Applying Martial Arts Principles to Marketing: Winning in New Digital Frontiers

Martial Artist, MMA fighter sparring with social media icons

We use a lot of battle terms in business: War Room, Campaign, Defensive Strategy, Guerrilla Marketing. But we don’t always compare what we’re doing to the things that actually win battles.  Applying principles of the ancient practice of Martial Arts to Marketing can give us insight on how to win in new digital frontiers.

Capitalizing on momentum

When someone is new to martial arts, they tend to throw one strike at a time. Which is why new students often get exhausted quickly. Each time they move they then stop their momentum and spend the effort to start again. Professional fighters capitalize on momentum - the movement of one strike sets them up for the next. This increases power and reduces effort.

As a social marketer, you can do the same by not looking at every post as a one-off communication but part of a larger combination. For example: You can put together a series of videos that can play off each other. Or you can follow a video with a related story. Instead of focusing only on the results of one piece of content, see how multiple posts can build momentum toward your goal.

Fighting your fight

New martial arts students tend to be flashy. They want to show how many techniques they know to impress their coach and demonstrate that they deserve to advance to the next belt. Master practitioners focus on what really works for them. They become realistic with their strengths and limitations and specifically choose the techniques that are most effective.

When it comes to your brand, specific platforms, formats and communication styles are going to naturally deliver the best results. Some brands communicate better on video. Others express ideas more effectively through photos or maybe even text. Don’t feel like you need to follow the latest trend and do what everyone else is doing if it doesn’t work for you. Be open to new things but don’t step away from what’s working.

Trusting your coach

Even in the classic martial arts movies where the fighter trains in remote mountains, there is always a coach present. Because winning any fight requires outside feedback. A coach will notice little things you’re not even aware of that can make a huge difference against a competitor.

At 2113 Labs, this is one of the most important services we can provide to our clients. Like a coach, we can step outside the battle, take a high-level view and use our experience to find ways to play to your strengths and protect yourself against the moves of your competitor. In the battle to grow your business in the current economy, we’ve got your corner. 

Applying Martial Arts to Marketing

Daniel Quentin Zuber

Co-Founder of 2113 Labs and influencer in trance music and EDM culture on Instagram @therealquentinZ.