I once heard someone talk about how doctors say they "practice" medicine because good doctors need to continue to learn as the medicine evolves. It got me thinking, why don't more careers operate like that?
For example, have you ever heard the following in response to someone defending their point?:
"Yes, I have a degree in [insert degree here]."
I'm here to say:
So often people like to think that once they've gotten their degree, they've done the work and that piece of paper instantly makes them experts in their field. However, the experts that truly stand out to me are those that continue to practice their craft.
Also, spoiler alert: Chances are people who are actually strong in their field of expertise probably don't feel the need to remind everyone in the room what they studied.
The difference between 'I know' and 'I practice' is the humility to acknowledge there's always more to learn.
Like medicine, marketing is constantly evolving to adapt to the ever changing world that surrounds it. Consumer trends, designer trends, the technology, the sales techniques. These are just some of the variables that have changed over the years and if you're not paying attention, you will find yourself being left behind and becoming as obsolete as the times and technology you are trying to hold onto.
Not to mention, who could have predicted the conditions under which businesses had to operate for the 2020 pandemic?! There was no precendent. There was no text book nor case study to refer to for answers. Everyone in every industry found themselves making it up as they went along. No degree could have prepared us for what we were experiencing.
Practice makes progress
If I want to be the best at marketing, I believe in taking the time to continuously 'practice'. To continue learning and observing how trends are changing. Which new tools are emerging to support me & my brands to perform better?
I believe in always challenging myself to improve and having the humility to accept that no matter how long I've been in this industry, I will not always have the answer to everything. Sometimes I will need to do more research. Sometimes I will need to consult my network for colleagues who may have more experience in an area of my field than me. And that's okay.
It is okay to not always know the answers to everything. It's okay to accept that you still have more to learn.
I would much rather take the hit to my ego and pride and do the additional work required to provide my clients with the best solution than to pretend I know everything.
This is where creativity meets strategy for your business marketing solutions.
