Question

Topic: Strategy

Need Advise: New Marketer W/ Possible Promotion

Posted by Anonymous on 9/27/2011 at 2:32 PM ET 500 Points
Okay, so this may seem like a silly question, but after 10 years in aviation engineering, I jumped ship and went into marketing and now have 3.5 years as a marketing associate through three mid-size companies. As of last week, my supervisor resigned, leaving an opportunity for promotion. My questions is, what do you think is the best way to position myself or what plan should I generate to secure the opportunity? It was only a two person department (it use to have five) and I have been with the company for six months. They are considering hiring a replacement but are still assessing the next steps. I am working quite regularly with her supervisor and I have been formulating a plan moving forward, but this can't achieve in 10 days. It will only be a skeleton plan and I'm not sure that will wow them into giving me the chance. Either way, I will be okay with the decisions, but if I have the chance, why not fight for it. Any insight from other professionals would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 9/27/2011 at 6:33 PM Author
    No fire sale here. The company simply took a hit during the recession and had to scale back a couple years ago, they are recovering quite nicely now. My previous supervisor just had an offer she couldn't turn down. Could it be the perfect opportunity for me, who knows? I did have an insightful meeting today with my director. It might be more of a possibility than I think. Anyways, thanks for the time and input. Its much appreciated.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 9/27/2011 at 6:45 PM Accepted
    At a minimum, you should let the director know you would like to be considered. Back up your request with a few key reasons why you'd be a great choice for the company.

    You might also take the opportunity to ask for some support and/or development assistance for any areas in which you think you're not quite ready. That will show you recognize that you're new to the company/job but prepared to make an investment in and commitment to your own personal growth if they are prepared to support that effort. That would be a win-win for you and the company.

    Good luck. Let us know what happens.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 9/27/2011 at 6:45 PM Accepted
    I think the opportunity is worth it. I would try to think about what duties and roles your supervisor had and how well you could do them. In areas you think you need some work, think about how to get that experiences or education.

    But, you don't have time to go out and get it. Instead, go to the person who would be the hiring manager and ask what they think about the possibility of you replacing your ex-supervisor. See what they say.

    You may also want to talk to the ex-supervisor about this (before going to the hiring manager), if you can still contact, and see what she says.

  • Posted on 10/5/2011 at 5:25 PM Accepted
    What is the marketing strategy your firm is pursuing?

    How does your experience as an aviation engineer provide a unique perspective and skill set that will further that marketing strategy?

    How does your (brief) experience at the other mid-size companies contribute to your unique perspective and skill set that will further that marketing strategy?

    What have you done in your six months with the current firm to contribute to the development/enhancement of your current marketing strategy?

    What is your vision for an enhanced/revised marketing strategy?

    Answer all these questions with a concise and compelling story for the firm's senior leadership and you should be competitive with anyone else they may be considering.
  • Posted on 10/30/2011 at 7:03 PM Author
    For all who provided input to my question, thank you. I put my best foot forward over the past seven weeks, and I showed my director what I was capable of achieving. I created an initial strategic/vision/intentions plan and presented it to him and the vice president about two weeks ago. As of Friday, I was given the promotion to marketing communications manager - a humbling and exciting opportunity for me. Tomorrow, I get to fly in the corporate jet to visit one of our clients, and Wednesday will being the process of back filling the coordinator position. Plus, I recieved a nice raise in salary. Who would have thought, eight weeks ago, this would have happened. Thanks again for all the input!
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