Clint Powell: The Power Of A List

  • Tuesday, August 18, 2015
  • Clint Powell
Clint Powell
Clint Powell

I love lists.  We all do - right?  A top 10 ‘this’.  Five ways to be more ‘that’.  Seven things you should do now.  Twenty things that will make you more whatever it is you want to be.  Who doesn't love a good list? (Put your hands down – you’re embarrassing yourself).  So now that we have established that lists are what makes the world go round – I have three lists that you should be making and keeping up with. Here we go… 

Marketing List:
“I don’t have a marketing budget.” – “I don’t know how much I spend on advertising.” These are typical responses from most companies when I ask about their marketing and advertising budget. You would be amazed at how many folks don’t plan their marketing. So – then we ask some questions: How much do you spend on business cards? Social media? Print pieces? Little league baseball team sponsorships? Events? The ‘on hold’ phone messaging system? Email or newsletter marketing? Training sales folks?  It is $100 here - $550 there - $250 a month on this - $700 on that….the final tally is either much more or less than they thought. Either way – the fact they do not know helps explain their frustration. There is no intentionality behind their budget – no framework – no direction – no united message or goal. So – the first list you should make is a list of everything you spend money on that is marketing and advertising.  

Connection List:
Networking can be a vital part of your business growth plan - as a matter of fact - it should be. There are two main reasons business folks do not network. 1) Lack of time or lack of time management. 2) They do not enjoy it or do not think they are ‘good’ at it. I have seen established business leaders who have stopped adding people to their contact list – they limit their relationships and the value that those new contacts can bring with them. So – make a list. Actually two lists. Make one of your current contacts you have not spoken to or met with in over three-months. Emails do not count. You will be surprised how many good contacts, referral sources, or business friends you have lost personal contact with. Now make a list of people you would like to meet or a list of specific industries you would like to have a contact in. Then put a plan in place to reconnect and/or introduce yourself. Take who you know and who they know…seriously.  Remember it’s not just about knowing people – but being known as well. Be consistent with your personal face-to-face branding.  

Things I hate: 
There are two kinds of things you probably hate. 1) Things you hate, but are the things that only you can do and should be responsible for. 2) Things you hate and are not very good at. The things in the #1 column you need to learn how to manage and realize that is part of being in business. We may love what we do, but not everything that goes into it. That is just life. The things in column #2 are things you should consider getting more help with and maybe even consider just handing off all together. I have found that those things are where a lot of type “A” folks lose money, time, and sanity. These may be important tasks, but tasks that other people can do and may be better at. Stop trying to make a weakness a strength. Be good at what you’re good at - hand off what you’re not good at - and monitor both. Don’t let working in the business get in the way of working on the business.  

Making a list will not solve your problems, but it will help you to focus. The magic is in the process of making the list and then putting a plan in place to use the information you have gathered. Now that will change your business and your life. So get out a pad and pen – now put making these three lists on top of your to-do-list. 

* * * 

Clint Powell is owner of Connect Marketing, an advertising agency in Chattanooga. He is a graduate of Carson-Newman College. He has spent years in radio advertising sales and management, built and sold a billboard company and works on a contract basis with other ad agencies writing ad copy and helping formulate strategies. Clint has worked with hundreds of local and regional companies over the years and helped them develop advertising campaigns. He believes that life is all about connections and spends his time connecting businesses and business owners to solutions. He sits on the board of Y-Cap (YMCA Community Action Program) and helps with several other non-profits. Clint currently resides in East Ridge with his wife and three children. He also host a weekly radio show focused on business and marketing – Marketing Mix Radio on US 101 The Legend @ 96.1

Latest Headlines
Business/Government
Gig City Girls Celebrates Women's History Month
  • 3/29/2024

In celebration of Women's History Month, Gig City Girls is showcasing female graduates from Hamilton County Schools who have made significant strides in IT, computer science, or STEM fields. ... more

Spring CLEAN Initiative To Focus On Neighborhood Surrounding Mack Gaston Center In Dalton
  • 3/28/2024

Spring cleaning is just as much a part of April as blooming plants and seasonal allergies. This year, the City of Dalton is organizing an effort for a "Spring CLEAN" in one of our founding neighborhoods. ... more

Secretary Of State Tre Hargett Issues New Warning About Mail Scam Targeting Business Renewals
  • 3/28/2024

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett issued a new warning to businesses across the state today about a deceptive mail scam related to the filing of annual business renewals from a company ... more