5 answers
Isaac
Student
Patterson, California
1
Question
Asked
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What does it take to become a successful marketing manager?
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in marketing or in something related, how can one make themselves stand out from the rest the marketing world?
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5 answers
Kelly Harrison
Director, Managing Editor, Newsroom
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
You should also remain curious about your industry. Read trade publications, learn about the history of your field, explore what leaders in your industry think, and challenge your own belief systems and what you've learned. Learn about consumer habits and really get to know your audience - and dig into their nuances to find ways to connect with them in really meaningful ways!
Heidi Hokanson
Marketing
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Heidi’s Answer
I would disagree that marketing is subjective. I think the most important thing is to remember that marketing is meant to grow a business. Nobody gets points for being creative or being a good networker if your work isn't resulting in higher sales. And usually the way to do that is to become an expert in your target customers.
When you think of marketing professionals and programs that stand out, the reason they stand out is because they were successful in increasing market awareness, gaining market share, increasing sales, etc. And almost always the story involves a lot of work to gain a deep understanding of their target customers through research and analytics and direct outreach, and making decisions about their product, messaging, positioning, etc based on that understanding. So as you are making decisions as a marketer, whether they be creative or analytical or otherwise, as long as you keep your customers and the objective of business growth in mind you should be on the right track.
When you think of marketing professionals and programs that stand out, the reason they stand out is because they were successful in increasing market awareness, gaining market share, increasing sales, etc. And almost always the story involves a lot of work to gain a deep understanding of their target customers through research and analytics and direct outreach, and making decisions about their product, messaging, positioning, etc based on that understanding. So as you are making decisions as a marketer, whether they be creative or analytical or otherwise, as long as you keep your customers and the objective of business growth in mind you should be on the right track.
Marc Ducamp
Project Manager
1
Answer
Geneva, Switzerland
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Marketing encompasses a vast range of job opportunities, with my expertise lying in two primary areas: product development and product launch/promotion when the product enters the market.
The marketing process begins with the creation of new products and services, achieved through a deep understanding of customer needs, particularly those that have not yet been effectively met. This requires defining the target product features. To excel in this area, you must be inquisitive, imaginative, and adept at forming and maintaining connections. Being self-motivated and able to navigate with minimal guidance is crucial, as is the ability to persuade colleagues from other departments of the importance of your suggestions and choices.
As marketing progresses to the go-to-market phase, it is essential to prepare products and services for sale in the market. This stage calls for excellent communication and presentation skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to convince stakeholders of the immense benefits of your product or service. Solid planning skills and organization are necessary to ensure timely delivery of everything needed for a triumphant product launch or promotion. Additionally, effective people management, whether through hierarchy or influence, is vital for encouraging others to support your plan with enthusiasm.
Remaining curious and staying informed about your competition is key in this stage, as well as fostering efficient working relationships with business partners such as marketing agencies, distribution partners, and influencers. Anticipating the reactions of customers and influencers to your product or service offering is also an important aspect of successful marketing.
Both of these marketing activities are very exciting, diverse and enriching. Good luck!
The marketing process begins with the creation of new products and services, achieved through a deep understanding of customer needs, particularly those that have not yet been effectively met. This requires defining the target product features. To excel in this area, you must be inquisitive, imaginative, and adept at forming and maintaining connections. Being self-motivated and able to navigate with minimal guidance is crucial, as is the ability to persuade colleagues from other departments of the importance of your suggestions and choices.
As marketing progresses to the go-to-market phase, it is essential to prepare products and services for sale in the market. This stage calls for excellent communication and presentation skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to convince stakeholders of the immense benefits of your product or service. Solid planning skills and organization are necessary to ensure timely delivery of everything needed for a triumphant product launch or promotion. Additionally, effective people management, whether through hierarchy or influence, is vital for encouraging others to support your plan with enthusiasm.
Remaining curious and staying informed about your competition is key in this stage, as well as fostering efficient working relationships with business partners such as marketing agencies, distribution partners, and influencers. Anticipating the reactions of customers and influencers to your product or service offering is also an important aspect of successful marketing.
Both of these marketing activities are very exciting, diverse and enriching. Good luck!
Ashley P
Food writer
7
Answers
Rome, New York
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Find a niche that you like and is popular, learn it very well, and market yourself as an expert in that field.
Scott Snyder
eCommerce Lead, Online Marketing at AT&T
9
Answers
Updated
Scott’s Answer
It depends what aspect of marketing you want to work in — for example, some roles require great creative skills, others require great project management skills, some good data analytics skills, or content writing.
But overall it’s important to understand that work is not like school, as it’s not based on objective test scores —- standing out is more ‘subjective’. Strong interpersonal skills, networking skills, good presentation skills, working hard, dressing for success can all help you stand out just as much as good marketing skills.
Good luck!
But overall it’s important to understand that work is not like school, as it’s not based on objective test scores —- standing out is more ‘subjective’. Strong interpersonal skills, networking skills, good presentation skills, working hard, dressing for success can all help you stand out just as much as good marketing skills.
Good luck!