As marketers, we have many tools in our tool belts to help us with the many jobs we have to perform: creative thinking, strategy, graphic design, copywriting, staff development, leadership…the list goes on and on.
As marketers, we have many tools in our tool belts to help us with the many jobs we have to perform: creative thinking, strategy, graphic design, copywriting, staff development, leadership…the list goes on and on.
How many of you have come up with the most awesome idea ever for a marketing campaign, and did the work of developing it only to have it shot down when you showed it to your coworkers and/or boss? Talk about bursting your bubble, right?
But what if we were to dig into our tool belts and remember those wonderful skills we try to forget as marketers? Psssst…it’s our sales skills. No, not the kind of sales that requires greasing your hair back and selling widgets. I’m talking about selling your ideas and your work to others on your team.
Like it or not, one of the most important parts of your job is selling your great ideas (because they are great!) to your team.
But how do you do that? Realize that selling is an art. You could truly have the best idea ever, but if you don’t communicate it effectively, even the best ideas can end up in the wastebasket. So here are some tips for the next time you are presenting an idea or project:
- Describe the project background and what business problem it is solving. For example, perhaps you have noticed a trend in the industry or community that meets a specific business line your institution offers.
- Define the target market for your project. Who will be seeing this message and through which mediums?
- Deconstruct the design elements and discuss what your thought process was behind the look and feel you chose. Why did you choose color photography or illustrative art? Does the creative approach represent certain products or aspects of your business?
- Perform an ROI projection (if applicable) and demonstrate how this campaign will bring in new business and/or impact income.
The input from your coworkers and managers is invaluable because it helps to make great ideas even greater, but you owe it to yourself and your department to be the best sales person you can for the ideas and campaigns you generate. It will help your efficiency (and sanity).
What have you done in your marketing efforts to effectively sell your programs to members of your team, management, or staff members? Please share them below!
Here’s to a fabulous 2014! Now go come up with your next big idea.
Amanda
MarketMatch, Inc.
Vice President of Client Management
614-745-5503
atmcmeans@marketmatch.com
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