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November 6, 2013
The CMO’s Guide to Driving Impact in Year 1
By:
B2B CMO’s are expected to deliver hard Lead Generation metrics:
In many cases the CMO inherits a transitional marketing team not set-up to drive revenue. The clock turns as day-to-day marketing execution pulls the CMO into a reactive mode. Making the transformation to revenue contribution requires time and a solid plan. The path to success for a B2B CMO’s year one includes:
The quick wins will build credibility with sales and the CEO.
Buckle your Chin Strap – 3 Quick Wins for a Fast Start
Build momentum by identifying quick wins. Execute the wins by canceling bloated, non-impact tactics. Leverage the dollars and manpower resources to drive quick wins. This action of canceling a non-performing program sets the right tone for the team. It also propels the team forward by focusing the staff on impact assignments.
Focus on wins that positively impact the ability of the sales force to Make the Number. In year one, this is the lowest hanging fruit to generate momentum. This will build credibility with sales at the corporate level all the way the field.
Three quick wins to build momentum and drive results:
1.) Infuse the Sales Process with Buyer Insights
Allows a sales team to sell the way the customer wants to buy.
Role of Marketing:
2.) Social Prospecting Guidance
A modern prospecting methodology that fills the funnel with opportunities.
Role of Marketing:
3.) Buyer Process Maps
BPM’s are a sales tool that maps the decision-making process used to purchase a product or service.
Role of Marketing:
These three buyer-centered tools work in concert together. Social Selling provides expanded access to decision makers. The Buyer Process Map gives sales insights to get into a deal early. The BPM and sales process together give sales the highest probability to win.
CMO’s who deliver one of these options in their first six months gain momentum. CMO’s who deliver all three in their first year become transformational leaders.
Marketing Team Assessment & Roadmap
Review the capabilities and best practices of world class marketing organizations. Carefully study your team’s performance against the benchmark capabilities. First and foremost is your team’s ability to drive effective Demand Generation results.
Assess the team each month for the first three months. This iterative approach allows you to look for evidence of gaps. Ideally turn to a sales and marketing consultancy to increase your visibility.
Leverage the assessment tool at the bottom of this blog to evaluate your team. In addition, the CMO should ask direct reports to self-assess their areas. Involve your direct reports in comparing their assessment to that of the 3rd party. Request plans to close the gaps in waves of execution that occur over 6, 9 and 12 months. The planning should be performed internally by the teams impacted as well as through the 3rd party consultant.
At the six month milestone, present your team’s assessment to the CEO. Recommend your course of action for immediate and year-end steps. Include longer term year two high-level plans as well. This proactive approach will yield the following benefits:
In Summary
Perform your assessment by downloading the free Marketing Assessment – Demand Generation Capability Tool.
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