F*** it, We Ball: The Power of Testing and Taking Risks in Marketing

Sometimes, in marketing and in life, you have to stop overthinking and just go for it. Planning is important, sure, but bold moves get remembered. Whether you're a one-person marketing team or part of a small crew, playing it safe won’t get you where you want to be. You have to embrace risk, test without fear, and push boundaries to grow.

Let’s break down why taking risks and testing without asking for permission might just be the secret sauce you need to develop a killer marketing strategy.

1. Crack Some Eggs—Or Get Left Behind

Marketing is like making an omelet: if you’re not willing to crack some eggs, don’t expect to create something amazing. That means trying bold strategies that might feel risky. It’s not about following rules; it’s about creating impact.

If you’re always waiting for permission to try something new—especially if you're part of a one-person marketing team—you’ll be stuck in the slow lane. Successful marketers test fearlessly, knowing that not every attempt will land. But when it does, the payoff can be huge.

Take content marketing, for example. Developing a strong thought leadership strategy means experimenting with content marketing ideas that others might not even consider. And yes, sometimes that means failing fast. But every failure teaches you more about what works for your audience.

2. Ask for Forgiveness, Not Permission

Being bold in marketing is about adopting a mindset of "forgiveness over permission." No one grows their brand by playing it safe or waiting for approval on every little move. In fast-paced environments like startups, you don’t have time to second-guess every decision.

Got a new campaign idea that feels a little out there? Launch it. Test a wild new concept. See how it performs. Worst case, you pivot. But if you never pull the trigger, you’ll never know.

Here’s the thing: thought leadership content is about leading, not following. If you wait for everyone to be on board with a bold idea, you’ve already missed your window. Be bold about your approach. It’s better to try, fail, and adjust than to never act at all.

3. Testing: The Unsung Hero of Bold Marketing

Testing isn’t just a safety net—it’s your rocket fuel. Whether you're figuring out how to develop a brand strategy or tweaking a thought leadership content marketing plan, testing should be the heart of your process.

A/B test your messaging. Experiment with new platforms. Trial a tone of voice that’s never been used in your industry. Whatever it is, keep pushing the envelope. Testing allows you to make informed decisions, but it also creates room for those happy accidents—those unexpected wins that can totally shift your trajectory.

And don’t let small failures deter you. Marketing isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. You learn from every test, every risk, every cracked egg. That’s how you craft a thought leadership strategy that disrupts and gets noticed.

4. Risk Builds Thought Leadership

Being a thought leader means you aren’t afraid to make moves. You’re creating trends, not just following them. Want to know the true thought leadership meaning? It’s simple: taking risks others won’t.

Brands that become leaders in their space are the ones that

• Test crazy ideas.

• Embrace the unknown.

• Adjust fast and move even faster.

If you’re looking to build a thought leadership strategy, that’s the mindset you need to cultivate. Stop asking “what if” and start asking “why not.” Thought leadership isn’t built on safe bets; it’s built on risks that lead to breakthroughs.

5. Unapologetic Marketing: Own Your Wins (and Losses)

Marketing without risk is just clutter. Sure, not every campaign will land, but the ones that do will make a lasting impact. The best marketers—especially those running solo or with limited resources—don’t apologize for taking chances. They own the outcome, good or bad.

If a test fails, you pivot. If it wins, you double down. Either way, you’re moving forward, learning, and getting sharper. That’s the difference between thought leadership content that gets lost in the shuffle and content that makes waves.

Final Thoughts: Stop Playing Safe, Start Playing Big

If you’re tired of waiting for approval, tired of asking permission, and tired of playing it safe—then it’s time to embrace a new mindset: Fuck it, We Ball. Be ambitious about your marketing, embrace testing, and understand that every cracked egg is a step toward creating something extraordinary.

So stop holding back. Start taking risks. Test often. And remember, in marketing, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. That’s how you win.

Need a partner who’s unafraid to shoot for the stars? Taylor Street Collective is here to help solo marketers and one-person marketing teams develop bold, dynamic strategies to cut through the clutter. Get in touch today and let’s fuel up your marketing game.