2 to 3

When you were just a youth, you could go from 2 to 3. You may have started with blocks. Now you have grown and you still need to play with blocks. Can your business now go from 2 to 3?

Marketing for most of us starts with 2 blocks. These building blocks are Stories and Statistics. The first "S" block is the Stories that define everything you say and do about your business, your products, your people, and your service. Stories apply to everyone in your business, in your partners, in your vendors, in your office. People love to tell stories and the right stories can make your marketing efforts priceless. Our next "S" block is Statistics. This is data of what you actually do or accomplish. Either you are the keeper of statistics or you have someone keeping the statistics. Statistics are powerful and boring. Ignore statistics and you will fall behind. Pay attention to the statistics and your marketing can be right on target.

These 2 "S" building blocks will now lead you into the next marketing blocks. Goods and services, exchanges, and connections.

This block is the "G" block. Goods and Services are material. They let you feel and touch in the story. They help spread your story. The better the story the faster it spreads. If the story is uneventful you had better re-think your Story and re-examine your Statistics.

The next block is "E" for Exchanges. These are the tactics and tools that you will use to actually touch the customer or client. You exchanges range from the way you answer the phone to your web page. Your business card is an exchange. Your invoice is an exchange. Your community actions are an exchange. Exchanges are your ace in the hole. They are like the anti to get into the game, but if you bluff, you will be called out.

The last block is the "C" block. Connections are the highest level of the stack and your end goal. Connections are how you measure your marketing efforts. Connections are between you and the client, connections are between you and your vendors, and connections are between you and your market. When your marketing is successful at this level, customers, vendors, associates, partners, and clients will want to be part of your story.

How do you stack your blocks? Does your Statistics and Story lead to solid Exchanges? Is your Story supported by your Goods and Services? Are your Exchanges leading to Connections? Are you able to go from 2 to 3?

Is your company's marketing stacked? If not, go get some blocks and start building your business.