Personal Development

I’ve been asked before why I got into marketing. While there are a number of reasons and some serendipity along the way. One reason that stands out, is how dynamic the field is. In addition to technology, I think marketing is one of the fastest developing and evolving disciplines out there. Marketing is basically connecting with your target and aligning your company to offer them value. That first point, connecting with your target/customers, is where things get exciting. With changes in beliefs, lifestyles, technology, how we interact with people, and society on a whole, connecting with that customer is like shooting a moving target.

This means we are constantly looking for new ways to connect to people(through lifestyle, technology, and the internet). With this in mind, we’ll never know everything in marketing. Because it evolves as society evolves. 

What does this mean? It means we as marketers can never stop learning. A foundation knowledge in marketing (STP, value, etc) is necessary, yes, but it’s not all you’d need. What the foundation does is help you understand the new rules and insights into marketing that are being created. But it cannot stand on its own. 

You need to constantly be studying, learning new practices, and improving yourself. Reading that new edition of HBR and reading that new book on social media. In fact, my advice is find a new marketing/business each month and read it. It’s a necessary investment in your profession.  

So for those now starting their journey into the marketing world, be it first degree, masters, or your first marketing job. Don’t think that the information you’re learning have gathered here would be enough to last you your time in the marketing. 

Running at Your Pace

I was anxious to start back running after some time off, due to knee injuries. Excited and rearing to go, I went running with my two brothers(both in much better shape than me) around the nearby university. After one lap though, I had to stop to walk and fell behind. However, my pride could not let me fall so far behind so I started back running, pushing myself to reach my brothers. Because I was pushing myself beyond my limit I was not maintaining proper running form.


I did temporarily meet them, but it was not to last. I was so exhausted when I caught up, I had to stop again and they went on to finish the lap. At the time, reaching them for that one second was enough for me. After the run however, I felt the true consequences of my actions. In pushing myself way beyond my level of fitness, I lost form and did more harm than good, as my old injuries resurfaced.


I believe there are parallels between my running predicament and personal development. Sometimes in life we get caught up trying to emulate what we see from others and sacrifice everything for the end result. When we do this, we are doing ourselves a disservice. We need to be true to ourselves and focus on our own development. We also need to recognize that those running ahead of us were once like us and reached there through hard work and effort.


In terms of running this means maintaining proper form and progressing steadily. However in life, it may mean putting extra hours at work or school. We need to constantly be improving ourselves rather than trying to live the life of others.


I am happy to report that I was able to control my pride during my last run. I kept my pace and maintained proper form even though I was behind again.
Regarding the fact that I'm always behind, well, I'm working on that. Lol