13 Career Tips from Elite Marketing Leaders
Want to take your marketing career to the next level?
We asked successful marketers what helped them move up.
These tips aren't just for beginners.
They're also useful for leaders who want to try new things, adapt to changes, and keep growing in their roles.
From using new tech to getting better at thinking big, these ideas give a fresh look at how to do well in marketing.
Here are the best ways that will help you and your team stay ahead in the marketing industry:
1. Be a Helper and Problem-Solver
Say "yes" to more opportunities.
Be helpful, as it will open doors you never imagined.
Have boundaries, but be willing to step out of your comfort zone—that's where growth happens.
The key is to be resourceful and eager to learn.
"I'm not sure how to do that, but I'm willing to learn" is a powerful phrase that shows initiative and adaptability.
A recent study found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, highlighting the importance of being helpful and building relationships.
Want to excel in B2B marketing? Check out my guide on B2B marketing strategies that actually work in 2024.
2. Focus on Results and Strategy
Shift your focus from tactical execution to strategic thinking and delivering measurable results.
Think like the owner, board, or stakeholders.
And develop a deep understanding of your customers through research.
Show your leadership and strategic skills.
See how different marketing disciplines interconnect to support business goals.
According to a 2023 study, breadth of experience is one of the key factors related to success in marketing.
Facing marketing challenges? Discover effective strategies in my article on top marketing challenges and winning strategies for 2024.
3. Master Data-Driven Decision Making
Data literacy is key.
Learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive marketing decisions.
Familiarize yourself with analytics tools.
Use data to prove the ROI of your marketing efforts.
This skill will make you invaluable to any organization.
A 2023 report by Gartner predicts that by 2026, 65% of B2B sales organizations will transition from intuition-based to data-driven decision-making.
They will use technology to guide sellers in their engagement with prospects and customers.
4. Open Up To Emerging Technologies
Stay ahead of the curve.
Embrace new marketing technologies.
Familiarize yourself with AI, machine learning, and automation tools.
These are reshaping the marketing landscape.
Being an early adopter of these technologies will set you apart from your peers.
A 2023 survey by Salesforce found that 67% of marketing leaders are already using AI, with another 21% planning to use it in the next 12 months.
Boost your analytics skills with my guide on mastering GA4: tips for marketers.
5. Build Your Network and Communication Skills
Networking and relationship-building are key to career advancement.
"If you want to go far, go together."
Develop your ability to communicate and present to key stakeholders.
Promote your work internally—you need to be your own best advocate.
A 2024 study found that 80% of professionals consider networking essential to their career success.
6. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a fundamental skill for marketers.
Develop your ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others.
This will increase your leadership potential.
It will also improve your ability to work as a team in an efficient manner.
According to a 2024 Forbes article, emotional intelligence is considered the number one leadership skill for the year.
Looking for networking opportunities? Explore my weekly remote marketing jobs for the latest opportunities in the USA.
7. Keep Learning and Stay Curious
Commit to ongoing learning.
Take courses, read about topics other than just marketing, and stay on top of industry trends.
Cultivate a genuine curiosity about your field.
Always go the extra mile in your personal development.
Not just for your company, but for your own growth.
A 2023 LinkedIn report found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.
Expand your marketing knowledge with my list of 10 must-read marketing books to skyrocket your skills in 2024.
8. Consider Specializing (But Stay Flexible)
Some advocate for being a generalist.
Others recommend developing deep expertise in one area.
The ideal might be to be "T-shaped".
Have a broad knowledge of marketing disciplines.
But go deep in one or two specializations.
This approach allows you to offer unique value while remaining adaptable.
A 2023 study by McKinsey found that 87% of companies are experiencing skill gaps or expect to within a few years, highlighting the importance of continuous skill development.
9. Develop Cross-Functional Skills
Marketing doesn't exist in a vacuum.
Develop an understanding of related fields like sales, product development, and customer success.
This broader perspective will make you a more effective marketer and open up new career opportunities.
According to a 2023 report by the American Marketing Association, 76% of marketers believe that cross-functional collaboration is crucial for success in today's complex business environment.
10. Be Open to Change
Wherever you are right now, you should either learn or earn.
If it’s neither, quit.
Change jobs every few years if it leads to significant career and salary growth.
Seek out new challenges and "stretch" roles that push you out of your comfort zone.
These experiences will speed up your learning and career progression.
A 2023 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average person changes jobs 12 times during their career.
11. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Adopt a growth mindset that embraces challenges.
See failures as opportunities to learn.
This attitude will help you persist in the face of setbacks and improve your skills.
Research by Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, shows that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed and overcome obstacles in their careers.
12. Build Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand matters.
Develop a strong online presence.
Build thought leadership content, seek speaking engagements, and start a personal blog or newsletter.
A strong personal brand can open up new opportunities and position you as an expert in your field.
A 2023 LinkedIn study found that 81% of buyers are more likely to engage with a strong professional brand.
13. Adapting to Remote and Hybrid Work
Today more companies offer flexible work options.
So it's important to know how to use these tips in remote or hybrid settings:
Be extra communicative when working from home.
Share your progress and ideas often.
Use video calls to build relationships with coworkers and clients.
Show your value—deliver great results, no matter where you're working from.
Stay visible. Take an active part in online meetings and chats.
Keep learning new skills that help you work well in a digital environment.
A 2023 Gallup survey found that 53% of employees expect a hybrid work arrangement going forward, emphasizing the importance of adapting to this new work environment.
Every career path is unique.
The key is curiosity.
Keep learning, and always look for ways to add value to your organization and clients.
Now I'd love to hear from you!
What strategies have helped you advance in your marketing career? Share your experiences, insights, and questions in the comments below.
Your perspective could be super helpful to marketers looking to boost their careers.
And if you have a specific career challenge you're facing right now, feel free to ask for advice.
I could feature your marketing career success story in one of the next editions!
-Hakan.
💡Check out the latest remote marketing jobs in the USA we share every week, Tuesday PST.
Part 2: Discover the 5 Career Secrets of Marketing Elites
Want to know what separates top marketers from the rest?
Upgrade to premium now and get access to five insider strategies that will boost your career:
Discover hidden networking tactics used by CMOs and VPs
Get word-for-word scripts for making powerful connections
Learn how to turn casual contacts into career-changing opportunities
And that's not all.
Upgrade now and get also access to information you won’t find anywhere else:
✓ Insider strategies from Fortune 500 marketing executives
✓ Salary negotiation tactics that have led to 30%+ pay increases
✓ Future-proofing skills to position yourself for leadership roles
✓ Personal brand building masterclass
“I've been subscribed to MarketersRemote for a while now, and honestly, it's been awesome. The weekly tips are super practical - not just theory, but stuff I can actually use!” - Sarah B., Director of Marketing
Don't miss out—No commitment required. Cancel anytime.
Part 2: Premium Content
1. Insider Strategies from Top Marketing Executives
…