You're aiming to advance in your marketing career. What steps should you prioritize to climb the ladder?

Advancing in your marketing career is about more than just climbing the corporate ladder, it's about broadening your experience and skill set. Start by gaining hands-on experience in different aspects of marketing, whether it’s digital, content, or analytics. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and finding a mentor who can guide you through the industry's nuances. Staying updated with the latest trends is crucial, but so is working closely with cross-functional teams to understand the bigger picture. Sometimes, the most significant growth comes not from moving up, but from taking on lateral roles that challenge you to think differently and develop new solutions.

To advance in marketing career the main focus should be on gaining relevant experience, honing your digital marketing skills, networking, seeking mentorship, and staying updated with industry trends.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams can also enhance your understanding of different aspects of marketing, making you a well-rounded professional capable of tackling complex challenges. Engaging in personal projects or case studies can further demonstrate your initiative and passion for continuous improvement.

Lo más fascinante y divertido del mundo del marketing es que siempre está en movimiento. De la misma manera que lo estamos nosotros. Para avanzar en cualquier carrera necesitas: habilidades y tiempo para aplicarlas, pero también saber en qué centrar tu atención. Y en marketing, nuestra atención está en cómo entender a la persona que nos interesa solucionarle un problema. Es entender cómo vive: conocer sus sue?os, aspiraciones, dudas y temores... y cómo se transforma con cada nuevo cambio que nos atraviesa. Así que desarrollar habilidades, conocer más sobre herramientas, como estudiar sobre la aplicación de psicología es vital para generar impacto en el presente. Lo demás, es darle tiempo al tiempo.

In my two decades of marketing, climbing the career ladder wasn't just about sharpening specific skills but about gathering a mix of experiences. I've hopped around advertising agencies, startups, and big corporate gigs, each step broadening my view more than the last. It's not just about going up—it's about going wide too. Consider lateral moves as they can really open up your world and boost your problem-solving prowess.

Según mi experiencia, tenes que aplicar el marketing a tu vida profesional. Eso implica estar en el mercado, igual que cualquier otro producto, y saber qué objetivos tenés y enfocarte en conectar con otros. Investiga sobre las charlas en los eventos a los que participes: ?quiénes van? ?de qué van a hablar? ?qué te interesa conseguir? Involucrate en redes profesionales en las que sepas que hay personas en los puestos que te gustaría estar. Suma propuestas en encuentros, sé proactivo y asegurate de cultivar relaciones: sembrar, cuidar y construir en red. Pero por sobre todo, que cada relación sea genuina. Tener los mismos valores es importante y la ética de trabajo se aparece en las relaciones personales.

Effective networking isn’t just collecting contacts—it's about making meaningful connections across the board. Early on, I made sure to mingle with folks from all corners of marketing, from creative to analytical roles. This didn’t just add depth to my Rolodex; it expanded my understanding of the business as a whole. Try to reach out to people beyond your immediate circle; it’s a game-changer for getting fresh perspectives and hidden opportunities.

Finding great mentors has been key to my success, especially those who’ve taken a few unexpected turns in their careers. They've been where you haven't, seen what you haven't, and that's gold. These mentors pushed me to shift gears and try new industries, helping me stitch together a diverse skill set. When looking for guidance, lean towards those who see the big picture and can nudge you beyond your comfort zone.

Invertir en tu progreso, es la única inversión de la que no vas a arrepentirte. Pagar una mentoría de alguien que ha pasado por los mismos lugares que vos querés caminar, es adelantar tiempo y es lo más preciado que tenés. Un mentor puede adelantarte a?os de intentos y fracasos, porque ya los hizo y aprender de sus experiencias para avanzar en tu carrera. Sólo asegurate de que la persona que elijas escuchar, sea afín a tu forma de trabajo y tenga los mismos valores que son importantes para vos.

Being adaptable in marketing means more than keeping up with the latest buzzwords—it's about being ready to jump into different roles, even those sideways or downward on the org chart. My own journey through various marketing disciplines underlines the power of staying flexible and applying your skills in new, sometimes challenging ways. Don’t just climb; pivot, twist, and leap into roles that stretch your capabilities. That’s the secret sauce to a truly rewarding career!