Normally the weather is not much of a topic for conversation.
Although it does seem to get a few mentions each day on Twitter.
However at this time of the year for those celebrating Christmas the weather takes on importance.
In my country many celebrate the day having picnics and visiting the beach with friends and families. And many from the northern hemisphere travel down under to escape the cold and snow.
However this year the start to summer has been in a word lousy and unfortunately it is not improving.
To sum it up in two words – wet and cold.
The forecast at the moment is for a few showers for Christmas Day which has upset some plans.
Talking to a few friends about this on the weekend as background for this article they had different approaches.
A couple of them lived in hope that the forecast was wrong. And to be fair it often is.
They do not have a backup plan so I am not sure what they will do as a picnic in the rain may be fun for the children but not for the adults.
So they will be anxiously waiting to see what happens.
Others have made small changes to cater for the possibility so there is no last minute scrambling if it is not a sunny day.
They are ready if the weather continues and will be having a much less stressful time this week.
Marketing Strategy Flexibility
As with the weather sometimes we can’t control circumstances affecting our business and the marketing of our brands. However we can be alert to real possibilities that may happen and have a backup plan.
This doesn’t mean redoing everything.
As marketing planning is a continuous process, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all turn out okay is not a good approach if you want your business to grow.
Having flexibility built into your marketing strategy just in case you need to put it into action quickly with minimal disruption is one key to success. The businesses that are quick to take the right action often gain a competitive edge.
So the question for you this week is do you have flexibility built in to make sure if circumstances arise you can turn them into opportunities if you need to?
True Susan. For everything in life you need a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Then you are fine whatever happens.
As you say, flexibility is key and, as we have seen with the world economy in recent years, anything can happen.
If you are caught with your pants down you are in for a lot of trouble.
Catarina Alexon recently posted..Is the Syrian president removed from reality?
Hi Catarina,
So true about the world and economies and next year will probably have more changes in store for us. Actually it reminds me of the boy scout “be prepared” motto although not sure if they still used it, but it is still applies.
Thanks for all your comments and shares of my articles during the year. I have really appreciated them.
It’s very true that the business leaders that are more likely to show wins on the board, are the ones that demonstrate the most flexibility and adaptability.
They are quickly able to position themselves to move with the market…not only do they have a plan B…but more often than not a B.1 and B.2. tucked away in their back pocket.
Have a great Christmas Susan, and I hope the weather plays nicely for you.
Jackie recently posted..What percentage of 39 Million would you like?
Those B’s do come in handy don’t they and you are right leaders do show adaptability and flexibility Jackie.
The weather gods must have read my post as the sun has decided to come out. You have a great Christmas too and all the best for a great 2012.
Flexibility often requires adaptation which is something I’ve been going through a bit of lately. As I run into obstacles I can either pretend they aren’t there or make changes and hopefully survive and thrive. Merry Christmas Susan.
Catherine Lockey recently posted..6 Ripoff Dead GiveAways: Don’t let that Marketer Make a Clown out of You
Hi Catherine,
I am sure you thrive with the changes you make and will continue to thrive. It is easy to pretend they are there and many do so unfortunately.
If I can ever be of help just let me know.
And I hope you have a very Merry Christmas as well Catherine.
Hi Susan,
I agree for that you write very technical point for marketing by the way 3 days remaining in Christmas and I schedule a party for my family
Wish you Merry Happy Christmas in advance.
Thanks Rizwan and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Susan hope we enjoy this grateful occasion.
Rizwan Sultan recently posted..Crohns Blog
So, how was the weather? Was it snowing at that time? Hope you had a merry christmas.
The weather was great Amanda, sunny and mild. Happy New Year
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