Most people know that the field of marketing changes quickly, but the real topic on marketing professionals’ minds is, “How do I keep up?” Adapting to this growing, changing industry requires a lifelong-learning mindset and a commitment to continuously upskill.
Here are five skills that are crucial for sustaining a successful marketing career:
An Ability to Adapt
The marketing industry changes quickly because it needs to adapt to industry trends. During COVID-19, restaurants had to shift their business model and market for deliveries rather than foot traffic. Fitness studios switched from teaching in-person classes to teaching virtual classes via Zoom. If you are looking to pursue a career in marketing, it is very important to be prepared to switch gears at any moment based on current trends. This may require a major change in your advertising mindset.
Creativity
Creativity is a must-have skill for marketing. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and test out different creative directions. You want your message to stand out from your competitors, and finding a way to do this sometimes requires using your imagination. The moment you become stagnant in creativity, you are opening the door for competitors to gain an advantage.
Self-sufficiency
Marketing can lead you down many different avenues. If you are looking to explore digital marketing, for example, then you will be faced with learning platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Microsoft Ads. Each platform has a different layout and set of best practices. If you have the willingness to learn these platforms and expand your knowledge on your own, you’ll be able to adapt to the constant platform changes and updates. In order to keep up with the constant shift in industry trends, taking the initiative to continue your marketing education will help you advance your career further.
Communication Skills
Communicating effectively plays a major role in a marketing career. Making sure your wording and tone are effective will help you in engaging your target audience. This may require some testing, but if you’re able to communicate effectively, your message will have greater reach and greater impact.