What does it take to be seen as top marketing talent?

Marketing executives are charged with getting big, impactful, and difficult stuff done to drive results. To hit big goals, they need to know the talents of their team members. They need to know who is capable of creating new marketing ideas, designing differentiated strategies, and getting the right work done at the right time with the right people. The skills of great talent become clear by watching people work through new experiences.

What are the traits of top marketing talent?

The talents that rise noticeably through the ranks tend to have these 7 traits:

1. They embrace change well. 

   They see change as an opportunity to take on new challenges. Change looks like the road to new ideas, experiences and growth to these intrepid and curious souls.

2. They don’t see ‘challenge’ as a dirty word.

   They see challenges as a proving ground for new professional and career opportunities. When asked to think differently, these talented marketers eagerly embrace the chance to explore new ideas, strategies, and programs. Collaborating with others to figure out solutions to new and hard problems is what gets them fired up.

3. They anticipate what needs to happen next.

   By focusing on why things need to change, they’re anticipate what needs to be done. These marketers are good at leading staff, peers, and executives to the logical next step.

4. They welcome conversation.

   It starts with a focus on helping others. These switched-on leaders are in it to help the team, the cause, and the organization achieve collective goals. To serve joint goals, these talented marketers see dialogue as feedback that improves understanding. They practice active listening so that they know how to add value and how to bring others to the table.

5.  They gain trust through respect.

   Rising stars and top performers respect themselves. They know their strengths and growth areas. They take in feedback continuously which leads to grounded and pragmatic self-assessment. This professional self-esteem enables these marketing talents to see others as respected peers and allies–regardless of their rank, title and resume. They understand that their colleagues have unique and valued perspectives, experiences and goals. By respectfully seeking out these views, these top marketers more easily offer and build trust.

6. They channel passion into action.

   These daring doers want to be great at the marketing craft. Their ability to channel their passion into high impact work makes them inspired and effective.

7. They have the capacity to learn.

   These marketers may intuitively have all of the preceding traits. What’s more, they have the talent, awareness and drive to learn new things. They seek knowledge at every opportunity. Most importantly, they create the time and space for new ideas and experiences. It’s the capacity for learning that makes for mastery of the craft.

The good news is that these 7 traits of top talent are teachable. Anyone seeking to enjoy work more and advance their career can practice these skills. If you’re reading this, you’re clearly on the path. If you’re a manager, use this as a coaching guide for up-and-coming talent. For more B2B marketing career advice, check out how to get stuff done.