Know-How Exchange : Strategy

You can start the reading list with the 10 books recommended here:

Recommended Reading for Serious Marketers

Hi Sharon,

"to become a strategic marketer" ... this question begins to answer itself. Strategy is the key to successful marketing. You can have all great marketing execution in the world, but understanding the competitive landscape an having a clear positioning strategy is what makes the difference. The first book on Mr. Goodman's list is a good place to start - "Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind" by Al Ries and Jack Trout.

As far as skills and innate abilities, I think it helps to be good at sales. I started selling things as a kid and sold door-to-door during college. It is great training because when it's all said and done, marketing is about conversions aka sales.

Hope this helps and good luck,

Steve

Dear Sharon,

"What Skills Do You Need To Become A Marketer?"

A love of what you do. Curiosity. Commitment. Persistence.

Belief in yourself. The ability to listen. The ability to write.

The ability to understand that you don't know it all, no matter how
well educated you are. The realization that regardless of the initials you've got after your name or how many certificates you've got hanging on your office wall, you put your trousers on one leg at a time, just like everyone else.

The ability to be open to alternative points of view.

The ability to place your client's needs above your own ego.
The ability to place the needs of your client's clients above
your own ego.

The understanding that it's your ideas, ability, hard work, and originality that will make you shine, and that ultimately, you're probably only worth what you bring in in terms of new revenue
for your clients.

The ability to instill trust and make people like you. The ability
to dispel fear, doubt, skepticism, and price resistance.

The knowledge that you know what you're talking about.
The ability to explain what you know to people in terms they understand.

An ability to live a jargon free life.

An understanding of the power of the client's brand, the worth of the client's value, and the power of the client's benefits and solutions to their prospects and customers.

The understanding that ultimately, people want two things: solutions and significance.

The realization that you can change lives and make businesses more joyful places to do business with, more profitable, more user friendly, and better able to give back to society in meaningful ways.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

Results - Results - Results!

There is no success or failure in marketing, just ongoing testing and measuring... Getting Results!

The only MBA that matters is your Major Bank Account!

Hi Gary,

just terrific answers !

Client concentration is the first and foremost - anywhere in the world.

Help to get helped

Have a great weekend

Michael