(Hint: It's for you)
It's always a busy day at Stratus headquarters, and even though today is Valentine's day, there's no time to daydream about dinner, or chocolates, or whatever else you do to celebrate tonight. Though, that's not to stay we're "Squares," we just love what we do, so we figured we'd outline our favorite things about marketing, and why we love it.
That Crazy Learning Curve
It's what drives us all. As I'm sure you're aware, marketing is constantly changing (we'll get to the positives of that in a moment). You need to internalize it, understand it, and move forward with it. Though you could say the same with a negative spin, we look at it as a positive— something that pushes you to expand your horizons every day, and it's one of our favorite things about it. Overwhelming, exhilarating... aren't they the same these days?
Exceeding Those Expectations
At Stratus, we live to exceed our clients' expectations. You do well, they do well; we're after the reciprocation factor here! But it's also important to note that it's something we constantly strive for, so anything less is a disappointment. If we aren't exceeding, maybe we aren't doing are job right, and we LOVE doing it right because after that, most things fall into place.
Power of Positive Persuasion
Marketers, especially ones in charge of big brands, have a lot of influence in their hands, and while many proponents would vouch that there's a lot of evil potential (i.e. cigarettes, alcohol) the same could be said in a positive instance. Marketing can also influence more kids to stay in school, eat healthier, and stay active, so to each his own.
As Author/Entrepreneur Seth Godin says, "the impact comes from the craftsman, not the tool."
What Lisa Loves About Marketing
"I love marketing because no two clients, conversations, or strategies are ever the same!"
-Lisa McDermott
Surrounded by Creation
It's nice to work with someone who's creative-minded; it's another thing to be surrounded by creativity, and we feel powerfully about the importance of a well-rounded team. From our writers and developers, to our sales force (even accounting!), our team continues to impress each other as we push not only our own limits, but also the limits of our peers and clients. There's something about starting a project with a clean slate that gets us all giddy in here. Maybe it's in the water.
Storytelling
One of the greatest aspects when it comes to marketing is being able to create a story for your client or business. Using words and images to paint a picture of a product, whether that be exploring it's potential, or explaining where it's been, and creating something special that sets it apart from the rest of the flock.
What Megan Loves About Marketing
"Some of the greatest people I know are marketers!"
-Megan D
Ever-changing Industry
Another easy reason to love marketing is how often it changes. I know it might sound annoying to some outside the field, but the evolution of the market is what keeps it fresh and engaging. 2011 wasn't the same as 2012, and 2013 aims to keep the trend going, with Inbound Marketing taking the lead, and various social media and analytics reigning supreme.
Building Relationships
C'mon, it's what it's all about right? Who doesn't like meeting new people, taking them out to lunch, schmoozing over some afternoon drinks, and getting to business... marketing business. Creating business relationships is IMMENSELY important to creating new business; it's as simple as that. It's also just as important to retain those relationships and give them ample time/love. After all, without them, what's the point?
What Braden Loves About Marketing
"Beats driving a forklift!"
-Braden Webb
Executing the Gameplan
Another reason we love marketing is the ability to implement strategic tactics that can show some pretty immediate results. If you're a strategy buff AND in the marketing business, you probably didn't end up here by chance. Executing a gameplan and altering it as the market changes is what makes a lot of markers keep coming back for more. Remember, we LOVE to exceed peoples expectations, and what better way to do so? Market them for success, and you market yourself the same way.
Cheaters Never Prosper
It's hard to fake being a good marketer. There are so many different avenues that each can take, you're sometimes required to be a renaissance-man, of sorts. Knowing that there's major work to put in before you find leads, or other results, is a testament to the method. There may be shortcuts in process, but you need to follow your business' marketing plan or else you'll find yourself lost in the woods.
What Kymberly Loves About Marketing
"It pairs fantastically well with a nice Mango Ginger IPA from Boxcar Brewing Company!"
-Kymberly Robinson
We Love The Challenge
We've picked our brains throughout the day, and through conversation, one word resonated: dynamic. We work in a dynamic industry that changes as fast as we learn new practices. The trick is to avoid the shark-infested waters of our competitors and provide something new and engaging that the rest of the fish can flock to, which is easier said than done. But that's why we do it, isn't it. We love the challenge, the trials, tribulations, successes, and failures. After all, every failed opportunity leads to a new one, so evolve yourself along with your business. You'd be surprised what you may find out.