One of the most difficult job descriptions to fill is that of the marketing manager. Much of the success or failure of business can directly be traced to their marketing campaigns. Hit it big with a marketing ad campaign, and the business could be the next fortune 500 company. Swing and miss, and it may not only cost the marketing manager their job, the entire business could be forced to fold or sell to a competitor resulting in everyone in the company looking for a new job.
A good marketing manager has to have his finger on the pulse of pop culture and the latest trends. They have to understand the lifestyle of their target market. A marketing campaign for a product targeted at women ages 45-60 should look much different than a marketing campaign for a product that is designed for men ages 18-30. The marketing manager should know things like where their demographic likes to spend their free time, what television shows do they enjoy, and where do they like to eat. This not only helps with creating the ad campaign, it also helps to identify potential marketing partners. Think about how many times you have seen a movie targeting young children release a special line of toys through McDonald’s. That is not because McDonald’s sought them out. It is quite the opposite.
A lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of the marketing manager and his team. The success or failure of the entire business may depend on them.
