As coaches and experts using the online space for client attraction, we’re often bombarded with advice on the latest marketing tactics and content strategies we “should” be implementing. Whether it’s creating a lead magnet, filming a video series, or launching a podcast, there’s always some new tactic we’re told we MUST use.

But as one of my clients (and so many of us) shared in a recent strategy call, sometimes these “should-do” strategies just end up boring her to tears. As she put it, “I bored myself with whatever I was going to record.” Naturally we both burst into laughter as she was finishing the sentence. How typical is that feeling, right?

And yet, if we seriously look at this feeling – it very soon becomes obvious how huge a red flag it is.

If the idea of creating a piece of content or implementing a new strategy doesn’t excite you, it’s likely not going to serve your business well. The energy, attitude, and enthusiasm you put into your work will shine through, and if you’re bored or disinterested, your audience will pick up on that. My book, “On Visibility That Sells. Online Visibility Framework For Coaches & Experts: Attraction Marketing With & Beyond Human Design” could be a valuable read for you.

The key is to focus on creating content and strategies that truly align with your strengths, interests, and business model – not just what someone else tells you to do. What we do has to somewhat excite us. If it doesn’t excite us, we’re going to resist it at every stage of implementation.” This does not cover neutral activities, like repurposing one piece of content into multiple or doing your admin, we are talking just about content and offer creation here – because this is where your unique Design frequencies are broadcasted from into the world.

So before jumping into the latest marketing tactic, ask yourself:

Does this idea genuinely interest me and align with my strengths?

Will it be exciting to do this? Do I feel called to share myself through this medium? Do I see the exciting possibilities if I overcome the initial resistance and give it a go? You see, many of us (especially 3rd-line and 6th-line people by Human Design) learn through a process of trial and error, which means if you do not try – you will never ever truly know. I still think entering the ventures needs to be supported by your Authority. But if there is a good feeling about it initially – try it. You can always give yourself permission to drop it mid-way and change your mind if it feels like torture later – this is your right and your own business. Nobody’s opinion or judgment of your actions denies you the right to decommit and make a U-turn.

Actually, if you were driving and reached a cul-de-sac, would you think about someone judging you for making a U-turn? Would anticipating what they have to say stop you from driving out of there and finding an alternative way to your destination? So why do you get so hooked up on it in life? I suggest you ponder this just a little; this is a potentially life-changing shift in empowerment right here.

Will this strategy serve my ideal clients/niche and move my business forward?

Often, what we are told to do actually does not make any sense in our client journey (we are only made to believe that it does. For example, a client serves small and medium brick-and-mortar businesses to organize their purchasing and other logistics. Creating reels on Instagram in this niche does NOT fit into the client acquisition journey. It just does not offer any real value as a format to showcase your expertise.

Instead, you could find opportunities to create training, talks, and presentations on some networking events and other business people gatherings- like BNIs and Chamber of Commerce – where you actually are exposed to people from the niches you target, and you are showing up as a trusted advisor, not clowning around in a reel they scroll by as all their brain looks for on Instagram is entertainment.

Does this finally make sense? Question the reality of what you are doing, not feed into the fantastical way you assume – as if these clients will drop everything they’re doing after that reel and hire you.

Stop spending your energy in the wrong places. Question the background of a marketing expert you are working with – is this the specific niche they specialize in, or is their specialty best suited to someone in a different niche? Or even different generations – which is also the case sometimes?

Do I have the time, energy, and resources to execute this well?

Often, we can either overestimate what is required – and start prioritizing platforms, tools, and gadgets over goals – or underestimate how much time and effort goes into creating something that does not have a high impact or longevity (e.g. an Instagram post.)

This is another example of when you do not need a comprehensive learning platform, set up and ready, if you just started your business and haven’t even got a single paying client to validate and test your offer on. A simple Evernote document with embedded videos and text could be served, for now, to those who are interested.

Trust me, I have experienced high-ticket coaches selling with Google Docs and not a single fancy platform in sight – and NOBODY ever complained! We were just “lapping it up”; because it was not about the form (the look), it was all about what was taught – the content.

This also reminds me of another program I took where the videos had obviously been through an extensive post production process. And you know what? I had a headache from all the camera angle changes that did not allow me to focus fully on the speaker! I actually struggled through the whole course, although the speaker was indeed incredible, and what I was learning was essential for my marketing and business at that stage.

Yet, all I can remember now are those constantly changing camera angles; a completely unnecessary – and expensive – service that harmed the product, instead of actually truly enhancing it. This is what happens when you take a ‘form over substance’ approach to your content.

Final Thoughts

If the answer to any part of the original question above is “no,” it may be time to rethink your approach. It’s better to create something you’re truly passionate about than to force yourself through a boring, uninspired process. It’s also better to streamline what it takes, so you don’t get overwhelmed by details, or stuck in post production.

The most successful entrepreneurs and business owners are the ones who stay true to themselves and their vision, experimenting and growing with it. But you have to FEEL it! If it doesn’t light you up, it may be time to explore a different path.

So, the next time you’re tempted to follow the latest marketing advice, pause and check in with yourself and your reality first – or talk to someone whose background and understanding include your specific niche and stage of business.