In life, there are so many things you can do. Some will work, some will not.

In marketing and communications, it is very much the same. There are many things you could do, many shiny new things, many companies selling the latest and perhaps greatish things, or sometimes things that actually are great.

With so many possibilities, it can be hard to focus on what will make the biggest impact. What should get your attention and focus?

With so much fighting for your attention and focus, it is easy to lose sight of what is most important and fundamental.

Without further overloading folks, here are 7 things we should consider and act on.

The Magnificent 7 Marketing Ideal-dos.

1. Diagnose the current situation - where we are now.

2. Create clear audience segments - who we are talking to and what they want.

3. Set clear objectives & KPIs - where we want to be and when.

4. Define roles(s) for marketing & communications - how we will get there and what we will do.

5. Plan for the long & the short-term - Prime future buyers with brand (emotional) and covert current buyers with retail (rational) comms.

6. Invest in your future - set appropriate budget levels to match your long-term ambitions.

7. Harness the power of creativity and continuity - step out of the sea of sameness and build salience over time.