Marketing Strategy and Execution: Lessons From Texas BBQ

A Texan, a marketer, and a pitmaster have many things in common. What is it? Well, it’s the antithesis of being in a rush. It’s a sense of life at a different pace and recognizing that sometimes, we have to accept things for what they are, even when something seems awry. 

In Texas, BBQ isn’t just food—it’s a ritual, a tradition passed down through generations. And if there’s one dish that defines the heart and soul of Texas BBQ, it’s the brisket. A perfectly smoked brisket demands patience, attention to detail, and respect for the process. The same goes for crafting an effective marketing strategy. Much like smoking brisket, the art of marketing requires a careful blend of preparation, execution, and trust in the journey.

The Art of Preparation: Crafting the Marketing Strategy

Before a brisket even touches the smoker, a skilled pitmaster spends hours deciding on the right ingredients and methods. From selecting the best seasoning rub to choosing the wood for the smoker—whether it’s oak, hickory, or mesquite—every detail matters. The pitmaster knows that the type of wood will determine the flavor, just as the timing and heat control will dictate the texture of the meat.

Similarly, JCI Marketing knows that a marketing strategy is more than just a plan on paper. It’s about understanding the audience, identifying the right messaging, and choosing the platforms that resonate most. The strategy phase is where you lay down the foundation for success. You aren’t just winging it with salt and pepper; you’re researching, refining, and choosing the “ingredients” to set your campaign apart.

And just like in BBQ, the preparation phase is arguably the most important step. The meat hasn’t even hit the smoker yet, but every decision made now will impact the final result. In marketing, this is where you set the goals, understand your audience, refine your messaging, and align your channels. You’ll consider days to post, which pieces of content to turn into pillar pages, and identify potential issues in the production process.  JCI Marketing’s services, such as content writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and tailored digital strategies, help lay the groundwork for success, so you can get to the sweet, succulent taste of steady leads for your sales team!

The Execution: Putting the Brisket on the Smoker

When it’s finally time to get that brisket on the smoker, you’re not rushing to crank up the heat. You know that good BBQ isn’t about speed; it’s key rests in maintaining a low, steady temperature to allow the smoke to work its magic. As the heat rises, the internal temperature of the meat begins to climb—slowly at first, then gaining momentum. In marketing, this is where your plan comes to life, and your leads start to show interest. They follow your LinkedIn newsletter or page, might attend an event, maybe visit your website, and start learning who you are. They’re not ready for sales, same way that your brisket isn’t done. These simple actions form the bark to your marketing strategy: they form that crust that makes our mouths water and stomachs growl in anticipation. 

You’ve done the prep, and now you’re letting the strategy simmer, creating the right environment for your efforts to take shape. Early on, the heat from the smoke is doing its job, and you start to see results—a few qualified leads here, some traction there. It’s gradual, but you’re building momentum. Even if you had the biggest budget in the world, there’s something simple to remember. 

Twelve hours at 220° isn’t the same as 4 hours at 660°. 

The Stall: Trusting the Process

But then comes what every pitmaster dreads—the stall. At around 165 degrees, the brisket’s internal temperature just… stops rising. It can last for hours, and to an inexperienced pitmaster, it’s terrifying. They start to question everything: “Is the smoker not hot enough? Do I need to change something?” This is where experience and trust in the process come in and help you rest when every fiber of your being wants to scream, “it’s not working!”

The same happens in marketing. Every campaign has a point where progress slows, and leads don’t come as steadily as before. In an SEO project, leads may not even be converting from visitors to submissions. It’s tempting to panic, to think, “We need to change everything because it’s not working!” But seasoned marketers know this stall isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an expected part of the process.

The stall in BBQ happens because the meat is undergoing internal changes that aren’t immediately visible, a necessary step for achieving that tender, smoky perfection. Likewise, in marketing, things are happening in the background, even if you don’t have immediate metrics to show. Trust in the strategy you laid out during the preparation phase.

Sticking to the Plan: Patience and Payoff

In BBQ, the worst thing you can do during the stall is to get impatient and raise the heat, risking burning the meat or ruining the flavor. The best pitmasters stick to their plan, knowing that if they ride it out, the final product will be worth it. Marketing is no different. When the results slow down, the instinct might be to throw out the plan or try something radically different. Still, patience and consistency often yield the best outcomes.

Stay focused on your long-term goals and stick to your strategic choices. The leads will come, and your efforts will pay off. The stall is just another step toward creating something exceptional.

Trust the Process; Savor the Success; Choose JCI Marketing

Whether you’re smoking a brisket or building out a marketing strategy, success comes down to preparation, execution, and staying the course. Just as a master pitmaster spends hours planning every detail before cooking, marketers need to invest time in laying a solid foundation before launching campaigns. And when you hit the inevitable stall, remember that it’s not a sign of failure but part of the journey toward something great.

At JCI Marketing, we understand the importance of crafting a marketing strategy rooted in experience and expertise. Just like mastering the art of BBQ, we believe that taking the time to plan, execute, and stay committed to the process leads to results worth celebrating.

Ready to craft your perfect marketing strategy? Reach out to a JCI Marketing expert today, and let’s get started on a campaign worth savoring.