This is a subscriber-only article. Join Entrepreneur+ today for access

Learn More

Already have an account?

Sign in
Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
For Subscribers

What You Wanted to Know About Marketing But Forgot to Ask You know all of the frequently asked marketing questions, what about the important questions no one ever thinks to ask? We've got the answers right here.

By Ann Handley

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Have you ever noticed that the best part of lectures, panel discussions or public interviews comes at the end, when audience members interact with the speakers and ask questions? After almost two years of penning this column, I've realized that the same is true here. My favorite ideas have come from those of you who have read my words and been prompted to raise your hands with a question, so to speak.

As someone who speaks and writes about marketing, I've gotten pretty good at tuning my ear to what my colleague John Jantsch calls "Frequently Unasked Questions," or FUQs. (Do not pronounce phonetically in delicate company.) FUQs are questions people should be asking but aren't. Sometimes they don't know enough to ask, sometimes they don't have the opportunity, and sometimes they're embarrassed, worried that the question is overly simplistic or just plain dumb.

But sometimes the FUQ is broader than the initial inquiry itself--it's the question within the question, if you will. I've been collecting your letters all this time, and I believe I've unearthed the real queries within them. I think it's time we get the FUQs out.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Living

Discover Your New Favorite Show or Movie with This App, Now $39.99 for Life

Think of this app as your very own, personalized guide to streaming film and TV.

Business News

McDonald's Is Making a Major Change to Its Burgers in 2024

The beloved Big Mac will also be getting a big makeover.

Growing a Business

Serial Entrepreneur Turned VC Reveals 4 Numbers You Need to Know to Scale Your Company

If you're looking to attract investment or simply seeking to scale your business, there are four key numbers you should use as your guiding light.

Thought Leaders

3 New Ways to Develop Laser-Like Focus

To boost focus in the face of distractions, you need a new approach to success.

Devices

Upgrade Your Tech with $200 Off a MacBook Pro

If you're in the market for a new laptop, then you won't want to miss this deal.