How long does it take for your marketing to work?

John Jantsch does a great job putting this question in perspective in his Duct Tape Marketing post earlier today.

Here's a quick excerpt:

If you are just starting out or focusing on growth then you should take the time and effort to build the necessary foundation of an ideal target client and core message of difference. Then you can put in motion an increasing series of lead generation tactics to spread that core message.

Done properly, it is likely going to take six months to a year for you to see the kind of long term momentum that you want. The kind of momentum that has people talking about you and commenting that they see you everywhere. Marketing is a living and evolving system.

If your are a business owner the message is think long term, build the system and work the system. If you are a small business coach or consultant the message is set the proper expectations with your clients.