With my 10th consecutive Indy500 quickly approaching next week, I'm realizing the similarities between Inbound Marketing and the quest to win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. 

Equipment.

With IndyCar, you need a fast ride. Period.  You need a finely tuned engine. You've got to get the most power out of that engine.   You need the right aero package for downforce but minimizing drag.  You need the technology in the pits to analyze how to get that extra .001 seconds of speed.

With Inbound, you need the right equipment as well.  You need an efficient publishing platform ensuring best SEO practices are performed for maximum performance.  You need a social media tool to publish posts across a myriad of networks.  Ideally you have a software tool allowing you not only to publish what you need but can also analyze the results to help gain success faster.

Driver.

With IndyCar, the driver is equally as important as the equipment.  What good is a fast car if the driver doesn't have the skills, or isn't able to push the limit while balancing that fine line living on the edge?  The driver has to report back to the team what's working and what's not working - making adjustments to find any bit of extra speed.

With Inbound, those publishing tools (equipment) don't write for us.   It takes an inbound leader using these tools to help companies get found and convert leads.    

Team.

The Indy500 is a long race.  It requires several pit stops.  A strategy.  Changing tires.  Refueling.  Wing/downforce adjustments.  All performed by a team of specialists working harmoniously together. 

Inbound doesn't happen overnight.  It takes time.  It takes strategy.  It takes more than one person 'driving that fast car'.  It takes a team of specialists who work together to generate success. 

Luck.

Some would say it takes luck as well to win the Indy500.   I'm a firm believer in creating your own luck. 

If you have ever been to the Indianapolis 500, you feel the passion.  You feel the energy.   It's inspiring. And if you haven't been before, do go.  You will come back to reality with a renewed focus and drive to be the best in your own business.  At least, that's what it does for me.

Start generating more high-quality sales leads today.