It’s Political.

Navigating Your Company’s Culture for Marketing Success

pol·i·tics : \ˈpä-lə-ˌtiks\

“The total complex of relations between people

living in society.”

“Um, Toto...”

One of these things is not like the others…

Anyone up to the task?Responsible for developing and implementing an effective organizational structure and the processes to optimize business development (working closely with the Managing Partner, the Marketing Committee, its Chair, and Chief Operating Officer (COO)). In charge of enhancing the firm’s brand awareness in the marketplace and community. This position works/consults proactively with the firm’s practice/industry groups, teams and professionals to support, provide creative input, implement, manage, synergize and implement marketing and business development opportunities. Oversees and promotes creativity and consistency in marketing, media relations and branding activities in alignment with the Firm’s strategic plan.

What were you hired to do?

“Change everything about the way we’ve done business for the last 20 years.”*

*(And do it without our help)

Marketing is a threat

“You are in the business of getting people to change their habits and get

out of their comfort zones.”

Who’s in charge?

Look, Listen, and Learn

• Who do co-workers defer to during meetings?

• Who does the boss rely on to get things done?

• Who can get the CEO to open the purse strings?

Forge Relationships

• Meet.• Eat.• Heartbeat.

Got any in your office?

• Backstabbers• Idea stealers• Power players• Cliques

Don’t just do something – sit

there.

Seek to understand…

Keep your eyes on the prize

“It’s possible to be an optimist if you have a contingency plan for when all

hell breaks loose."

Don’t

• Make others look bad• Need to be right• Fight every battle• Complain…unless absolutely

necessary• Give up 5 minutes before the miracle

Do

• Go out of your way to help others• Build trust through consistency and

follow through • Find a way to fit into the culture…before trying to change it.

• Practice self-awareness• Build your network before you need

it• Hone your sense of humor

“If you wait long enough, people will surprise and impress you."

Tracey SegarraDirector of Marketing

Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP

tsegarra@mwellp.com