In the past 31 years of my career, I have deliberately avoided broadcasting and grandstanding when it came to social and political moments.

Now it’s different. America is burning, both figuratively and literally. Curfews are standard practice. The origin of “curfew” comes from the French word “couvre-feu.” This literally means cover fire.

And as a thought leader, adviser, coach, and the founder of several diverse professional communities, I can no longer cover the fire with politeness and positive thinking.

As marketers, we routinely obsess over the customer journey and how to measure “intent to purchase.” We know too that we do our best work when we’re facilitating micro conversions between a brand and a consumer that are naturally a good fit, rather than forcing a product on an exasperated audience.

We understand intuitively that relationship building, alignment, and value are essential to our vocation.

But how often do we truly lead with purpose and intention, rather than simply deploying tactics?

During this pandemic, my best clients are now completing their first round of scenario planning.

This is an essential process to help them determine financial alternatives and future resource requirements.

It also provides insight into what initiatives and offerings to keep, expand, or jettison.

Some of your more unfavorable scenarios suggest longer, more painful delays and streamlined operations. Scenario plans also might suggest that certain established offerings are no longer relevant to your customers.

This week on the podcast “Confessions of a Marketer,” Mark Reed-Edwards interviews Lisa on a timely topic, the key tenets of “Being a Mindful Marketer. ” They also talk about data and how to make your organization healthier and more sustainable. Click here to listen (skip to 2:14 to avoid ads).

Tune in for some of the podcast highlights:…

5:38 – Why connection is all that really matters.7:11 – What is mindful marketing?8:15 –

Here are 8 places you can look for unmet customer needs and new opportunities.  The latest launch of Panera Bread Grocery offerings provides insight and inspiration.

I recently invited Patty Lawrence to join me and discuss the essentials to small business continuity. The first two steps: 1) identify your levers within your control, and 2) quantify your BAMs (bare minimums) needed to keep marketing and serving your customers.

Has your inbox felt like a junk box this week? Mine certainly has. Many retailers, lenders and hospitality companies are dispensing pablum. Every message sounds identical: “We know it is a difficult time, and we are here for you.” Every CMO and PR professional behind this insipid messaging needs to re-examine where they are expending their energy.

In times of crisis, you must understand that you have to reacquire your clients and rebuild trust in your brand.

For example, I am a diehard Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) fanatic. Now, my membership is on hold because of the recommendation to close all gyms by the CDC. But, once the gym is reopened, I have to be convinced to once again invest my time, money and sweat in OTF.

For marketers, it’s the same train of thought….

Susan Weber, founding member of the Marketing Leaders of DC, was recently promoted to EVP and CMO of Walker & Dunlop. Here are her secrets to modern marketing success.

We’re hosting a complimentary CEO-CMO breakfast on April 16 in Washington, DC from 8-10 am. Join leaders from prominent organizations for a confidential discussion on how CEOs and CMOs can partner in order to accelerate sustainable growth.

This topic is very timely. We have been working with hundreds of
CMOs over the past 7 years—and, in spite of AI, MarTech, and other
technological advances, CMOs remain unsure of how to align their priorities
with the CEO’s vision and board expectations….