influencers or partner with people who can help you make sales. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to create content that seems a little strange, or a little different. Don't be afraid that failure puts a big, black cross next to your business name. Yes, you might put a post on your Facebook today, that reaches only 50 people. And you slap your forehead in utter embarrassment, and shout at yourself about how the world is laughing at you. You know what? You weren't afraid. You tried something new. And that will make all the difference.