Is Your Business Addicted to Bad Marketing?

Recently, I found myself entangled in a web of unhealthy habits that led to severe anxiety and burnout. It was like being stuck in a giant espresso machine, the more I tried to escape, the more I got steamed.

My body and mind were screaming for help like a barista trying to get your order through signs like isolation, mood swings, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue, but I dismissed them as mere lack of determination. 

It was December 2023 and there I was, bags packed for a trip, but as I hit the road, an all-too-familiar wave of anxiety hit me like a truck. 

• Hands sweating like a drip coffee maker

• Heart racing like a shot of triple espresso

• Mind swirling like a frappuccino blender

What if something goes wrong on the way to the airport? What if I miss my flight? What if...

Despite the thrill of travel, part of me just wanted to retreat to my couch and hibernate like a bear in winter. It's a stark contrast to the adventurous spirit I know myself to be. 

One more time my body and mind are screaming for a respite, a plea for me to slow down. Yet, I brushed aside these alarms, attributing them to a mere lack of determination to achieve my goals. 

I was convinced that I needed to take on more responsibilities, more projects, to prove my worth. Little did I realize, this relentless pursuit was the very thing driving me deeper into the abyss of anxiety and burnout.

The Wake Up Call

Just as I grappled with my personal battle against anxiety and burnout, it's alarming to note that a staggering 77 percent of respondents to a survey conducted by Delloite say they have experienced employee burnout at their current job, with more than half citing more than one occurrence.

This reluctance to seek assistance mirrors the plight of many businesses. 

Take Blockbuster, for instance. At its peak, it boasted over 9,000 stores worldwide and was a household name in entertainment. Yet, despite its massive presence, it failed to adapt to the digital era and ultimately closed its doors. 

Nowadays, mention Blockbuster to the younger generation, and you might get blank stares – a testament to how quickly giants can fall and, frankly, a subtle reminder of my own age!

Another cautionary tale is that of Kodak, which once dominated the photographic film market. Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak clung to its film-based business model and filed for bankruptcy in 2012. 

At its height, Kodak employed over 145,000 people and had a market value of $30 billion. 

It's a wake-up call for all of us to recognize the warning signs before we get stale like an old coffee bean.

Much like my personal wake-up call, businesses sometimes need a jolt to recognize the need for change. 

Grab your coffee and stay with me to learn if your business is addicted to bad marketing and what to do about it.