Promotional Panic Syndrome often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless at first. Recent studies have shown that early detection can decrease complications, including: wasted money, lack of new business and silent phone syndrome

My fellow Duct Tape Marketing Coach and Mentor, Cidnee Stephen coined the phrase “Promotional Panic Syndrome” to describe the sudden and often painful realization that you need sales NOW and that none of your existing advertising and promotions are working to bring in new customers. The “victim” (the small business owner) then goes into a panic and the immediate reaction is usually to try to make the symptoms go away by buying more newspaper ads, banners, radio spots, fliers and promotions that don’t work; putting themselves into an endless cycle of worry and panic.

Promotional Panic Syndrome often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless at first. Recent studies have shown that early detection of Promotional Panic symptoms and immediate treatment can decrease complications, including: wasted money, lack of new business and silent phone syndrome.

Symptoms:

■ Terror that is almost paralyzing because the phone isn’t ringing
■ Fear of losing everything because no one is buying
■ Choking sensation whenever you think of the $1000/ month you’re paying for that Yellow Pages ad
■ Nervousness, shaking and stress because you have no lead generation strategy that works
■ Muscle pain, especially in neck and shoulders from banging your head against the wall
■ A sudden and almost uncontrollable urge to write a check to the first advertising salesperson who walks through your door

WARNING: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, PUT YOUR CHECKBOOK DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.

The AMA (Awesome Marketing Association – fake of course!) reports that millions of small business owners suffer from this common anxiety disorder each year. Research has shown the main cause to be a lack of marketing planning and strategy. Studies have shown that no amount of advertising will cure these symptoms without first finding the root cause. In clinical trials, writing a check to buy more advertising to relieve Promotional Panic symptoms has the same affect as taking the first pill you can get your hands on to treat a serious medical condition. Without analyzing the symptoms, learning the root cause of your condition and then working with a professional to develop a treatment plan you are merely popping a bunch of random pills and hoping that one of them works, before the wrong one kills you.

Treatment for Promotional Panic symptoms is varied and a number of approaches can work. The most effective treatment has been a strict regimen of marketing strategy and planning followed by repetitive and consistent execution of marketing tactics. The goal in treating Promotional Panic Syndrome is to reduce the pain caused by ineffective advertising and promotions and help you manage your marketing spend and lead generation efforts.

Prolonged use of a marketing plan has been shown in clinical trials to improve the overall health of your business. Four out of five Marketing Professionals recommend working on marketing strategy daily.

The side effects of Marketing Planning are: increased leads, increased sales and profits, more repeat business, higher revenue per sale, improved business relationships, happier customers, time off, vacations, restful nights, and business longevity and growth.

Admitting you have Promotional Panic Syndrome is the first step to recovery. The second step is getting help, contact a professional today and learn how you can manage Promotional Panic symptoms.

Carolyn Higgins is the President and founder of Fortune Marketing Company. Her personal mission is to help small businesses stop wasting money on advertising and promotions that don’t deliver and help you implement an effective marketing system that will bring you more customers – consistently.

For more information about Carolyn Higgins and Fortune Marketing Company please visit http://www.FortuneMarketingCompany.com. Email chiggins@fortunemarketingcompany.com or call us at 707.631.6340.