Grow Your Local Business: Episode Summary

Episode Title: How Long Your Marketing Takes
Host: Leslie Presnall
Release Date: October 29, 2024

Introduction to Marketing Mastery Levels

In episode 97 of the Grow Your Local Business podcast, host Leslie Presnall delves into the intricate relationship between marketing mastery and time management. Leslie introduces the concept of three levels of marketing mastery—Beginner, Proficient, and Expert—and explores how each stage uniquely impacts the time required to execute marketing tasks. Understanding your current level is emphasized as a pivotal step in enhancing productivity and gaining control over your business operations.

1. The Three Levels of Marketing Mastery

A. Beginner Level

At the onset of your marketing journey, you inhabit the Beginner Level. This phase is characterized by a steep learning curve where tasks take significantly longer than anticipated. Leslie shares personal anecdotes to illustrate this stage:

“When I first started sending emails, I used to give myself an entire day on Fridays to put together an email newsletter [...] it just wasn’t going to happen in 30 minutes.”
— Leslie Presnall [12:34]

During the Beginner Level, business owners grapple with new skill sets, such as mastering Canva for graphic design or learning the nuances of email marketing. Emotional factors like perfectionism and self-doubt often hinder progress, leading to extended time allocations for tasks that may later become more streamlined.

B. Proficient Level

Transitioning into the Proficient Level, marketers begin to gain confidence and efficiency. Tasks that once consumed an entire day now require only a fraction of the time. Leslie explains:

“The task that used to take you all day will now take you half the day.”
— Leslie Presnall [25:10]

In this phase, individuals establish a rhythm, allowing for more accurate time blocking and reduced procrastination. Although there is still room for improvement, the Proficient Level marks a significant stride towards consistent and manageable marketing practices.

C. Expert Level

Reaching the Expert Level signifies a transformation where marketing tasks become second nature. Leslie describes this pinnacle of mastery as:

“At this level, 97 podcast episodes in maybe takes me an hour or so.”
— Leslie Presnall [38:45]

Here, marketers operate with ease and minimal cognitive load, seamlessly integrating marketing activities into their daily routines. The Expert Level is not just about speed but also about a profound self-concept shift, where confidence and expertise eliminate previous barriers such as self-doubt and procrastination.

2. Time Management and Time Blocking

A critical theme of the episode is time management through time blocking. Leslie advocates for scheduling specific blocks of time on your calendar dedicated to particular tasks, ensuring that each activity has a designated slot. This method contrasts with traditional to-do lists, which often lead to prioritizing easier tasks over high-impact ones.

“Time blocking is when you create blocks of time on your calendar for how long something is going to take you.”
— Leslie Presnall [15:20]

Leslie emphasizes that time blocking fosters accountability and organization, allowing business owners to approach their schedules with the seriousness of an appointment. However, she acknowledges common pitfalls—such as underestimating task durations—that can disrupt well-planned schedules.

3. Overcoming Common Challenges

Leslie addresses several challenges that business owners face when implementing time blocking:

• Underestimation of Task Duration: Beginners often misjudge how long tasks will take, leading to overruns that disrupt the entire schedule.

  “You just way underestimate how long something is going to take so you don't plan accordingly.”
  — Leslie Presnall [22:10]

• Emotional Obstacles: Feelings of overwhelm, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome can cause procrastination and inefficiency.

  “[...] you want to plan to have this human experience as you do something new.”
  — Leslie Presnall [28:50]

• Perfectionism: Striving for an ideal or perfect week can lead to frustration and abandonment of time management strategies when unexpected events occur.

  “When we try to have this ideal or perfect week, it sets a harder standard for ourselves.”
  — Leslie Presnall [30:25]

4. Strategies for Effective Time Blocking

To mitigate these challenges, Leslie offers actionable strategies:

• Overestimate Time Allocations: Especially in the Beginner Level, allocate more time than initially estimated to accommodate the learning curve and emotional fluctuations.

  “If you are on level one with your marketing, ... allow yourself more time on your schedule.”
  — Leslie Presnall [35:00]

• Embrace Flexibility: View your calendar as an evolving tool that adjusts to your current needs and experiences. This mindset shift encourages continuous improvement rather than rigid adherence to predetermined schedules.

  “I like to think of my calendar as an ever-evolving thing.”
  — Leslie Presnall [32:15]

• Reflect and Adapt: Regularly assess where you went off track and adjust your planning accordingly. This iterative process helps refine time estimates and increases overall efficiency.

  “Let’s get a little bit better at figuring it out. Where did I go wrong last week?”
  — Leslie Presnall [33:50]

5. Encouragement and Mindset Shifts

Leslie underscores the importance of patience and self-compassion throughout the marketing mastery journey. She reassures listeners that struggling with time management and marketing tasks is a natural part of entrepreneurial growth.

“Nothing has gone wrong and you were likely right on track [...] it's going to get better, you're going to get faster.”
— Leslie Presnall [06:45]

By normalizing the challenges faced during the Beginner and Proficient Levels, Leslie empowers business owners to persevere, assuring them that improvement is inevitable with time and practice.

6. Conclusion and Recap

In closing, Leslie recaps the three levels of marketing mastery:

1. Beginner: Tasks take longer due to learning curves and emotional barriers.
2. Proficient: Increased efficiency and confidence lead to better time management.
3. Expert: Marketing tasks become effortless, allowing for seamless integration into daily routines.

She encourages listeners to identify their current level, adjust their scheduling practices accordingly, and remain patient as they progress towards mastery.

“These phases are all part of the entrepreneur journey, so give yourself time and space to move through them and let your calendar evolve as you go.”
— Leslie Presnall [59:30]

Leslie concludes with an invitation to join her LocalPreneur Academy, providing further resources for small business owners aiming to enhance their local marketing strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Identify Your Level: Understanding whether you're a Beginner, Proficient, or Expert in marketing helps tailor your time management strategies effectively.

• Time Blocking is Crucial: Scheduling specific time slots for marketing tasks ensures accountability and efficiency, especially when accurately estimating task durations.

• Embrace the Learning Curve: Allow extra time for new tasks and be patient with your progress to avoid frustration and burnout.

• Flexibility and Adaptation: Treat your calendar as a dynamic tool, ready to evolve with your growing expertise and changing business needs.

• Mindset Matters: Maintaining a positive and patient mindset fosters resilience and continual improvement in your marketing efforts.

By following Leslie Presnall's structured approach to marketing mastery and time management, local business owners can navigate the complexities of marketing with greater confidence and effectiveness.