Jack of All Trades.

 

A wonderful connection of mine and a fellow marketer who also classes herself as a ‘generalist’, shared an insightful conversation with her husband, a surveyor with many years of experience, about the differences between specialists and generalists in his world. In the construction industry, building owners often call in specialists first, thinking this is the best approach. However, specialists typically focus on one narrow aspect, without considering the broader picture. For instance, a roofer might recommend fantastic new tiles for a leaking roof without assessing whether the structure can support the extra weight, potentially leading to further damage down the line. 

 

In contrast, a generalist surveyor looks at the entire building, considering how each part interacts with the others. They coordinate with specialists, ensuring that all actions are in harmony with the building's overall structure. This holistic approach prevents isolated fixes from causing larger issues and ensures that the building remains upright, safe, and habitable. 

 

 

The same principle applies to marketing. As a marketing generalist, I bring a comprehensive perspective to the table. I understand how different marketing functions—such as SEO, content creation, social media, email marketing, and analytics—interconnect and impact the overall strategy. Here are a few reasons why having a marketing generalist on your team can be a game-changer: 

 

Holistic Strategy Development: Marketing generalists can develop strategies that align all marketing activities with the company's goals. By understanding the big picture, they ensure that every action supports the overall mission and vision. 

 

Flexibility and Adaptability: Generalists are adaptable and can pivot quickly as market trends change. They are not confined to a single area of expertise, making them more responsive to new opportunities and challenges. 

 

Coordination and Integration: A marketing generalist can effectively coordinate with specialists, ensuring that all marketing efforts are integrated and complementary. They understand when to bring in a specialist and how to leverage their expertise within the broader strategy. 

 

Problem-Solving: With a broad skill set, generalists are well-equipped to troubleshoot and solve problems that span multiple areas of marketing. They can identify issues early and address them before they escalate. 

 

Resource Management: Generalists can manage resources efficiently, knowing when and where to allocate time, budget, and talent. This ensures that the marketing team operates smoothly and effectively. 

 

In conclusion, marketing generalists are like the surveyors who keep the whole building in check. They bring a valuable, big-picture perspective that ensures all parts work together seamlessly. So, the next time you encounter a "jack of all trades" in marketing, recognise the unique strengths they bring to your team. Embrace the versatility, adaptability, and holistic thinking of a marketing generalist—they might just be the key to your business's success. 

 

If your marketing efforts and attempts to connect with your audience just aren't working, it might be time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. As a marketing generalist, I can help you assess and align your strategy to ensure all parts are working together seamlessly. 

Drop me a message to arrange a chat, and let's take a look at the whole picture (or the entire building) together. Let's turn your marketing into a cohesive, successful effort that truly resonates with your audience.