The BEST Marketing Strategy is Also Called the 95% Rule.

Mastering the 95% Rule: How a Strong Marketing Strategy Leads to Business Success

I remember my early days working in Russia at a marketing agency. It was like being thrown into the deep end with no life jacket—sink or swim.

My "mentor"—I called him that, though he was really just my teacher—wasn't the kind of guy to hold your hand. He was an entrepreneur, someone who made his name on social media through podcasts and business advice. I was practically giving him my entire salary just to soak up his knowledge.

One day, he gave me a challenge. "Start an online store," he said, leaning back in his chair like it was nothing. "I want to see what you’ve learned."

I went into overdrive. No sleep for two days, spreadsheets everywhere, collecting data from every corner. SWOT analysis? Check. Market research? Nailed it. I was so confident that by the time I boarded the metro to present my plan, I couldn't stop smiling. People were probably wondering what I was so happy about.

When I got to his office, I delivered my pitch. Perfectly. Every detail was mentioned. But after listening patiently, he hit me with one question I hadn't prepared for: "So, when are you going to start selling?"

My confidence evaporated in that instant. I mumbled, "By tomorrow I will have my first sale". He didn't believe me a single bit, but I felt that he respected me a lot more after those words.

Two days later, I was staring at my computer, no sales in sight. I had done everything—except the one thing that mattered—get sales.

Frustrated, I called him. "Can we meet?" I needed answers. We met at a kid’s park—an odd setting for a serious conversation. I laid out my new plan while his son was playing with other kids. "You’ve got influence," I said. "Help me with marketing, and we’ll split the business 50-50."

He laughed, shaking his head. “How can we split 50-50 when you’ve only done 5% of the work? I’d need 95% of the revenue.”

Before I could get angry, he explained: "Setting up a business is only 5% of the game. The other 95%? That’s marketing. If you can’t sell, your business is nothing."

That was the day I truly understood the power of marketing. My business didn’t succeed right away—the supplier went under before I could make my first sale—but the lesson stayed with me.

That's why now I prioritize Marketing Strategy over everything else.

Now, years later, I run a thriving business with five employees. Every day, we work to not only complete our clients' projects but also educate them about marketing and their Marketing Strategy—the real backbone of business success. Because without marketing, even the best product is invisible.

If you're ready to move your business into the SUCCESS queue, contact us today, and we'll make it happen.

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