Are You Good, Fast or Cheap?

You’ve no doubt heard the old adage: Good, Fast, Cheap – pick any two. 

Let’s face it; in today’s world, FAST isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity. Take it from my personal experience. 

Recently, I engaged three different professionals and found myself disappointed by their response times. It led me to ponder deeply about the true value of speed in business, especially in small business marketing.

Jay Baer, a respected authority in the marketing world, echoes this sentiment. In his new book, The Time To Win: How To Exceed Customer’s Need For Speed, he makes a compelling case for speed, backed by solid research and data.

Consider my colleague and friend, Marta Andrade of elleseven branding.’ She’s earned the nickname ‘Speedy’ for a reason. 

She never skips a beat in delivering on her promises. Her approach is a perfect illustration of Jay’s formula: Responsiveness = Revenue. 

This equation is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a proven strategy in the competitive world of small business marketing.

He also shares a personal anecdote in his book about hiring a painter which perfectly illustrates the point about speed.

He received three bids: the first within four hours, the second in a day, and the third in two days. Unsurprisingly, Jay chose the first painter. The reason? He was the quickest to respond, not the cheapest. This decision-making process highlights a crucial point: in small business marketing, speed can often trump cost.

Here’s a thought-provoking point Jay raises: we often worry that if a service provider is slow to respond before getting our money, how much slower will they be after they’ve been paid? 

Good point. 

Interestingly, in Jay’s story, the first two painters might have assumed they lost the job due to pricing, but in reality, they lost on speed. This scenario underscores the often-overlooked cost of delay or lack of responsiveness in small business marketing.

This is precisely why I’m a staunch advocate for marketing automation. It’s not just about adopting a new technology; it’s about revolutionizing how we interact with our clients. Quick response times are more than just about being fast; they set a new standard in client engagement. 

When a client or prospect reaches out and receives an immediate response, it conveys care and respect. This efficiency is what distinguishes one small business from another in today’s fast-paced market.

Imagine the ability to offer personalized, relevant responses almost instantly to each client who reaches out. With marketing automation, this isn’t just a possibility; it’s a reality.

In the world of small business marketing, speed is not just about quick responses; it’s about being proactive and anticipating the needs of your clients. 

It’s about creating a seamless and efficient experience that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. 

In a digital age where information is at our fingertips, clients expect immediacy and relevance in all interactions. This expectation extends beyond customer service; it permeates every aspect of your business, from lead generation to sales to post-sale support.

Incorporating speed into your small business marketing strategy isn’t just about responding quickly; it’s about understanding that in today’s market, time is of the essence. 

It’s about leveraging technology to not only meet but anticipate the needs of your clients. 

Marketing automation tools can help you track client interactions, automate responses, and provide personalized service at scale. This level of efficiency can transform the way you do business, making your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

But speed is not just about technology; it’s also about mindset. It’s about creating a culture within your business that values time and understands the importance of quick, efficient service. 

This mindset, coupled with the right technology, can be a game-changer in your business.

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of small business marketing, remember that speed, coupled with quality and efficiency, is more than a strategy; it’s a commitment to excellence. 

A commitment that can set your business apart and drive it towards unprecedented growth and success. 

Your prospects and clients have endless options at their fingertips, being the fastest to respond, the most efficient in service, and the most proactive in client engagement can make all the difference.

So, as we embark on this journey together, let’s ask ourselves: 

How can we leverage speed to our advantage? 

How can we use technology to enhance our client interactions? 

And most importantly, how can we create a mindset that values and prioritizes speed and efficiency? 

I strongly believe the answers to these questions will not only define our approach to small business marketing but will also determine our success in a very competitive and often forgiving market.

Let’s embrace speed, not just as a necessity, but as our secret weapon in small business marketing. 

The time to act is now. 

In 2024 let’s make speed our ally and watch our businesses thrive.

Whether you are a small business owner or not.

Ready to make speed your competitive edge? Discover how marketing automation can transform your client interactions and catapult your business. 

Click here for immediate access to our FREE guide: 10 Automation Secrets: Regain Time & Scale Your Business With Every Client Interaction.