In Defense of Marketing
I didn't think I'd have to write this entry, but the Maven had a very strange day today. It was not a good situation – I actually had to defend my profession against those who believe we are all a buncha amoral knuckleheads. I'm not going to write about how some of the smartest people I know are in marketing (they are), about how we are always trying to elevate our profession (we are) or why I'm intensely proud of being a marketer (I am).
Instead, I'll write about why I love being in marketing…
Marketing is about conversations – Ever have a conversation that fascinates you? One that drags long into the night because you are learning more and more about each other? That's what great marketers do all the time. They look for connections and conversations that are fascinating to both parties. And when you've facilitated that amazing conversation, you both feel great about that relationship. Imagine achieving that kind of bond … and getting paid!
Marketing means innovation and creativity – There's a reason why Lucy and Ethel are hysterical on the candy factory line. Mind-numbing work is ridiculous. Human beings must mix it up or we start stuffing chocolates down our shirts. Marketing is anything but mind-numbing. It's about making things better and more creative. That's why many CEOS start as marketers – they see the importance of innovation.
Marketing is one big fascinating experiment – What happens if I launch my product in April? Will my spokesperson be a hit or a flop? Which message resonates best with 40 year olds? These are the type of questions we ask ourselves daily in marketing. There are no easy answers to the science of marketing. That's what I love – the pure excitement and experimentation of trial and error.
Marketing can change the world – Yup, for good or bad, marketing can change the world. How did we get almost an entire country to stop smoking? Get parents to vaccinate their children? Persuade kids of a certain age to give a hoot and not pollute? Marketers had a hand in all of these generation-changing campaigns.
Am I proud of my profession? Absolutely!
