Question

Topic: Social Media

Discriminatory Staff

Posted by objorksater on 1/12/2019 at 7:15 AM ET 25 Points
I work for a manufacturing company with a small team. How do I deal with other staff who consider the marketing efforts I manage to get approval for what I do (which is also a battle in itself with the owners) as a "waste of time"?
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 1/12/2019 at 7:41 AM Accepted
    Show them measurable results and/or ask them for their ideas
  • Posted by objorksater on 1/12/2019 at 8:16 AM Author
    Jay Hamilton-Roth: Even with measurable results, it seems the culture within the company is what I do is a waste of time. I've learnt very quickly not to ask anyone's opinion within the company about any marketing or advertising I have worked on, because all I receive it negative feedback and reasons as to why they hate it. So, I've stopped asking. Meanwhile, I am being reported to the owner by other staff who pass by my desk with a casting eye and report what they see me doing back to the owner. Because I am also designing adverts via PhotoShop/Illustrator, they seemingly report back that I do nothing...very frustrating!
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 1/12/2019 at 11:12 AM Accepted
    Been there, done that: colleagues in other departments have asked their supervisor: "Why is Gary posting about X, Y, and Z on social media?" ... here's an idea: let's have those people doing their frigging jobs because you can bet your ass that if i was to question how they did theIrs, that my ass would be written up, ASAP!

    Start looking for another job.

    Do it now.

    Make that one thing your number 1 priority when you are not at work.

    Keep doing your job while you're there and do it to the best of your ability, but create a plan to get the hell out of there as soon as you can.
  • Posted by telemoxie on 1/12/2019 at 12:47 PM Accepted
    Some people (and companies) see value in marketing, some people (and companies) do not. I have tried to change people's minds about this, but no more. I believe it is much easier to find a company which has a track record of spending money on marketing than it is to convince a skeptic that marketing is a worthwhile investment.

    I suggest that you read, read, read. Not where you are at the office, of course, but on your own time. Learn as much as you can about marketing and sales. See opportunities to network marketing professionals.

    I would like to have a lot more information before giving detailed advice. I've been talk to you by phone, confidentially. But I would imagine that you have some sort of a "sponsor" within the organization. I would suggest that you begin by making sure you have a very clear understanding of what your sponsor expects you to be doing.

    Another great way to learn more about marketing continue to actively purchase space in this forum. Good luck, and take care.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 1/14/2019 at 12:32 PM Accepted
    Numbers showing results is all you can do. Make sure the person/people who you report to understand what you do and the results coming in.

    Are the others shooting for your budget? Is there some sort of conflict between what you do and what they do? Your description makes it seems more than people just not thinking what you do is useful.
  • Posted by dubois on 1/14/2019 at 8:00 PM Accepted
    Everyone who believes marketing is worthwhile was convinced of it by someone. It's your turn to do some convincing. Peter is right that quantitative results will help, after you've helped your managers feel that marketing will solve a problem that troubles them. Address a pain point with emotional teeth -- there are dozens to choose from, and fear is always a good fallback. Also, bring donuts.
  • Posted by Shelley Ryan on 2/12/2019 at 10:33 AM Moderator
    Hi Everyone,

    I am closing this question since there hasn't been much recent activity.

    Thanks for participating!

    Shelley
    MarketingProfs
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Social Media)