Do you work as a CMO? What are your thoughts on your current level of knowledge? Do you have big plans for learning more in the weeks, months, and years to come?
Even if you are an experienced CMO who has achieved big things in the past, there is no guarantee of future success.
With each passing year, a growing number of marketing channels make their way to the mainstream. Along with this, disruption in technology will always keep you on the edge of your seat.
This is why it’s so important for CMOs to believe in lifelong learning. Neglecting to enhance your knowledge base could hold you back from remaining at the top of your industry.
1. Marketing Opportunities Are Changing
Depending on your age, you may remember the days when traditional marketing strategies generated the best results. This included things such as postcards and sales letters.
Over the years, however, all of this changed. While these strategies are still worth your consideration, social media marketing, and content marketing have moved to the forefront.
According to HubSpot, 53% of marketing professionals say blog content creation is their top inbound marketing priority. Do you think this number was nearly as high in 2007? It’s not likely.
With marketing opportunities changing regularly, it’s hard to stay on top of your game if you don’t devote yourself to a lifetime of learning. If you take any time off, the competition could pass you by — and that’s not a risk you should be willing to take.
2. Technology Is On The Move
As the days go by, technology changes many things (both for the good and the bad) in the world in which we live.
For example, search engine changes are common, which is something that all CMOs need to keep an eye on.
The relatively new Google RankBrain algorithm is a great example of this. With this, Google is using a technologically advanced machine-learning artificial intelligence system to power its search results.
You can’t see or touch this technology, but it’s there. Sure, you can ignore it, hoping that it won’t impact your business, but you’re making a big mistake. The better approach is to learn as much as possible about this change, knowing that mastering the new technology could help take your marketing plan to the next level.
3. You Must Believe!
With so much happening at work, it’s easy to slip into the trap of putting learning on the back burner. You assume that you can get by with what you know for the time being. You assume that there is time to catch up in the future, should it be necessary.
You don’t want to put yourself behind the eight ball. The best approach is to truly believe that lifelong learning is more important than ever before.
According to Your Retirement Reality, there are many ways to fund your education. As a CMO, this passage should be particularly interesting:
“Many companies offer tuition reimbursement plans to encourage employees to continue their education. Even if your employer doesn’t have a formal plan in place, they may be open to the idea, especially if the degree is directly related to your role within the company.”
If you’re interested in continuing your education, especially if it will have a direct impact on your ability to perform at a higher level, your company may offer to foot the bill. Even if they only pay for a portion of your education, it’s better than nothing at all.
There are ways to become a lifelong learner without spending a dime. Examples of this include: reading industry blogs, attending industry events, connecting with like minded individuals, and taking free online courses.
Don’t get caught thinking that a formal education is the only way to obtain knowledge. We live in a world of advanced technology, so there are many opportunities to consider.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that the CMO Council has more than 12,500 members who control approximately $500 billion in annual marketing expenditures?
This alone goes a long way in showing you just how powerful CMOs have become.
If you work in this capacity, you must dedicate your life to lifelong learning. It is sure to have a positive impact on your career.
What are your thoughts on lifelong learning? How do you stay ahead of the competition? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
