A dead car battery and other marketing energy sources.
My car battery died yesterday. Born in 2015, Sparky lived a charged and energetic life. Although AAA tried to jump-start him, he couldn’t be revived. A proper burial (recycling) is planned.
This battery had been in my car for seven years when I started The Marketing Sage Consultancy.
When Eddie from AAA took out the old battery, he explained the problem to me and told me how I missed the sign that it was failing.
“See this acid leaking out. It is like when you have a cold and are sniffling and coughing. It is a sign something is wrong. The computer tested your battery at less than 10% strength, and it is time to change how you get your energy in this vehicle.”
I could not have said it better or found a more apt metaphor. Eddie’s point was spot on; I knew I had missed the signs of a pending problem.
Twenty minutes later, I’m back driving forward and on the road again.
On this same morning, I heard a story on a podcast about how in 2023, new energy sources like hydrogen power may finally be realized in meaningful ways. Some facilities produce energy almost at no cost by separating oxygen and hydrogen. I don’t get that either – but the point that resonated with me was, where is your power source?
So why are energy, power, and battery showing up today as the new year is winking goodbye to me?
Evolving Business Model for Marketing Energy Sources
Like any healthy business, my power and energy source comes from connections, relationships, and networks.
I do get prospective clients reaching out to me who read my posts and find me online. But most of my opportunities come from people I know.
Our exchanges, where we recharge each other by using our skills and contacts to support one another, are my energy source. And I am always looking to renew it. We both give, and the benefit is greater than the expended energy.
So, what’s the marketing implication for me and every consulting and service business in 2023? Where is your power source coming from in the new year?
- Who can you help who may have opportunities for you? Investing in helping others and their needs first may bring benefit from your engagement. I have a help-first mindset, so I’m always looking to see who might need assistance I can share. It seems when you give, you are renewing your energy. I actively look for ways to be a conduit – connecting others together.
- How many points of connection can you make each day? I recently started partnering with a colleague I worked with 25 years ago. By staying in touch – occasionally helping each other, we have a significant new venture to collaborate on in 2023. On average, I reach out to five people daily through LinkedIn messages and offer free help, guidance, and assistance. Without planting lots of seeds, where will your harvest come from?
- Write to share my ideas. In December of 2022, five friends and connections came to me for advice about starting a consulting business. This blog post about starting a consulting business came from one of those conversations. I have shared it broadly so others can benefit from my ideas in a step-by-step approach. By putting ideas into the universe, I know that something good will return to my family or me. I believe in karma. It is that simple.
What is the energy source of your business for 2023?
How do you recharge and refresh it, so your business keeps evolving, expanding, and growing?
As 2023 starts, how will you boast the voltage your business needs through referrals, relationships, and human interaction?
For me, offering help is a sustainable power source. It is renewable, sustainable, and exhilarating. Best of all, being helpful is a creative act.
What battery and power source will you replace or recharge in 2023 to spark your life’s work?
You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com Call me. 919 720 0995. The conversation is free, and we can explore if working together makes sense. Watch a short video about working with me.
