5 Quick Ways to Hone Your Marketing Skills

Digital marketers are always looking for quick (and free!) ways to improve their talents. Formstack created a new infographic titled "7 Skills New Marketers Need to Succeed," which highlights several areas where marketers can stay on the cutting edge. One of the biggest challengers for marketers is tackling data and analytics. According to the infographic, two of four new marketing hires will require technical skills. But don't go back to school just yet—here are five ways to sharpen your marketing knowledge while keeping up with your busy schedule. 1. Watch WebinarsLots of companies produce free webinars or podcasts for marketers. Topics range from social media to online forms to analytics. You may have to endure a little self-promotion from the webinar's sponsor, but it could lead you to a product or service that might help your marketing team. It's best to participate live so you can ask questions and engage in social media conversations. Additionally, many webinars will send you a copy of the recording. This lets you watch it later, when it's more convenient to your schedule. 2. VolunteerMany nonprofit organizations must keep staffing costs down to focus on their mission, and staff members wear many hats. Fifty-seven percent of marketers have a designated social team, for example, but nonprofits can't always afford them. If you have a favorite nonprofit, offer them your marketing services. Offer design work, write a press release or help create a blog content strategy. You can often gain higher-level experience than you would at your current job, and you will boost your portfolio. The nonprofit gets free, professional work done, making the deal a total win-win. 3. Find a MentorWe all need a hand from someone who knows more than we do. If you want to become more adept at analytics, for example, seek out an experienced mentor. Schedule a coffee or lunch meeting and increase your knowledge in a particular area. Colleagues can be great mentors, as well. Look for someone who is smart and personable. Most importantly, you want a mentor who wants you to succeed. (Remember, no matter how inexperienced you are, you also have something to offer. Pay it forward by finding someone whom you can mentor.) 4. Get NetworkingDon't be afraid to network! Use Meetup or Linkedin to discover marketing events in your area. Learn about the pros you meet and always follow up afterward. You might make connections today that will pay off in the months or years ahead. Are you having a difficult time finding a networking group that fits you? Create your own! Bring together people from your field or elsewhere. Always focus on how you might be able to help your networking contacts. People respond positively to those who are willing to share with others. 5. Take an Online CourseIf you are working in marketing without a marketing degree, you might feel a little lost. Take advantage of the influx of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on the Internet. Major universities are allowing non-students to enroll in selected classes for free. MOOCs are open to everyone, regardless of your educational background. You can take classes ranging from Marketing 101 to Branding to New Media. Many courses even allow you to watch archived lectures at your own pace. Remember to be a life-long learner. Great marketers don't stop learning once they land a job. The field will continue to change as new tools are developed. Marketers who can adapt to trends-and even create them—will be the ones who set the pace for the future. Chris Lucas is VP of Business Development at Formstack. Reach him at Chris@formstack.com.

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5 Quick Ways to Hone Your Marketing Skills

Chris Lucas

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Chris Lucas