Gaining a true mindset for better marketing

We all hear what we want, but do we listen?

With so many of us glued to our smartphones and devices throughout the day, it is no wonder why the marketing industry is bursting with creative new strategies to promote businesses. Walk into any marketing agency, and you will notice a massive team of specialized employees buzzing around the office, bouncing brilliant ideas off of each other and tapping away at their computers. From Twitter and Instagram to email blasts and websites, there are boundless ways to reach consumers that have only recently come into fashion.

What most bright-eyed marketers fail to recognize, however, is that clear communication, particularly with the client, is the foundation of any successful endeavor. Even the savviest of marketers cannot prevail in this industry without practicing active listening, which entails consciously processing information that is heard.

Of course, any good marketer aims to show off their talents and contribute their fair share of work, but these efforts are futile if they do not meet the content-oriented expectations of the client. For instance, a marketing team might have a spectacular and stimulating vision for an upcoming promotional event. Let’s say they go so far as to craft a delicious menu brimming with juicy chicken and steak for the occasion, only to discover that all of the guests are vegan! Understanding the business and its target-audience is of utmost importance, and can be achieved by simply acknowledging unique needs and demands that are presented.

There are so many existing tools at a marketer’s disposal that aid in building campaigns, analyzing data, optimizing search, atomizing messages and much more. These tools should certainly be used to monitor and bolster the progress of a campaign, all the while sticking to the primary goal of capturing a company`s underlying values.

Consider and honor the company`s mission statement, culture, and demographics through taking notes during meetings, clarifying ambiguities and conducting thorough research. Gaining insight and feedback directly from the customers is also advantageous because, after all, these are the people who you are working in conjunction with the client to appease.

Additionally, you must stay on your toes and remain vigilant of what competing businesses are up to. I suppose it is safe to say that a marketing professional can never be too aware of his or her surroundings.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to strike a healthful balance between implementing imaginative solutions to problems and adhering to the desires of the client and its consumers.