There are two words that small business owners typically don't put in the same sentence. Marketing and Fun.

There are two words that small business owners typically don't put in the same sentence. Marketing and Fun.

It's true. Marketing can be challenging, labour-some, and not the least rewarding. It's not unlike any other activity you take up. It requires a little bit of effort, the right know-how, and lots of practice. Of course having someone to guide you and fall back on for support, like a coach or mentor, helps big time.

The trick is to make marketing fun. You need to be excited about your marketing efforts.

What makes Marketing fun?

Here are some great ways to make marketing a fun routine for you.

* Keep Score - Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are important and they're fun to keep and to beat. For example, the number of phone calls, appointments, proposals, clients, etc.

* Marketing Board - Plan ahead and keep track of your marketing tactics. What are you going to do in month 1, 2, 3. When is your next promotion? etc. Get your staff involved and make it fun.

* Sales Board - Keep your company accountable and on track by recording how many calls, prospects, and customers you're taking on every day/week/month/quarter.

* Attend Marketing Events - Seminars, Webinars, and Workshops are fun. See www.MarketingWorkshops.ca for a list of my upcoming events. Just realize there comes a time you need to put it into action and guys like me can help get you there quicker.

* Reward yourself and your staff - Use your new marketing calendar and sales board to measure your success and set rewards accordingly. It'll be more fun for you, your staff, and you'll increase your results!

* Prizes and Competition - Step up the rewards game and create prizes for the person that has the most amount of leads, appointments, and sales, etc.

* Referrals on Steroids - When done right, a referral program will flood your sales funnel with leads. And it's fun. Prospects, clients, and staff get excited about being part of the company and promoting your product/service.

* Marketing Goals - You've likely set sales, business, and personal goals. But what about the most important goals, your marketing goals? Not be confused with results. What are you doing specifically to market your business this week/month/quarter?

* Consider taking on a mentor or coach -Simply put, experience is key. I took up golf one year and I learned more in 30 minutes with a golf instructor than hours wacking balls into the rough. In hindsight I spent more money trying to figure it out on my own. It's fun getting an expert help out and brainstorm with.

* Track Conversions - If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. You need to keep track of conversions and record them ongoingly. If it's not written, it's likely wrong data that'll lead you to making bad decisions. It's alot more fun to make decisions based on quality data.

* Promotion - Christmas is around the corner, what is your marketing promotion? What will make your phone ring and what are you going to sell like hot cakes? Promotions are fun to put together and highly motivating. I helped a fellow marketer put together their promotion and I can tell you they were over the moon happy and excited about their promotion.

What if Marketing still isn't fun?

You've either not implemented all of the above or there are key elements missing. Marketing isn't easy and you don't have to do it all on your own. Get smart, get savvy, get results... Get yourself a coach that will bring you to the next level. Attend my Marketing Webinar at http://www.MarketingWorkshops.ca and I'll show you how to put your marketing efforts on steroids and make them fun. I guarantee it!