Too often I hear people around me say that all they need is a “good idea”, and how he or she would live happily ever after once conjuring this magical idea. The problem is that it takes so much more than a good idea to find success.

This is something I struggle with personally. I often have an idea that I invest a significant amount of time in at the beginning,but neglect to bring the original idea to fruition.

Having an idea is a lot like passing your drivers test. Sure you’re finally on the road, but you don’t necessarily know where you’re going. It takes a lot more to get from point A to point B than simply having that driver’s license. Think of your long term plan as a road map- without it, you are bound to get lost along the way. A reliable car is necessary to avoid overheating or breaking down, just as a strong work ethic is crucial. Also essential to the trip is the fuel to run the car. The fuel is the motivation you will need to move your idea forward. You might start with a full tank but sputter when motivation runs low, don’t forget to refuel. A day’s rest to stop for gas won’t have you heading for failure, but abandoning your car with an empty tank in the middle of the road will.

An idea is no limo cruise to success, and you can expect the actual ride to get a little bumpy.

Every successful marketer knows that being good at what you do is simply not enough. There are certain things every person in the marketing field should know about when it comes to going above and beyond the call of duty.

1. Hair Gel

The header says everything. Any marketer worth his weight in hair gel, uses his weight in hair gel every morning. Having rock solid hair can say a lot to your clients. It really shows them that you put a lot of effort into what you care about, and what you care about is A. Looking Good, and B. Marketing. You want clients to know that you’re not sloppy with your hair or their product.

2. Let Everyone Know How Impressive You Are

A major issue with many aspiring marketers today is that they simply don’t do a good enough job at telling everyone how awesome they are. Networking is a great way to meet new clients and business partners. Upon first meeting someone, the best way to make meaningful contacts is to spell out every accomplishment you’ve had since 5th grade.

3. Social Media Spam

I don’t know if you’ve heard or not, but Facebook and the social networking 2.0 scene is BOOMING. And guess what the secret weapon for your marketing mix is – you guessed it – social media marketing. Promoting a brand with social media is genius, and it’s just about to catch on. Be sure you know how to use Facebook and make several events and groups for your client, and send as many invitations to your target market as possible. These invitations and reminders are very noticeable and difficult to avoid, perfect for promoting your product. It doesn’t matter if you’re advertising industrial washing machines or retirement homes, social media can help every marketer be more effective.

4. Buzz Words

Not sure what “Web 2.0″ means? Confused when people start talking about “tweets”? Don’t let that be you, because it’s buzz words like these that allow you to become an expert in the marketing field. Nothing makes you sound more credible than using vague, ill defined words that you really don’t understand. Remember that your favorite color is Green, and that you helped develop the Social Internets.