Question

Topic: Career/Training

Am I Marcom? Also Looking For Salary Info.

Posted by M.R. on 3/9/2011 at 6:30 AM ET 250 Points
I work for a small business (10 employees). I enjoy many parts of the job but have a diverse set of responsibilities.

I wondered if this position would still be considered a MarCom one, and what the salary range would be for such a position.

Here are my responsibilities:


* Writing: web pages, blog, social media, press releases, email blasts, marketing slicks (WordPress)

* Design: graphic design for both web and marketing pieces, CD labels, photo editing (software: Jasc Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photoshop Elements, MS Publisher, Serif PagePlus)

* CRM: database management and integration of forms and add-ons with online campaigns (Highrise, Mail Chimp)

* Video/Audio production of podcasts, videos including editing and uploading to various channels

* Analytics: Collect data on analytics regarding website, blog, social media. Compile and present to CEO

* Proposals: creating templates and completing customized versions

* Archiver: maintaining an archive of photographs and images

* Misc. CD duplication, conference and trade show prep, organizing collateral for sponsorships

My salary is low. (A bit under 30K) I am considering branching out on the side with some of my skills but was wondering if I was truly in the MarCom field or if there is another new description for what I do.

Thanks much for any input.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 3/9/2011 at 7:56 AM Accepted
    It sounds like a junior marcom position to me. And the salary is probably in the range of what a junior marcom person should expect.

    That said, the salary depends on a lot of factors -- including where you're located, the value of your function to the business, and how much time/effort you put into planning and strategy development for the business.

    My suggestion would be to initiate and champion a project that will have high visibility within your company, as a way of demonstrating your high value. THEN use the success of that initiative as part of a salary review. There's nothing like a big win to get management comfortable with a substantial raise.

  • Posted on 3/9/2011 at 1:54 PM Accepted
    To me it sounds a bit more than junior. If you are any good at all those tasks then you are in demand as a broadly skilled marketing specialist but are probably being taken advantage at your small company.

    Some of your skills are getting into the modern field of “digital” or “online” or “e-marketing”. This is in demand and paid well often. If you like this area, I suggest learning more about PPC, SEM, SEO, CRM, social media marketing, and related online marketing activities for working in a larger company (perhaps with better pay and benefits) and/or on your own.

    As said in the previous post, show your initiative to take on larger marketing roles and projects (if that is your interest) such as marketing planning, brand review or redevelopment, etc. If this doesn’t work, then consider branching out on your own, at least on the side from home. This “side-job” or “home-based” model offers your more supplemental income, tax write-offs for a home-based business, a chance to network with other companies, meet new people, gain more skills, etc.

    Career building takes time but there is no time like now to start gaining more education and experiences. In 20 years I went from being a labourer making $25,000 to a marketing professional making 6 figure income. Went to night school, did side jobs, built relationships, etc. It has paid off.
  • Posted by pmswish on 3/9/2011 at 8:50 PM Accepted
    The description of your tasks and skills sound much like that of a marcom professional. Potentially, your firm of 10 can only support the salary that you are receiving for that position which may also be indicative of your years of experience.

    Moving forward you may do some research on online job sites for your skills/responsibilities to get a baseline of salaries in your geographic area as well as to assess the quantity and quality of opportunities available.

    Your research will support your next steps whatever they may be: negotiating an increase with your current firm, exploring opportunities with others, or branching out on your own.
  • Posted by M.R. on 3/10/2011 at 2:19 PM Author
    Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I did do some research regarding this position in my area, and within my industry. I found the salaries to be close to 50% higher on average -- and this was at the low end.

    I have a four-year degree although it isn't in marketing. (Liberal Arts) However, I have over 20 years experience with desktop publishing, design work, and writing. (The analytics I've been learning on my own.)

    I've already spearheaded several projects for the company but with the economy, my annual review has only yielded a very small increase. (And don't get me wrong, I am still grateful for my job and the small increase.)

    However, after all is said and done, I do think I am not being fairly compensated for both my educational level and skill set. Since posting this, and based on the replies, I think I'll put more of an effort to build my own business on the side with the goal of eventually being self-employed. I love the creativity of my job, but really enjoy helping other small businesses develop their own presence in the world.

    Thanks again for your words of wisdom. Hopefully, Peter, I can have a similar story to yours someday. :)
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