2011 year marks my 36th year in the workplace (excluding part-time and summer jobs I held as a teen). I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed most of it, especially these past 23 years in business as Quality Service Marketing.
I’ve learned a tremendous amount as my career evolved. Reflecting on my experience, I can highlight valuable insights and lessons learned in the key roles I serve.
- As a services marketer, I learned that customer-focus begins with employee-focus because, quite simply, employees ARE the brand. The need to recognize and reinforce employee value continues to drive my passion for internal marketing.
- As a speaker & trainer, I learned:
- It’s all about respect for my audience – understanding who they are and what about the topic appeals to them so I can target my presentation accordingly.
- Equally important, it’s all about application – engaging and enabling audience members to consider how the information applies to their situation and how they can use it.
- As a facilitator, I learned it’s all about the questions. I believe my clients have most of the answers they seek, they just don’t realize it. So my primary role is to engage them in discovery by asking the right questions.
- Above all, as a business professional, I learned it’s all about demonstrating respect and integrity in working with my clients, my colleagues, and all the other important professionals (suppliers, printers, accountants, etc.), I partner with.
These valuable insights have served me well throughout my career, and they continue to influence how I do what I do.
What insights and lessons have made the most impact in your career?