If you haven’t had one recently – I highly recommend it along with the thought that this trip down memory lane might provoke for you. For me, I just had my first PB&J in…I honestly can’t recall how long it’s been. As I took my first bite – not only did it bring back some great youthful memories, but it also delighted my taste buds. Sweet…. Delicious…. Arguably healthy! Why in the world have I ignored PB&J for so long? How did I forget about it? As most experiences do, this return to PB&J got me thinking about lead generation. Here are the 5 things I learned from my PB&J Sandwich!
Stick with the basics:
PB&J is something I turned to because there’s not a lot involved to put it together and the ingredients are always in my pantry. We often get carried away and complicate matters by trying to make a splash or make things sizzle. Sometimes the basics are the best way to achieve your desired outcome – whether that be a satisfying lunch or kick ass results! Many times the best approach is to be direct, don’t overthink it – just lay it out there and the leads will come.
Try new things:
In thinking about why I hadn’t had a PB&J in so long, I realized that there are an infinite number of awesome lunch options. Within a five mile radius, I have several favorites. Panera has unlimited soup, sandwich, and salad combinations – you can have a different meal there every day for probably a year. Also within walking distance of my office are about 20 other great lunch spots. Just as there are an unlimited number of lunch sources – there are an endless number of ways to bring in quality leads. Do not get stuck in a rut – you have to test new opportunities. Otherwise, you risk missing out on a great LEAD SOURCE. You also risk having your lead source dry up without having tested to know what other options will work for you and/or your clients.
Don’t forget about the tried & true:
As important as it is to test new lead sources, it’s equally important to leave a lead source once it STOPS performing. There are always other options. That said, after some time away from a source of quality leads, you cannot forget to go back to them. After a hiatus, any solid lead source will refresh. Take them out of your media cycle, but never forget to put them back into rotation. Sometimes to move forward, the best thing to do is take a step back.
Take the time to remember what you’re probably forgetting:
Just because you’ve used a tactic previously and perhaps wore it out doesn’t mean that you should forget about it. Or, it’s possible that you’re taking something for granted that you just overlook because it’s so basic. I recommend at least 60 minutes that you set aside every day to be out of the office and think about something other than what’s on your desk. In this time-starved world, if that seems impossible – start with 15 minutes and work your way up. Take a walk around the block, go to the park, go to the gym – do something that takes you out of your box. You’d be surprised at how effective this can be at giving you that light bulb that you were looking for.
Savor the Results:
Last, but certainly not least, savor the results. Just like I will rethink my choice of cobb salad over the wedge, I’m also 100% guilty of always judging my results based on how they could have been better. Too often, I forget to celebrate the victories before working on how to beat my control. Arguably, this competitive nature is what keeps me on top and drives continuous results. That being said, if I can’t enjoy the results – such as helping one client to DOUBLE in size in just one year of working with me (shameless plug), than why do it. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t strive to be successful. There is probably nothing more important to ultimate success than having fun with your co-workers every day and celebrating the wins (even small ones). This is what will ensure a strong enough team to enjoy overcoming the setbacks and challenges that come with every success.
So, when you haven’t had time to shop, don’t hesitate to pull out that peanut butter and jelly and love everything about this old favorite. And if you happen to have a bump in your marketing, go back to the basics – the results will probably delight you.