You know that feeling when you go to create something new and you feel at a loss on where to start?
Whether you’re crafting your message, writing your webinar script, or creating a Facebook ad….staring at a blank screen can feel paralyzing.
It’s so much easier to get started when you have something to work with… a template or system that shows you what to do, step by step.
The same is true in life. If you want to lose weight, there’s an overwhelm of diets and recipes out there, but how do you piece it all together?
That feeling of overwhelm can be paralyzing, and it’s why I’m a big fan of templates and systems. In fact, I have created several of them myself.
But the truth is, that a system or template alone can be a dangerous thing. Why? Because you can’t expect to know how to fully implement it and get amazing results.
You have to know how to tailor it to your own situation… your brand, voice, strengths, lifestyle, niche, and values (to name a few).
You have to adapt what you learn through that template or system to make it work for you!
Let me give you an example.
One of my mentors has a program he offers that brings him great sales. He shared his system with me and encouraged me to use it in my business.
But as I looked at the system, I realized it wouldn’t be in integrity for me because I don’t think I could get great results for my clients using his approach (I’m not saying his approach doesn’t generate great results for his clients, but we work differently). So even though it was tempting to duplicate his success, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
Here’s another example. When I help my clients launch their programs, I like to be very generous and give them my launch content to use as a guideline — my webinar script, sales page, emails, etc.
Sometimes I see they try to copy my content almost word for word, and I have to caution them that we have to use my material as an outline, but adapt it to their niche and voice.
That doesn’t mean we have to start from scratch. Systems and templates can be valuable starting points.
Here are 5 tips on how to make the best use of templates and systems:
1. Ask why
Always understand the “why” behind the system you’re following so you can understand the logic of it. Why do you offer an attendance prize on a webinar? Why is it best to offer payment plans on a program even if all the content is available right away? It’s only by understanding the logic that you can see if it makes sense and how to best apply it to your situation.
2. Think strategy
Closely aligned with point #1 is that you have to understand the strategy behind the tactics. If you follow a system without understanding the strategy behind it, you’ll end up spinning around in circles. I see so many people who try all kinds of marketing tactics and they don’t work, because they don’t have the strategic foundation in place.
Marketing without a clear message is one great example of that. Think about it. Marketing is sharing your message with the right people so they’re inspired to take action. So if you don’t know what your message is, no matter how many marketing tactics you try, you won’t get results. Strategy before tactics.
3. Know the results
Sometimes you look at what a leader in your nice is doing and think… well, if it worked for them, I’ll just copy what they did. That’s a dangerous approach. Beyond what we said about not tailoring it to you, how do you know what they did worked? How do you know which elements worked and which ones bombed? Know the results, and you’ll gain valuable insight into what elements you want to try in your own business.
4. Get support
The best way to learn how to apply a template or system to your situation is to get hands on support from the system creator. They can give you valuable feedback so you can implement with confidence.
That’s why I always include coaching support in ever program I create, including private time with me. I know it’s not as “scaleable” and most “gurus” say not to do it, but it’s what feels right to me because I know how valuable that one on one time is for my clients.
5. Trust your gut
One of my mottos in business is “learn from others, trust yourself”. Just because something “tests well” for the system creator, doesn’t mean it will work the same for you. You have to adapt what you learn for your unique passions, skills, niche, and voice. Make it true to you…
That’s what I call “Marketing from Within”.
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