At a recent mayoral discussion (couldn’t really call it a debate) between Mike Rawlings and David Kunkle at the North Dallas Chamber, Rawlings drew an example that has application to general marketing and networking.
The three M’s of successful management of a city (or any business, for that matter) are:
- Metrics
- Mirroring
- Marketing
Metrics are a good idea in any endeavor. Being able to measure progress or activity toward a goal help you continue or chart the right course. As a marketing person, you learn what parts of your program are working and which aren’t. As a networker, you know which events you are attending are getting you leads and building your database.
Looking in the mirror allows you to examine yourself and your approach. The networker asks, “Am I smiling enough?” and “Am I seeing the growth in me and my business I need to see?” The marketer looks in the mirror and asks, “Am I projecting the right image for my company?” or “Does that program share the image I want for my company to my various audiences?”
Marketing is the missing piece in city government, as both Rawlings and Kunkle acknowledge. Marketing, while a dirty work to many, is really what we all need to do to grow and shape our businesses. Projecting a prositive image in a calculated, measure way is the way to build and grow your business.
The three M’s are a viable set of ideas we need to consider in our outreach.
Oh, and don’t forget to vote.
Relentless
