50 Bookmark-Worthy Tips for the Ambitious B2B Marketer: Part I

I’ve never been one of those gals to wear a tiara on my birthday. I count my blessings, allow myself a few extra calories, and then treat it like every other day. But this week, I’m having a seriously big birthday. It’s okay…..really, I swear! There are so many benefits of being “experienced.” My daughter would absolutely say that I’m a better mom. My own mom is starting to view me as an adult. And I have tucked away lots of wisdom – especially related to the marketing profession – and have never been more fired-up to share it.

I find so many aspects of my work challenging, fulfilling and inspirational. Nurturing ambitious, smart marketers tops the list. Fellow marketers, please celebrate with me and let’s toast to health, happiness and many more years of fabulous marketing campaigns! Get ready to bookmark this post and the four to follow. Here are my first ten of fifty tips for the ambitious B2B marketer:

1. Avoid the “Black Hole Syndrome”: This is a tried and true Marketri core value. Maintain frequent and consistent communication with every client (internal or external) so they never wonder where things stand with regard to your marketing efforts. This helps to give peace of mind that everything is being addressed so that others can focus on their functional areas / core business.

1. Never Present Drafts: When I was 30 years old I had the toughest and also the greatest boss of my career, J.P. Bolduc. He ran a Fortune 100 company and accepted nothing less than exceptional. He firmly expressed the high value of his time and how it shouldn’t be wasted reviewing anything less than a finished product. He was right. Throughout my marketing career, I fumbled the ball anytime I presented a draft to a client. It was as if they immediately forgot it was just a draft and begin picking it apart. The end result was the client losing faith in my ability to successfully deliver. First impressions are arduous to change so make sure they’re good ones.

1. Watch the Marketing Speak: Last year, I found out through the gossip mill that one of my colleagues – a friend – referred to me as “formal.” Huh? I’m professional but not really a stuffy gal. What did she mean? When I finally got the nerve to ask her, she asked me to limit using baffling marketing buzzwords like conversions, workflows, engagement, PPC and the like. Speak so your audience can understand what you’re saying and what it means to them.
2. Equip the Sales Team: Marketing departments are responsible for equipping the sales team for success. As a marketer, I can get pretty self-absorbed when tasked with large projects such as a website, a firm re-brand, and multi-touch marketing campaigns. Sales collateral – including presentations, project profiles, proposals, and trade show materials – quickly get relegated to the back burner. Sales needs to view marketing as valued go-to resource in the company. Be mindful of what they need to fulfill their annual sales plan. Frequently ask what they need and prioritize accordingly.