Putting the sales horse before the marketing cart

Oh, how I wish more people understood what marketing is! Here are three recent examples that prove they don’t.
“Adrienne, my partner is meeting with our staff next week, to define our marketing issues. Then we’ll set an appointment with you.”
Excuse me? You’re too close to the forest to see the trees. Let the marketing consultant listen, define and prioritize the issues.
“Adrienne, we have to hold off on the marketing plan for a month or two. Right now I’m bogged down trying to hire an assistant and a marketing person. I’ll call you once I complete the hiring.”