In my experience advising CMOs, I listen for whether they have a growth mindset or an output mindset. If they are focused on looking busy and launching loads of programs, their tenure will be short—or they will stay squarely in the “marcom and programs” role. The first people who notice their output behavior will be the CEO and the board of directors.
May 25, 2018
We’re pleased to invite you to our 4th annual CMOs Leading Innovation Conference (CLIC ’18), October 3-4 in Atlanta, GA. CLIC ’18 Early Bird rates now available (a $250 savings) through June 15, 2018.
This year’s conference theme is “Innovation Meets Experience.” And you will experience marketing innovation first-hand—by participating in actual field trips to meet some cool Atlanta organizations.
May 16, 2018
One of the biggest obstacles to marketing innovation and relevancy sits between our ears. I call it “legacy thinking.” My clients constantly complain that their teams over-identify with old projects and programs. They feel threatened when those programs need to be scrutinized or eliminated altogether. That “legacy thinking” overshadows any chance of a marketing innovation breakthrough.
We advise CMOs and CEOs on accelerating marketing innovation and growth, and I’m excited when clients can overcome this obstacle.
Their journey is similar to the disruption other industries are facing….
May 14, 2018
CMOs are expected to be brand ambassadors and masterful communicators. As you assess your abilities in that area, ask yourself: are you making it easy for people to engage with you—or are you creating confusion?
May 2, 2018
Customer experience mastery—not Martech nor AI—is the new black. Now is the ideal time for marketing leaders to incorporate customer experience mindsets and actions into every facet of their marketing plans and conversations.
These guidelines don’t just apply to billion-dollar behemoths. They work for small and mid-market companies, too. Here is a recap of our private Marketing Leaders of DC session featuring the “godmother” of customer experience, Jeanne Bliss.
May 1, 2018
Today’s post is a special preview of the content in our newest LinkedIn Learning Course, “The Effective CMO.” Be sure to check out the course; you can view a video sample and get more details here.
Whether you’re a seasoned CMO or an aspiring one, you’re probably no stranger to endless conversations related to CMO turnover. A global survey by the Fournaise Marketing Group revealed that 80% of CEOs don’t trust, or are unimpressed with, their CMOs….
April 19, 2018
Ever wonder why some leaders avoid taking risks in their roles, and default to status quo? I have a theory about this. I believe that without strong personal financial confidence, every decision, no matter how small, feels risky. Leaders lose the ability and courage to garner budget commitment and innovate.
I see a clear connection between the tolerance for calculated risk and financial confidence. Here is how my theory evolved.
Last summer, our financial adviser of 13 years changed careers, leaving us with “Gary,” a new broker….
April 11, 2018
Now is the time to explore, identify, and implement proactive marketing strategies. Waiting another 1-2 months may be too late. These are some strategic questions to ask during your next marketing planning meeting.
March 20, 2018
We just launched our first program with LinkedIn Learning, “Become an Effective CMO.” I invite you to download your course now.
March 13, 2018
Marketers are working in the midst of dramatic business shifts. It’s exciting. And it can be very draining. A few steps forward might be followed by a few steps back. But we can agree that every setback presents an invitation to practice resilience.
By refining our coping skills, recognizing setbacks quickly, and managing our stress levels, we can make the leap from surviving to thriving. I have discovered six strategies that have recently helped me improve resilience and achieve breakthroughs….