We’ve just realised there are only eight working weeks left in 2026.
Which got us thinking. How much of what you set out to achieve back in January has actually happened?
The opportunities you wanted to explore. The projects you were excited about. The changes you knew would make a difference to the business.
Some will have happened. Others may have been overtaken by the urgent, the unexpected and the everyday demands of keeping a business moving.
We certainly know the feeling.
And it’s a timely reminder of why a clear marketing strategy matters, particularly when you’re deciding where to focus your efforts for the year ahead.
One thing we’ve observed over the years working with industrial and B2B businesses is that the challenge often isn’t a shortage of opportunities. It’s deciding which ones are genuinely worth pursuing.
A manufacturer might see potential in defence or renewable energy. An engineering business might want to expand interstate. An established service provider might be considering new products, customers or markets.
All exciting possibilities. But each comes with different requirements, risks and investment.
And not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Or the right opportunity right now.
A useful exercise before committing to a new growth opportunity is to ask three questions:
- Is there a genuine market opportunity? Look beyond industry growth forecasts to understand actual customer demand, competitors and how accessible the market is to your business.
- Why would customers choose us? Consider whether your existing capabilities give you a meaningful competitive advantage, particularly with customers who don’t already know your business.
- What would it take to succeed? Think about the investment, resources, relationships and time required to turn the opportunity into revenue.
You might discover that the biggest opportunity isn’t necessarily the best one to pursue first. A smaller market where you already have a competitive advantage could deliver stronger results, sooner.
That’s where good marketing strategy makes a difference.
It’s about understanding your market, recognising where you have a genuine competitive advantage, and making informed decisions about what to pursue, what to prepare for and what to leave alone.
It’s also about connecting those decisions to the practical realities of running a business. The people, resources, budgets and time needed to bring those ambitions to life.
Because even the most exciting plans won’t amount to much without a clear path to implementation.
Your marketing strategy 2027
As we look towards 2027, perhaps the question isn’t simply what we’d like to achieve next year.
It’s where do we have the greatest opportunity to succeed, and what will it take to get there?
There’s still time to finish 2026 strongly, while giving some considered thought to what comes next.
Here’s to a year of defined direction and refined results.
Not sure which opportunities deserve your attention in 2027? Our Strategic Marketing Roadmap helps you identify where your business has the greatest potential to compete and grow, backed by research, market insights and a practical plan for action.
Explore our Strategic Marketing Roadmap
