A Real-Life Reminder: Why Marketers Need Systems, Structure, and Each Other

This summer brought an unexpected yet valuable reminder — one of those real-life marketing lessons that doesn’t show up on a task list, but hits you in a quiet moment when you finally step away from the daily rush.

We’ve worked with Mai Peksen on many projects over the years. She’s a true professional who is focused on helping people build strong personal brands on LinkedIn.

Over the past business season, she’s been incredibly active — delivering trainings, hosting webinars, growing her visibility, and supporting her clients with clarity and consistency. She’s also helping us grow and nurture the Powerful Marketers community in Sweden.

But during her summer break, when she finally took a step back from the day-to-day, something caught her off guard.

She realized that while helping others grow, she had forgotten to actively build and nurture her own email list.

Not neglected. Forgotten.

Despite the work she’s been doing to help others stand out, despite all the content and events, she hadn’t been consistently collecting and maintaining a direct channel to her audience — one of the most important marketing assets any expert can own.

When she shared this with me, it immediately struck a chord. Because I, as a marketer — and someone who’s worked closely with her — should have reminded her. We’ve discussed the importance of email lists many times. I just assumed she was already doing it.

And that’s the real lesson here.

In The Greatest Marketer, there’s a quote that rings especially true in this moment:
“Assuming is the mother of all problems.”

This isn’t just about one channel. It’s about how easy it is to fall into the trap of assuming, especially when working with capable professionals. We think, “She’s got this.” We trust, we move forward — and sometimes we forget to check the foundation.

This moment with Mai reminded me that even the most skilled professionals need reminders, structure, and support. Marketing isn’t just about visibility or activity. It’s about long-term relationship building. It’s about building systems that support you even when you step away. It’s about the basics — and having a structure that brings you back to them, again and again.

That’s why we created the Powerful Marketers Hub. Not to overwhelm marketers with more content, but to create a space where we reflect, align, and remind each other of what truly matters. A space where we talk openly about the things we forget, the things we assume, and the things that often fall through the cracks.

Marketing is like conducting an orchestra. Every element matters. But without a conductor, without rhythm, without shared understanding — even the most talented players can end up out of sync.

So if you’re reading this, take a moment to pause and ask:

• Have I checked in on my marketing lately?
• Are my fundamentals still in place — or have I assumed too much?
• Do I have a space where others challenge and remind me when I forget?

Because growth doesn’t come from constant doing. It comes from conscious doing — and that happens best in a community that sees you, supports you, and isn’t afraid to remind you of the basics.

And if you want to learn more about Mai’s work with LinkedIn and personal branding, visit her website.

Let’s keep showing up for each other — not just with answers, but with honest questions, timely reminders, and a shared commitment to doing things better.

Also read: How to build a successful Social Media Strategy? (Free Checklist)