You just raised your seed round or hit $500K ARR. Board asks: "What's the marketing plan?" You panic and: Hire a marketing agency ($10K/month, 6-month minimum) Launch paid ads without clear positioning ($15K wasted) Start random tactics (SEO, content, LinkedIn, ads) with no strategy Hire a VP Marketing too early ($200K/year) Six months later: $100K+ spent Pipeline barely moved No clear positioning Team confused about who you're selling to Board asking harder questions The pro