Question

Topic: Career/Training

From B To C (or Is It The Other Way Around?)

Posted by Anonymous on 5/15/2009 at 2:54 PM ET 250 Points
Hi there,

I'm presently contemplating a switch from a B2C role (brand manager in a consumer-oriented company, working on an exciting brand with a rich emotional content) to a B2B one, offering more seniority and more $$$ to go with it.

Money aside, the new role would allow me to manage a full-fledged team of people (not assistant-level but rather, a group of professionals with some seniority) and, besides, it would offer the chance to build a new business almost from scratch, with a lot of free rein (new ideas, product/service innovation, new promotional routes, etc.).

To be honest, although there would be a lot of excitement coming from the new challenges, the industry itself is far from being as exciting as the one I'm operating in now.

Guess my question is: does anyone have experience in terms of similar career jumps? Is it easy to come back (say, in 2-3 years) to the B2C world after you have spent some time in B2B?

Thanks in advance for your time.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 5/15/2009 at 7:20 PM Accepted
    Without a doubt, it does sound like the new position would offer skills for you to learn which are transferable. But the ability to switch industries is generally not that easy. Depends on how well you can sell the skills you have gained and how they work in a particularly industry, but it does seem common in marketing/brand management/product management type roles often require experience in the industry (and discount experiences gained in other industries).

    There definitely are cases where a switch can happen, and even times where a B2C company would look for someone with B2B experience. But I think these are more the exceptions than the rules.
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 5/15/2009 at 8:52 PM Accepted
    Dear Evandnd,

    "Does anyone have experience in terms of similar career jumps?
    Is it easy to come back (say, in 2-3 years) to the B2C world after
    you have spent some time in B2B?"

    Heart, it's not where one works, nor is it the environment in which one works, it's what one brings to the table, what one offers and one's experience and one's accumulated view points that matter.

    I've spent time in B2B. I've spent time in local government. I've moved 3,500 miles and spent a decade in the non-profit world.

    And now?

    I'm contemplating two moves: one that will take me back into B2B/
    B2C, and another that will take me out on my own. I don't see this
    as an "either or" choice. I see it as an "I can do both" choice.

    Why? Because at every step, I've learned and grown, and my experience has improved, widened, and deepened. This has given
    me greater flexibility, opened my eyes to incredible possibility,
    and as a result, increased my credibility.

    Now, on the issue of ease of moving hither and yon, that dear
    heart, depends on you.

    What do you offer?
    What do you want?
    What do you need?
    What do you know?
    And how will you apply yourself?
    How will you market the total package that is you?

    Hmm?

    The only limitations to your mobility are your attitude toward
    flexibility and your mind set. To thine own self be true. Dear
    heart, my best advice to you is to follow your gut. Where ever
    that takes you.

    I hope this isn't too cryptic, and that it helps. Good luck to you.

    Gary Bloomer
    Wilmington, DE, USA
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