Finding Your Skills: Whose Mouse Mat are you Using? 

This is the fifth in the series of articles developed by Brian McIvor MMII M.A., the leading career specialist. The series has been specifically designed to assist members of the Marketing Institute of Ireland in managing their careers in these challenging times. In this month’s article Brian McIvor shows you how to find your skills set.
 
From time to time I ask my clients: what did you take with you from your last marketing job? What follows is usually a confession about the larceny of small objects. People take souvenirs with them from one job to another – everything from mouse mats to staplers – to dictating machines – even printers. It’s amazing what goes on when people move jobs.
 
Then I ask: what skills have you taken with you from job to job?
What skills got you your first marketing job? What skills got you  promoted, noticed, volunteered for major assignments?
 
A key concept in marketing is differentiation – how one brand gets distinguished from another. Your CV will not stand out unless you concentrate on making your skills set well-defined and, well-differentiated: for example: “My best skill is in placing on-line ads for computer games in the teenage marketplace in a cost-effective way for projects with advertising spends of the order of €1m per annum.”- it is practically a job description and gives a clear idea of how somebody could deliver value and difference in a marketing role.
 
Members can click here for the full article.

'Securing Your Future in Times of Uncertainty'

We are also hosting a morning seminar on Thursday 7th October at which Brian McIvor will discuss managing your career in recessionary times and securing your future in these uncertain times. 

• Certainties are now gone
• Security is an aspiration
• Security based on value you can add/offer
• Power behind you – your brand
• The need for adaptability, flexibility and ability
• Empowerment is key