"When God sees you doing your part, developing what He has given you, then He will do His part and open doors that no man can shut...Joel Osteen"

Are you doing your part?  My most successful business owners, mentors, and pastors have stated to me this quote: "Market or Die". You can have the best product, service, church, organization, or business in the world.  But if no one knows about it....what good will it be to anyone?   Some of the best small businesses I've worked with over the past few years have had superior products, but so few people knew about them.   If you going to have a successful business or non-profit you must market it.  There's no way to get around MARKETING.  Go ahead and put it into your budget.  Don't neglect it.  Get it done!

Stay flexible
Everyone needs a marketing plan.  One of my mentors always stressed that "an unwritten plan is impossible to follow."  This plan is not etched in concrete.  It gives you a foundation on where to start and where to go.  The plan should also have flexibility to allow you to make adjustments as your environment changes.   There's no straight line to success.  Some of the best written plans never happen.  Yet, we should always be prepared for obstacles and ways to get around them.   Make sure your plan is on-going.

Keep it simple
As you market, keep it simple.  Don't over complicate things.   Work smarter not harder when it comes to marketing your business.
A business owner was stressing out because he left his fax number off his business cards.  He was getting ready to spend thousands of dollars by ordering new cards.  Some of my millennials have never used a fax machine or have no clue of what it does.  To keep things simple, he could put the fax number on his website or Facebook page.   Don't get caught up on complicated strategies to market your business.   Entrepreneurs make it a goal that at least 5 new people know what you do each day.  Watch how your business grows.  Large business owners at least 500+  new people should know what you do each day.  Churches at least 20 new people per day should know where you are at whose kingdom you represent.

Be consistent and take action.
A common mistake a lot of business owners make is placing one ad in the paper/Facebook and sitting and waiting for the results.   Let's look at the role of a farmer.  A farmer plants MANY seeds in an timely, orderly and consistent method.  The farmer also nourishes and inspects his harvest.   If you're going to be successful in any venture you've got to be consistent and take action.  As Dr. Rick Warren, (A Purpose Driven Life), stated in one of his lectures, "A seed is worthless in a bag"  As I joyfully chew on these sunflower seeds, I agree totally with Dr. Warren.    Plant your seeds in your business.  Inspect your seeds in your business.  

Go tell someone about you, your business or organization!   Use traditional marketing, social media, print media or whatever it takes to get the job done.  #Letsgoletsgrow  #ASKSEEKKNOCK

1. Your  domain name  is  your address on the information highway.  This is where people can find you.  If you’re going to be a light on a hill, please let people know where you are.
2. Most newcomers research your church online before attending your church.    Does your site represent your church?  Is it something that was put up in haste without planning or thought.   Does the design look professional?   Google your church and see what comes up?
3. Your website can help people know more about God.   It can be good Christian Education.
4. Your website helps get information out about your church, your mission and your goals
5. Your website can help get God’s word out to the world.
6. Your website can assist in collecting tithes and offerings.  Many young people make their contributions online. Some churches have reported that their offerings increased when they implemented online giving through their site.
7. Your website can document your history and tell your story.
8. Your website can keep your congregation informed and engaged.  For example, a picture gallery with captions can help members to know each other.
9. Your website should be attached to  Facebook, Twitter, or  some type of Social Media.  Social Media drives traffic to your site. 
10. Facebook should not be your only presence on the web.  You don’t own or control Facebook.  Facebook algorithms and procedures change constantly.    Also your target audience may not be on Facebook.
 
If you’re going to be “pointing souls to Calvary”, make sure you have the tools and technology to light the path.

“How you do anything is how you do everything...is your church just doing anything?
  Let all things be done in decency and in order”  1 Corinthians 14:40