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2009 was a tough year for many businesses. But as I talk to business owners and leaders, it sounds as if 2010 has been a good year so far for many businesses. Studies are showing consumer optimism and spending are up. Business-to-business reports are saying that companies also are spending with renewed confidence.

You may be one of the lucky companies that’s feeling pretty good about the work you have piling up. Customers are plentiful, and the cash register is ringing. In fact, you are probably so busy you just don’t have time to think about marketing. You’ll get back to it when things slow down. Right?

Wrong. Really wrong.

The time to aggressively market is now. Why? Somehow we forget that client acquisition is hardly an instantaneous event. If we wait until we have extra time or really need the cash flow, we’re in trouble.

The best time to reach out to potential new customers? It needs to be a constant part of your day. Every day. The challenge is to automate your efforts so that no matter how busy you are, it does not stutter or stop. So how do you go about making marketing part of your routine?

Identify at least one marketing tool you can commit to for the rest of the year. It might be a monthly sales postcard to dormant customers, hosting a fourth-quarter seminar aimed at your target audience, or a push in your print ad schedule.

Next, do something that locks you in. Print the postcards. Schedule the seminar and publicize the date. Sign a contract for the print ads. Do something that commits you. No matter how busy you are.

Is it enough? For most businesses, no. But it’s a good start.

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2010 Drew McLellan