56. Why I stopped using SMART marketing objectives
Wed Feb 04 2026
"Get more leads" is NOT a marketing objective.
If you've ever rushed through setting your marketing objectives just to get to the "real work," this episode is going to change everything.
📚 Grab the free resources mentioned in this episode:
Strategic Marketer Scorecard (17 questions + mini crash course): b2bjade.com/resourcesLeadership Pitch Guide (includes CPD info): b2bjade.com/resourcesThe Big Marketing Reset Webinar Replay: Available on all my social platforms🎓 Ready to build your strategy? Join B2B Breakthrough Academy: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy
I'm breaking down exactly how to build marketing objectives that actually work - the kind that align with business goals, guide your entire strategy, and get leadership buy-in (instead of getting filed away and forgotten).
You'll learn:
Why SMART objectives can actually get you into trouble in B2B marketingThe difference between objectives, key results, and success indicators (and why this matters)Real examples from inside B2B Breakthrough Academy showing exactly how to structure your objectivesWhy "double the leads in 12 months" sets you up for failureHow to avoid the tick-box marketing strategy trapThe minimalist approach to marketing (and why having fewer things in your kitchen relates to your marketing strategy)Why analytics-obsessed marketers might be killing their brand salienceHow one person giving my webinar 1/5 stars was actually a massive winReal examples covered in this episode:
Company Focus Area examples (like machinery sales companies diversifying their client portfolio)How to write objectives that guide strategy instead of locking you into tacticsBusiness scorecard metrics that actually matter to leadershipSuccess indicators you can pull out when leadership wants to know "how did that happen?"This isn't fluffy marketing theory. These are the actual templates and examples from inside B2B Breakthrough Academy that have helped marketers get their budgets increased, win leadership respect, and build strategies that actually get used.
Bonus tangents: Why I'm moving away from AI for content brainstorming, my obsession with minimalism, whether you need a spatula to flip pancakes, and why brand salience beats conversion metrics every time.
More ways to work with me:
🎓 B2B Breakthrough Academy - My flagship 12-week programme with templates, video trainings, and live mentoring: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy
📧 Want a 7-day trial of Module 1? Email jade@b2bjade.com or fill out the form on my website
📅 Next live intake call dates: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy
Who this is for:
Marketing Managers and Heads of Marketing responsible for delivering strategyMarketers wanting to step up from execution to strategic thinkingAnyone who's built a strategy that got filed away and never usedB2B marketers tired of being order-takers instead of internal consultantsNot quite ready for the full programme? If you're a Marketing Assistant just starting out, focus on execution first and come back when you're ready to step up.
Got questions about your marketing objectives? Drop them in the comments - I'd love to hear where you're at with your strategy.
See you in the next episode!
Jade x
#b2bmarketing #marketingstrategy #marketingobjectives #marketingmanager
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"Get more leads" is NOT a marketing objective. If you've ever rushed through setting your marketing objectives just to get to the "real work," this episode is going to change everything. 📚 Grab the free resources mentioned in this episode: Strategic Marketer Scorecard (17 questions + mini crash course): b2bjade.com/resourcesLeadership Pitch Guide (includes CPD info): b2bjade.com/resourcesThe Big Marketing Reset Webinar Replay: Available on all my social platforms🎓 Ready to build your strategy? Join B2B Breakthrough Academy: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy I'm breaking down exactly how to build marketing objectives that actually work - the kind that align with business goals, guide your entire strategy, and get leadership buy-in (instead of getting filed away and forgotten). You'll learn: Why SMART objectives can actually get you into trouble in B2B marketingThe difference between objectives, key results, and success indicators (and why this matters)Real examples from inside B2B Breakthrough Academy showing exactly how to structure your objectivesWhy "double the leads in 12 months" sets you up for failureHow to avoid the tick-box marketing strategy trapThe minimalist approach to marketing (and why having fewer things in your kitchen relates to your marketing strategy)Why analytics-obsessed marketers might be killing their brand salienceHow one person giving my webinar 1/5 stars was actually a massive winReal examples covered in this episode: Company Focus Area examples (like machinery sales companies diversifying their client portfolio)How to write objectives that guide strategy instead of locking you into tacticsBusiness scorecard metrics that actually matter to leadershipSuccess indicators you can pull out when leadership wants to know "how did that happen?"This isn't fluffy marketing theory. These are the actual templates and examples from inside B2B Breakthrough Academy that have helped marketers get their budgets increased, win leadership respect, and build strategies that actually get used. Bonus tangents: Why I'm moving away from AI for content brainstorming, my obsession with minimalism, whether you need a spatula to flip pancakes, and why brand salience beats conversion metrics every time. More ways to work with me: 🎓 B2B Breakthrough Academy - My flagship 12-week programme with templates, video trainings, and live mentoring: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy 📧 Want a 7-day trial of Module 1? Email jade@b2bjade.com or fill out the form on my website 📅 Next live intake call dates: b2bjade.com/breakthrough-academy Who this is for: Marketing Managers and Heads of Marketing responsible for delivering strategyMarketers wanting to step up from execution to strategic thinkingAnyone who's built a strategy that got filed away and never usedB2B marketers tired of being order-takers instead of internal consultantsNot quite ready for the full programme? If you're a Marketing Assistant just starting out, focus on execution first and come back when you're ready to step up. Got questions about your marketing objectives? Drop them in the comments - I'd love to hear where you're at with your strategy. See you in the next episode! Jade x #b2bmarketing #marketingstrategy #marketingobjectives #marketingmanager