Welcome to another episode recap from Blame It On Marketing. We're in season eight, and this time, it's all about learning and continuous development in marketing. As marketers, it's no secret that we hustle hard, but how often do we actually hit pause and focus on our personal growth?
In this episode, we sat down with Robin Hartley and Tom Blake, who shared their insights on learning in marketing. As Robin put it,
"To bring new concepts, tactics and ideas to the table, you need to be investing in that learning for yourself."
Why is continuous learning so crucial for marketers? Tom explained it perfectly: "The world in which we operate is constantly evolving. If we aren't in step with that change, it could be detrimental to our brands."
As marketers, we need to stay aligned with new channels and trends to ensure our messages are getting to the right people in the right way.
Time management and being intentional were two key themes in the discussion. Robin emphasized,
"It's easy to just be super busy and not carve out time for your own development."The trick is to prioritize and time block for learning, just as you would with any other task. Learn to automate where you can and focus on what's truly important.
Tom offered some sound advice on specialization within marketing:
"Even if you're a generalist, all generalists will have specialisms. What is it you want to become known for?"Narrowing your focus can make the path more manageable. This is where networking comes in handy. Build a network of specialists, and lean on them for areas outside your expertise.
What should you expect from Learning and Development (L&D) in your company? Well, Tom says,"The onus is on you as the individual. The organization is there to help you."
Whether you're navigating a great work environment or one with a few hiccups, taking charge of your personal development is key. Be proactive: set clear goals, ask for feedback, and engage with others for mentorship opportunities.
Robin nailed it when she said,
"Progress isn't always perfection, but every little step counts."Remember, no one can or should be expected to learn everything overnight. But keep learning, because staying static isn't an option in our ever-changing field.
So, dear marketers, let's not neglect our own growth. Aim to carve out that time for learning, because, as we've seen, it's on us to ensure we're equipped to handle the future of marketing.