Ever wonder why so many folks fancy themselves as marketing experts?

It's a bit like imagining Angry Birds trying their luck at croquet and thinking they'll excel. Throughout my career, working closely with various individuals and organizations, this scenario is a familiar one. When a marketing expert steps into the scene, suddenly everyone in the room has their take on marketing.

CEOs and managers often believe they can seamlessly handle the marketing role, offering advice with the expectation of replicating the success of seasoned marketing professionals. Sadly, this approach frequently falls short, leaving leaders puzzled by the lack of results and discontent with their marketing leaders. This leads to a misalignment of expectations. Let's simplify this matter – people may have plenty of opinions, but let me make it clear: marketing, just like any other profession, requires years of study, research, and hands-on experience to truly master.

So, what does marketing truly entail?

Marketing is a blend of art, psychology, math, systems engineering, communication, and empathy. It's a complex field requiring both creative and logical techniques. What proves effective for one business may not be for another. Drawing parallels with other professions, you wouldn't instruct a painter on how to paint, a mathematician on solving equations, or an electrical engineer on chip selection. Similarly, enjoying a good meal doesn't qualify you to critique a chef. Yet, many leaders seek advice on marketing without understanding its intricacies or underestimating what marketing can truly achieve for their business.

Consider this scenario: "I heard social media is trendy. I'll create an account and start posting!" While social media is valuable, relying solely on it neglects other opportunities to reach your target audience. Crafting an effective marketing campaign involves understanding your audience's demographics, psychographics, and geography. Knowing what content resonates with your audience and where to find them is crucial.

Why is finding your audience essential?

Consumers face a daily barrage of ads across social media, display ads, TV, magazines, and radio. To stand out, you need a unique approach that resonates with your target audience. Crafting ads is just the beginning; placing them where your audience will see them is equally vital. Without this, you risk wasting time and marketing investments.

What does a marketing professional bring to the table?

An experienced marketing professional starts with data/market research, influencing marketing materials, and ongoing evaluation to enhance subsequent campaigns. Recognizing that what works for one business may not work for all is a fundamental concept. This understanding enables your marketing team to determine the best platforms for your business and target audience, offering tailored advice on ads. Aligning emotionally resonant creative materials and evaluating campaign performance are crucial aspects of marketing expertise.

Marketing is a complex, multi-layered industry. Attempting a DIY approach, no matter how well you think you understand it, can impede your return on investment. Trust me, just because you experience marketing doesn't equate to mastering it. If you genuinely want to boost your business performance, seek professional guidance.

If you're interested in learning more about how to improve your marketing transformation, feel free to contact me for further insights and recommendations from my experience working with and leading some of the most iconic companies.

?#chatgpt #microsoft #cmo, #saas, #marketing, #salesforce, #digitaltransformation