Don't feel like reading? I've got you. Sit back and watch/listen as I read this blog post.
I am soon celebrating my birthday and I am taking the day off. No computers, no being tied to a device. This post has been written and recorded before my birthday so I can accomplish my perfect day. I will stretch and wake up, sip a glorious and strong cup of coffee while listening to the birds’ chirp on my deck. I will clip the leash on my furry 4-legged buddy and take a stroll, then I will plunge into the cool waters of the pool.
That is my ideal way to spend the day. Spending time such as this allows me the mental space to reflect and think on where I am today and how I got here. It’s also when I come up with some of my best and most creative ideas – but that’s a story for another time.
In reflection, I was thinking of my blog and my practice. In these I want to make a difference, pay forward what I know, and inspire people in all things marketing and marketing leadership. That is what drives me.
So, I will share little stories on each, along with tips that you can implement right away.
Make a difference.
When you work for a business that matches your values, you will soon find that you are not really going to work at all. Instead of ‘work’, you are going to spend your day changing lives - those lives include your own, your co-workers, your peers, your employer, your customers, and of course, your family.
I was listening to a podcast recently, and in it the speaker said how his university professor had him write down 20 values that he had. In a week he had done this, then the professor said, ‘ok, now narrow that down to 10’. The next week he brought back the 10 to which the professor said, ‘now pick your top 4; Those are the ones that will help guide you through life.’
This resonated with me, and I’ll tell you why.
Years back I was offered a prominent job with a large company. During the initial meeting, I interviewed them as much as they did me. Through this, I learned that the job was so focused on profit that they forgot the people’s needs who they were serving – both employees and customers. I learned then and there that helping others improve their situation was a very significant value of mine. That is why I built my career in an industry focused on helping others and it was a guiding light to building my practice today. By the way, I very quickly declined that job.
Moral of the story – take time to write down your values. What in the core of it all drives you and stokes your fire? Now nurture it, build it, and let it blaze.
What I know.
I always think that I don’t know enough, or maybe as much as the person next to me, so certainly they must be much smarter, more educated, more experienced, more, more, more. I believe this is called imposter syndrome.
And then, I start to do what I do (by the way, what I do isn’t work to me – I am filling my days making a difference). And gosh, I will surprise myself with the depth of knowledge that I have, because if that wasn’t there, I couldn’t accomplish what I have and what I continue to do.
I also have an unquenchable thirst to learn more as well as validate what I know. I frequently post on my socials what I am learning, or if there was a podcast that taught me a little something new. I have also written a blog post with resources for marketing leaders (5 resources for marketers - learn to YOUR advantage). Have a look if that tickles your fancy. Also, follow blue dragonfly Marketing Strategies on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Moral of the story – never, ever stop seeking to know more. And let it be OK if the person beside you knows more than you, because now you have someone to learn from.
Marketing Leadership.
As a leader in marketing, you need to be on top of your game every day. Marketing has evolved dramatically over the past several years and the demands on marketing leaders have increased exponentially. To succeed, the following skills are ones that I would look for, or aspire for, in marketing leadership.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Strategic mindset
Visionary/Innovative
Collaborative
Decisive
Influence
Accountability - self and others
Coachable
Authentic
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Invokes and inspires trust
Willingness and ability to continuously learn
Flexible and adaptative
Financial management/understanding
Technical competency/understanding
Data analysis and interpretation
Effective time management
Project management fundamentals
Strong, clear, and effective communication
Moral of the story – have a look at the list above and rank yourself on these skills. The ones that are lower in ranking are ones you can focus on for self-improvement.
I hope you enjoyed this month’s post and that you found value in it. What I most hope is that you take away even one of the tips and implement it in your life and career.
Keep on being amazing,
Lyanne
With a drive to accomplish high-quality results, the marketing work Lyanne has spear-headed in business has been recognized and awarded nationally on several occasions. In addition to this, she proudly holds the Chartered Marketer designation through the Canadian Marketing Association.
After serving 28 years in corporate finance, she emboldened into new territory by striking up a business marketing consulting practice that exists to lighten the load of marketing leaders. Having been a leader in marketing, she appreciates the complexities of the job and the many demands that come with it.
Whether you are interested in learning more about how blue dragonfly can help your business, are interested in joining or learning more about Mastermind groups, would like to chat about a speaking engagement, or just want to meet with Lyanne, this is a great way to get started. Connect today.
Cheers to the beginning of a great relationship.
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