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[Small thread warning] Prompted by a @notnathan and @JCPHankins back and forth, I've mused a bit on Generalism vs Specialism in comms.
I don't know which will take you further in your career, but I've unwittingly become more generalist, so thought I should share 7 tips. 1/8
I don't know which will take you further in your career, but I've unwittingly become more generalist, so thought I should share 7 tips. 1/8
1. Have a grounding in the basics of the role you ultimately want to do. I still don't know if that's CMO or HOP, but for me, as a Strategy person, that meant understanding brand and commercials early on. Building from a base (either in your first or second role) is key. 2/8
2. Connecting people is more important than ever. Many modern organisations are siloed. Large bits of a strategic role involves introducing parts to each other (or understanding how a role is thought of differently internally) and understanding the social dynamics at play. 3/8
3. Think about what you take forward to the next gig. What bits of the job you're doing makes you useful in a new/slightly different role? What bits do you absolutely hate? What are the limitations in your role at the moment? (They exist in every job). 4/8
4. Don't get trapped by channel. I've worked in Digital, Advertising, CRM, PR, Media. It's very easy to be 'the Social one' or 'the CRM one'. That way is dangerous if your desired end state is a job which covers the lot. If you want to move, think about what you bring. 5/8
5. Consider the size of where you work. Smaller places give you more responsibility, but you'll be learning by doing (which is good, but can make you one-eyed!). Bigger places allow you to understand and learn with something of a safety net. 6/8
6. Brand names aren't essential, but are useful. Have a mixture. Work somewhere sexy, work somewhere more mundane. Your role + behaviours will change accordingly. You'll be able to see what's actually important in making good integrated work. 7/8
7. Finally, (ta @Holycow) you should aim to be an 'X-Man' after 8+ years in the business. Are you the socially minded brand strategist? The CRM/data led PR person? Have deep skills in 2 things; no-one is good at the lot. (Or i've not met 'em!) 8/8.
