WORKING WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

Enrolled in George Brown College 's Marketing Management – Digital Media Program, I had the privilege of attending digital seminars orchestrated by Wendy Greenwood for one of my courses. This article, I am proud to present insights that I have gathered from GBC alumni, Danielle Wilcox Humilde , an accomplished UX Designer currently making impactful contributions to the Marketing Team at Marsh McLennan .

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Danielle's professional journey is characterized by a rich and diverse background – she commenced her career as an entrepreneur, laying the foundation for a unique and innovative perspective in her approach to user experience design. As an alumna of the esteemed Digital Media Marketing program at George Brown College, Danielle has cultivated a deep understanding of the digital landscape, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and growth.

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Gems of Insight

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During her insightful presentation, Danielle Humilde shared compelling examples of putting theoretical knowledge into action, particularly highlighting her adeptness at "working with what you have." During her enlightening presentation, Danielle Humilde illustrated the practical application of theoretical knowledge, emphasizing the concept of "working with what you have." In one instance, Danielle embarked on a Black Friday to Boxing Day sale marketing campaign for an eco-friendly company with a limited budget. Demonstrating strategic acumen, she initiated the campaign well in advance, focusing on organic growth through engaging social media content. The results were impressive, with a 300% increase in followers, showcasing Danielle's ability to navigate challenges creatively.

?In another example, Danielle undertook a brand refreshment campaign for an interior design company amid peak COVID times. Faced with conflicting feedback on target clientele, she employed A/B testing, turning ambiguity into an opportunity. The strategic planning, within a strict budget, identified target personas and resonant messages, highlighting Danielle's capacity to turn constraints into opportunities. These examples underscore her ability to effectively apply classroom teachings to practical scenarios, showcasing resilience and strategic thinking in the dynamic realm of digital marketing.

?Don’t fear Career Shifts

?Danielle's journey teaches us the valuable lesson that it's acceptable to change our minds and continuously evolve our paths. This wisdom, drawn from her own experience as a political science student considering law school, encourages us to stay flexible and responsive to evolving aspirations. Her advocacy for exploring internships in unfamiliar industries reinforces the idea that trying something new can lead to unexpected passions and valuable skills.

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The reminder that success is subjective and shouldn't be solely comparative resonates, emphasizing the need to celebrate personal victories, regardless of external benchmarks. Danielle's practical tips, including the importance of networking, seeking referrals, and maintaining connections, provide actionable strategies for career development. Lastly, her father's perspective on life events as lessons or blessings encourages an open-minded approach to experiences, fostering resilience and growth.

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Recognizing that it's acceptable to change one's mind and continually adapt has been a transformative lesson in my journey. Graduating with a degree in IT initially, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic became a way for self-discovery. Amid the uncertainties, I found my eye for creativity, redirecting my path toward the dynamic world of marketing.

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This shift in perspective has equipped me with a valuable outlook on navigating the professional landscape. Applying this strategy to my co-op search involves maintaining an open mindset to diverse opportunities within the marketing sphere. By acknowledging the fluidity of personal interests, I can explore various facets of marketing during my co-op experience, fostering a dynamic and enriching journey.

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In essence, adapting and evolving in response to changing circumstances ensures a more holistic understanding of the marketing field. This approach not only enhances my skills but also opens doors to unforeseen passions, enriching my co-op journey with purpose and flexibility.

Confidence is the Key

In the dynamic discussion on effective data presentation during the case study activity, Danielle underscored the critical role of clear communication, especially when engaging executives unfamiliar with marketing intricacies.

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Looking deeper, Danielle highlighted the aspect of data context, urging marketers to discern whether data originated from a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) company. She explained how this fundamental distinction significantly influenced metrics, providing valuable insights into user behavior through a business-oriented lens. Furthermore, her practical advice encompassed the incorporation of success stories, advocating for a narrative approach in presentations. She introduced the strategic "sandwich method," emphasizing positivity while briefly addressing negatives, and stressed the importance of clear communication through keywords, prepared scripts, and readiness to address questions. Danielle's comprehensive strategy extended to a call for deeper data analysis, encouraging presenters to unearth actionable insights and establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks for effective ongoing evaluation.

Conclusion

In summary, Danielle Humilde's journey from entrepreneur to influential UX Designer at Marsh McLennan provides valuable insights for aspiring marketers. Her philosophy of "working with what you have" is evident in strategic campaigns, showcasing adaptability and creativity. Danielle's lessons on embracing change resonate, influencing an open mindset in navigating the marketing landscape.

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The case study activity emphasizes her impactful advice on effective data presentation to executives. From understanding data context to employing a narrative structure and clear communication, Danielle's strategies offer a comprehensive guide for marketers. Her insights inspire adaptability, resilience, and a proactive pursuit of success in the dynamic field of digital marketing.