Today I heard a business owner tell me her agency appointed officer told her to hold off on marketing to concentrate on developing more product.

Am I missing something or is this advice bordering on ridiculous?

In my book maintaining your marketing helps you to build demand for product but also identify new areas of opportunity to diversify your existing product.  The more people know, the more they inquire and suggest helping to point you and your product development in new areas.

Sales pays for product development and good marketing generates sales

Word to the wise. When your officer tells you to hold off on your marketing ask if you can also hold off on paying the bills!