Key Takeaways from #rapertmktg

When I first received an email from Molly Rapert before the semester started, I knew that Marketing Management was going to be a valuable course. However, I did not know to what extent it would grow me and lead me to understand my personal purpose. Molly explained to us on the first day of class that most of the specific marketing tactics she would teach us will be rendered obsolete in five years because of the marketing world changing rapidly. Her goal for the course was to teach us key lessons that would stay with us in all areas of our lives forever. I am walking out of this course with the following lessons in mind, knowing they will continuously hold value.?

1. Use every opportunity to connect and network?

One of the main things I really enjoyed from this course was the ability to network with different industry leaders. I also loved how Molly Rapert connected current students to past students in the industry. This was through Linkedin, email, and face to face connections. Building a network and staying connected with each person is very important for growth and opportunities. Do not waste a chance to make a connection because you never know what path will open from it.?

1. Focus on your purpose?

A focus throughout the course was understanding purpose, with a brand and your personal purpose. We worked with Amanda Bailey , who discussed the importance of standing out in a sea of same. She led us through a process to identify our true purpose and how to use it to our advantage. Purpose is what connects you, grounds you, and focuses you, according to Forbes. Having your focus on purpose allows for you to face challenges with strength and it brings you happiness as you navigate life.?

1. The Shopper’s Journey

We had the opportunity to complete a virtual store walk with Sam’s Club. Through this project, I learned that understanding the shopper’s journey and the customer experience, allows for companies to gain actionable insights for improvement. It is important in marketing to look through the lens of the shopper and their experience when making decisions. It does not matter what trends are evolving, the shoppers journey will always play a part.?

1. The Domino Effect?

I am a firm believer that everything will happen for a reason. Sometimes, however, I wonder if I would have made a different decision, where would I be in life right now? Molly Rapert explained how we never know what life will bring us, but take the opportunity to learn. Every person you meet and every event that you experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. You can not stop a domino from falling, but you can embrace the opportunity and learn from it. Your dominoes will fall and navigate you through a different path that you might not have been expecting. Embrace the change and learn from the experiences in order to be the best version of yourself.?

1. Be relentlessly consistent?

Being relentlessly consistent does not mean being perfect, however it means to consistently align your purpose with your intentions. Jeff Metzner discussed being relentlessly consistent? during ‘Boom or Bust,’ and described that embracing your purpose and values consistently, not perfectly, can lead to amazing things happening. Hold true to your purpose and values, in your personal life and in a company, and growth will happen. Even if there is failure, being relentlessly consistent with your purpose and values will carry you to success.?