Marketing Competencies Must Match Your Strategy

John Bernardi • September 6, 2018

Create Value, Position Your Brand And Foster the Right Selling Process

Which Marketing Competency Fits Your Strategy?

What Is Your Current Marketing Competency?

  1. Marketing Novice
  2. Marketing Apprentice
  3. Marketing Practitioner
  4. Marketing Master

Keys to Sustainable Success for All Competency Levels

Before answering the marketing competency question, understand your current marketing baseline:

Attract and Retain Talented Employees

  1. They are empowered to make suggestions that build competitive advantage
  2. Reputation for subject matter expertise [SME], preparation, communication and creativity
  3. Consistent alignment with business processes and rules
  4. Partner with complementary vendors who enhance the company’s position

A Healthy Customer and Partner Environment

  1. Raving fans and partners are the best source of new customers
  2. Total satisfaction is measured by quality reviews, surveys, repeat business and referrals
  3. There is a growing portfolio of valuable customers
  4. There is a growing portfolio of valuable partners

Healthy Processes and Programs

  1. Customer experience management [CEM] and innovation are your key differentiators
  2. Positive trend in marketing qualified lead [MQL] generation
  3. Frequency of prospects contacting you so you don't need to explain who you are
  4. Consistent, reliable and timely research sets the stage for exploring new ideas

Healthy Financial KPIs

  1. The best time for innovative marketing is when you're achieving short term objectives.
  2. Sales and GP by Product, Market and Customer portfolios
  3. ROI from well-executed campaigns and programs
  4. Frequent high-quality anchor sales opportunities [ Golden Spikes}

By John Bernardi • November 3, 2026
The better a company becomes at doing what it does, the harder it may be to recognize that its established approach is limiting its future.
By John Bernardi • October 26, 2026
Build On What Made You Successful to Create What Comes Next
By John Bernardi • October 16, 2026
Start With the Outcome You Want to Achieve—Not the Solution You Want to Buy
By John Bernardi • October 7, 2026
Apply Strategic Reframing to Respond to a Buyer’s Decision Criteria
By John Bernardi • September 30, 2026
Your Value Proposition Must Be Lived
By John Bernardi • September 21, 2026
The Revenue Growth Process Covers Four Bases
By John Bernardi • August 24, 2026
Smart Companies Scale Processes and Tools Before Adding Headcount
By John Bernardi • August 10, 2026
How to Influence a Sale Before You Make the Sale
By John Bernardi • July 28, 2026
Think Like an Investor
By John Bernardi • July 7, 2026
Help Prospects to See Their Future Before They Buy