This is perhaps the most common marketing myth and must be addressed right away if you have any hope of accomplishing your business goals.

A belief in this myth necessitates a view of marketing as a tactical function rather than the series of cross-functional processes, approaches and activities that it really is.

Yes, advertising is an essential component of your overall marketing plan, but it is not THE plan — and ideally should account for only 1-2% of your entire marketing efforts.

If you devote all of your attention and efforts on advertising activities you're putting the cart before the horse and are missing critical issues that may be having a negative impact on your business and success.

Advertising should never be substituted for the marketing process as a whole. No amount of advertising is going to make up for an unpleasant customer experience.

It's like building a house of cards, it may hold up for a little while, but it will come tumbling down eventually.

You've heard of the "domino effect" - If all of the dominoes are set up correctly then one push and they will all fall into place, achieving the expected result. It all begins with that first domino. It sets up the chain reaction for all the rest. Moreover, if any of the others are out of place the ones after that will not drop. This common, but vivid analogy clearly demonstrates how one element can significantly alter results.

The marketing function can be broken down into two distinct parts, Strategies and Tactics.

Strategic marketing defines who you are; it spells out how you differ from your competitors so that your prospects and customers can make wise choices.

Additionally, it serves as the working foundation for your entire company. It is the content of your marketing message; what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to.

Tactical marketing (Advertising, Direct marketing, etc.) involves the communication of your strategic plan. In other words, it is the vehicle/s and the channel/s for delivery of your message.