The best professional advice — ever

As a bright-eyed, highly impressionable intern at Martin|Williams Advertising in 1999, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with a smart and savvy marketer. Working in the M|W international division, Creo, was my dream come true, and I soaked it all in. After six glorious months, it was time to move on, and I found myself on the hunt for a new, permanent position. That’s when my boss gave me the best professional advice I have ever received:

“Be persistent and consistent in everything you do.”

I have taken this advice to heart many times, and it has never failed me. It is fantastically relevant in many situations—especially when it comes to marketing communications. Maintaining a consistent message and spreading that message across every touch point of your brand is key to creating a strong and memorable brand. It is like putting your best foot forward over and over and over again…which, now, brings me to persistence. As a good marketer, you need to stay in front of your audience. What communication do you use? Print ads, web ads, networking, email campaigns, PR? Continually connect with your audience to stay top of mind. That way, when there’s a decision to be made, you will be at the top of the list.