Why Everyone (Yes, Even You) Should Learn Marketing- And How to Start Today
When you hear marketing, you might picture someone in a fun outfit with colorful hair, holding a latte, plotting how to make a product go viral on TikTok. But marketing is so much more than that – and it’s not just for marketers. Whether you’re a nurse, an engineer, or, like me, in HR, understanding marketing can supercharge your career in surprising ways.
Why You Need Marketing Skills
Let’s face it: in today’s world, we’re all marketers. Selling yourself in a job interview? That’s marketing. Persuading your boss to greenlight your new project? Marketing again. Launching a side hustle? You guessed it – marketing is key.
Learning the basics of marketing can help you:
Communicate better: Whether you’re pitching an idea or explaining a concept, marketing teaches you how to make your message clear and compelling.
Build your personal brand: Want to be known as the go-to person in your field? Marketing helps you show off your expertise without feeling like you’re bragging.
Understand your audience: Whether it’s customers, coworkers, or clients, marketing teaches you how to get into their heads and meet their needs.
For us HR folks, marketing helps when we’re selling the value of a benefits package, crafting a killer job ad, or convincing leadership to invest in DEIB initiatives. The ability to connect with people in a way that resonates? That’s pure marketing magic.
How to Dip Your Toes into Marketing
The good news is, you don’t need an MBA to get started. Marketing skills are everywhere, and many of them are free to learn. Here’s a roadmap:
Start with the basics
Learn the core concepts: branding, messaging, target audiences, and the infamous “marketing funnel.” Platforms like HubSpot Academy and Google Digital Garage offer free introductory courses that are bite-sized and beginner-friendly.Get social
Social media isn’t just for doomscrolling. Experiment with LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok. Try creating posts that showcase your work or ideas. Pay attention to what gets likes and shares – that’s marketing insight in action.Practice storytelling
Marketing is all about telling a good story. Practice turning facts into narratives. For instance, instead of saying “I improved the company’s retention rate,” try “After listening to employee feedback, I implemented changes that helped people feel more valued and stay longer.”Dive into analytics
Don’t let the numbers scare you! Platforms like Google Analytics and Canva’s analytics tools can show you what works and what doesn’t. It’s like a cheat code for improving your messaging.Learn from the pros
Follow marketers on LinkedIn or YouTube and soak up their tips. A few minutes a day of content from creators like Neil Patel or Ann Handley can demystify marketing in no time.Experiment and iterate
Marketing is a lot like learning to ride a bike – you’ll fall a few times. Whether you’re crafting an email campaign or posting a job ad, every attempt teaches you something new.
Marketing: The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Needed
No matter your industry, marketing is the secret sauce to getting ahead. It’s about connecting, communicating, and making your ideas shine. Whether you’re launching a new product, a new initiative, or even a new version of yourself, marketing will help you show the world what you’re all about.
So, what’s stopping you? Dip your toes in. Take that free course. Post that thought on LinkedIn. Marketing isn’t just for latte-drinking, blazer-wearing professionals – it’s for everyone. Including you.
Now go get started – your future self will thank you.
