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Most marketers entered 2009 at a huge disadvantage. What is it? They don’t have a written marketing plan. It’s one of those things we all know we should do. And yet we don’t. So why do professionals who know better break this cardinal rule? Because the task is daunting.

And done completely, it can be. And should be. But rather than not do anything at all, why not at least try a marketing plan “lite”? Here’s what you need to do:

• Identify your top three audiences and rank them in importance.

• Identify three or four different marketing tactics that you are going to initiate or continue as a way of talking to these audiences. Don’t choose passive tools that you don’t control.

• Decide when you are going to launch or deliver each one.

• Figure a ballpark cost to initiate each of these tactics so you have an approximate budget.

Now put it all in a spreadsheet or calendar so you know what to do when. Voila, the lazy man’s marketing plan.

Is there a lot missing? Sure. But at least you have a game plan. Now share that document with your entire team, boss, employees, etc. so there’s some accountability. Just doing this will put you ahead of 95 percent of your competitors.

As added incentive, if you e-mail or mail us your mini marketing plan by Jan. 19, we’ll take a look at it and give you some feedback. We’ll also throw your name into a drawing for a copy of my book, “99.3 Random Acts of Marketing.” Get our mailing and e-mail address at www.DrewsMarketingMinute.com.

And a very happy New Year to you all!

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2009 Drew McLellan