Each year I speak with hundreds of marketers just like you. I participate in client program reviews. I have new business presentations. I set informal touch bases. I connect at industry conferences.
I listen…I learn…I gain insight into how marketers achieve success – for their company, and in their own career and professional development.
As you continue to plan and think about 2019, here are three resolutions I encourage you to consider:
- Internal Intimacy is Paramount. Marketers who put in the time to build and maintain meaningful relationships with their peers in sales, channel, customer service, product development and finance have a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the business. They also find a smoother path to build support and consensus for campaigns and other tactical programs.
- Customer and Industry Knowledge for Credibility. Equally important is to understand customer requirements, considerations that impact a buy decision, and the trends that shape market segments. I’ve spoken with marketers who routinely attend sales presentations. One software CMO I know well spends a full day each month personally staffing customer support.
- Embrace the Spotlight. Marketers welcome the mission of hyping the company and its solutions, yet often loathe the promotion of their own accomplishments. Bag that thinking! An award-winning marketing team positions a company as innovative and responsive, and garners respect from management. Here is a link to a great example.