USING MARKETING OUTSIDE OF SALES AND MARKETING

I'm an operations leader pursuing a marketing degree. Why? What does marketing have to do with my current role? Where do I see myself in 5 years?

These are great questions and some that I often have to field when speaking to the fact that I work full-time, learning full-time all while juggling family. I find myself starting with a story or journey of sorts. Once upon a time......

To save you from the boring details that stories often include to lead up to the meat of the questions, it's this. Leading a t

eam, developing others, identifying skills that you can capitalize on all play a major role in marketing. My value proposition, is that I am a dynamic leader that is focused on continuous improvement with the ability to function cross-functionally. This statement captures several things about me. I adapt well and am always looking for an opportunity to learn something new while working with others that I normally don't work with on a daily basis. These are all elements of an effective sales or marketing professional.

I have to present and sell ideas or new processes to my team and am often met with criticism. Therefore, I have to get creative with how to pitch these items to my team and get their buy-in.

Where I see myself in 5 years is a question that any individual should think long and hard about and put a plan in action, along with goals along the way as milestones. I do have an idea of where I see myself and am developing my ideal milestones to track and measure success. Without the milestones, you're unable to track incremental progress. Completing my degree is my next milestone, and it's within reach.