The New and Exciting-"What's Next?" Mindset

I believe it was mentioned in a previous blog post of mine, how marketers tend to become enraptured with the new and exciting. The prospect of opportunity is certainly a motivator for marketers to leap towards the most popular topic in the news.

I want to be clear in saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking the immediate plunge into something new and unexplored. It expresses a marketer's willingness to expand and improve in new ways for its customers. However, the marketer should have a clear mindset, and should have objectives readied for what they specifically seek to gain from the new territory they are exploring.

Much of business is directed by planning and goal-setting, since it clarifies what the benefit will be for all involved. With the mad rush of communications that is typical of today's market, it stands to reason that these basic business edicts are not being adhered to (at least, not as much as they should be).

Try To Resist The Urge To Be "First"


Marketing is not all about racing, but instead pace, observation, and then action.

Like anything in life, human beings tend to try being the first at something they feel will create acknowledgement and a sense of accomplishment amongst their peers. The big mistake here is that priorities (and sometimes reality) are disregarded in place for something that may turn out to be nothing at all. By waiting it out first, you are observing whether or not there is an identified risk.

While others may potentially gain further business from being first, you could potentially obtain more through carefully analyzing any mistakes, approaches, or situations the competition has experienced. Waiting before making an immediate move could better prepare your company in taking full advantage of the new situation it has been dealt.

Research Has Revealed Something New and Exciting! I Need To Use It Right Away!
Research does indeed explore new and emerging methodologies, as well as changes within industries. The reality though, is that sometimes research needs to be perceived as simply what it is: information to be looked over and considered. In cases of incredibly new situations, it is not always best to act upon research collected. Research can be just as beneficial to a company when it is aware of the new developments surrounding it, since it can maximize all potential avenues to take.

My Final Thoughts
I would like to end off by stating to my fellow marketers that sometimes the greatest opportunities are not for those who show up first, but instead those who arrive later with all the facts (although this should not be misconstrued as an excuse to be late for your job, or any significant event/occasion). The central theme of this blog post is best summed up through the old saying, "Patience is a virtue."

If you really do indeed want to be the first at something, be prepared to be possibly the first one who makes a significant mistake before everyone else.