Whispers of a Marketer: Tales from a Café Canvas

This past weekend, on a chilly yet refreshing summer morning in #Montreal , I found myself comfortably settled in a corner of a quaint café, in the Old Port area.

With the fresh morning air around me, I relaxed, sipping my hot, foamy coffee and taking in the view. Just beside me, a young woman was deeply focused into her sketches. As a few minutes flowed by, her enthusiasm seemed to wane down. She started to look around as if she has lost something. Curiosity got the better of me, and I approached her from the other table right beside. I had a feeling she was a #marketer or a #designer so I've asked: "Are you a marketer?". She looked up, surprised, and then smiled, "Yes, how did you guess?" Well it turned our that she was both. We began to chat, and her story began to unfold. So stick with me cause this will get interesting!

?? Whispers of Stories:

She spoke of her recent project, a narrative she was crafting for a brand. "Content," she whispered, "is like the heartbeat of a brand." She described how she envisioned her #content as a radiant hue, a color that would breathe life into the brand's identity. "Did you know," she said, "that according to #HubSpot , 70% of marketers feel the same?"

Takeaway 1.) Authentic content is the lifeblood of a brand's identity.

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?? Embracing the Ebb and Flow:

We both laughed, sharing experiences of campaigns that took unexpected turns. "You know," she said, "just when you think you've got it all figured out, the digital world throws you a curveball." We both nodded in agreement, understanding the rhythm of change and the importance of adaptability and flexibility.

Takeaway 2.) Embrace change; adaptability is the key in an unpredictable digital landscape.

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?? Tuning into the Heart's Song:

She leaned in, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. "#Marketing isn't just about selling," she murmured. "It's about connecting, feeling the pulse of the audience." She spoke of the trust she aimed to build. I've told her that she has taken the right approach since the power of genuine recommendations AKA Word-of-Mouth (WOMM) #marketing is still one of the most powerful forms of #marketing to ever existed and nothing else can beat a genuine connection with your audience.

Takeaway 3.) Beyond selling, marketing thrives on authentic connections and trust.

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?? Crafting Connections:

Our conversation shifted to networking. She shared a story of how building relationships reminded her of a legend she once wrote as a child. "Imagine befriending a werewolf," she began, "at first, the idea seems daring, even dangerous. But once you understand and connect with the creature, it becomes a loyal ally." She spoke about how marketers often fear the unknown, avoiding connections with other professionals. But with mastery and understanding, these connections can become invaluable allies. Obvious Fun Fact: "According to #LinkedIn , most opportunities sprout from such professional connections".

Takeaway 4.) Venturing into unfamiliar professional territories can unlock invaluable opportunities.

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?? Sculpting with Care:

She showed me her toolkit, digital platforms, and some of her digital artwork. "Every tool has a purpose," she said, just like a mechanic, or doctor or any other profession. Tools can make the whole trade. Amongst others we've discussed the importance of tools like SEO.

Takeaway 5.) Master and utilize precise tools, like SEO, for targeted strategies.

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?? Journeying with Purpose:

She spoke of her personal values and how they guided her professional choices. "Ethics," she said with conviction, "are the compass that guides my journey." She believed in brands that resonated with genuine values, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Couldn't agree more.

Takeaway 6.) Let personal values guide professional decisions; the journey matters.

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?? Harmonizing Global Melodies:

She shared her dreams and promised of taking her marketing skills global by sketching more, at least a few times per week. As part of the same agreement I've also promised to write more article and blog entries to work on my writing skills. (Fact that led me to write this article)

Takeaway 7.) Commit to continuous learning and embrace global perspectives for enriched strategies.

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As our conversation drew to a close, an elderly gentleman nearby, having overheard our conversation, shared tales from his marketing days. His stories, rich with experience, mirrored the threads of our discussion. It was a harmonious blend of past and present, a testament to the timeless essence of marketing.

Time flies and after discussing with my new friends for a good few hours I came to the conclusion that marketers in the past had similar problems yet a lot fewer tools. Technology did change as well in many industries in the past specifically in the music industry. This makes adaptability as one of those cross-generational skills that must go on with the trade.

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There is so much value in connecting with other professionals no matter the age. Cross-generation communication is also a tool. A tool that should also be transferred cross-generation.

That is why, with this article, I'd like to take the opportunity and thank everyone that has connected with me here on #LinkedIn , no matter the generation, I wish you all the best! ????

?? Cheers for networking & for reading my story! ??