“I don’t know anything about music. In my line [of work], you don’t have to.” Elvis Presley.
Elvis had a sense of humour and no doubt he was kidding when he said that, but there is a bit of truth in jest. After all, he wasn’t a musician in the prescribed traditional sense, yet he was one of the most successful artists of rock-and-roll music in history.
What I like about Elvis’ remark, as it relates to marketing, is that it challenges the notion that you have to be classically trained to be effective. In reality, the best marketing teams I’ve been around have been made up of a diverse collection of experiences and training. I’ve worked with marketeers from all sorts of academic backgrounds whether they hold marketing degrees from top Ivy League schools or they studied education, journalism, psychology, law, art, maths, literature, etc. … they all have something special to offer.
Brands benefit most from having smart, creative, inspired people looking after them – whatever their background.
Even though Elvis was considered the King of Rock & Roll, he wasn’t a typical musician. Likewise, not all great Marketeers are typical. Remember this when you are putting people to work on your brand. Sometimes the big ideas, passion and impact come from those you might expect it from the least.
What interesting mix of talent do you have contributing to your brand’s future?
