Each Thursday at 11 a.m. EST, marketers from around the world join the ExactTarget user community on Twitter for a conversation about trends and campaign ideas across the interactive marketing industry. We call the virtual coffee chat the Nexus Café.
During our recent chat, we discussed our current projects and what we're hoping to learn in the next few months. Interactive marketers are always challenged for time and resources, always looking to stay ahead of the curve with the industry as it evolves. The marketers shared some great thoughts on how to prioritize projects, balance quantity versus quality, and continue to learn new things. Here's a recap from our discussion:
@ETNexus: Q1 What current project is giving you the most challenges right now?
@kkestler: Personal branding/blogging is always a challenge for me on top of other responsibilities, but it's as important as ever.
@havronsm: My biggest issue right now is trying to stay on top of the tracking reports for all of the emails going out!
@rebeccamackay: We've increased our email output so summer has been super busy for us, love the recaps
@bethleleck: Quantity vs. Quality. A common interactive marketer's struggle.
@kkestler: @bethleleck In those situations I typically make the case that large quantities of low quality can often have adverse effects.
@ETNexus: Q2 When you're super busy, how do you manage team and project prioritization? Any tips?
@bethleleck: Quick team huddles and prioritization lists are key
@bethleleck: communicating priority, and re-communicating when priorities shift, is also essential.
@kkestler: I typically resort to my old standby: the urgency vs. importance matrix. Usually does the trick for prioritization.
@havronsm: Lists! Important messages go out first.
@LindaChreno: I like stand up meetings - quick & helpful in keeping everyone informed & on track
@ETNexus: Q3 With quality vs. quantity in mind, how do you push back on the folks that want more sends
@havronsm Show them the communication calendar (it's a monster) then try to find an existing email where we can include their message
@kkestler: Most folks can intuit that quant doesn't always work, at least w/in a constant audience. "How would YOU react to a barrage?"
@LindaChreno: with database info should be able to keep track of who likes more - & give them what they want
@bethleleck: Marketer's responsibility to provide alternate & strategic solutions. Content must be prioritized too.
@ETNexus: Q4 What is your biggest subscriber engagement challenge right now? How are you solving it
@havronsm Getting subscribers to understand the different types of emails we send instead of opting in/out of all, to pick what's relevant
@ETNexus: Q5 What advice would you give a summer intern about your field?
@ryanleecox: I didn't get to where I am by following any 'schedule'. Plan to learn at the most inopportune times.
@ryanleecox: #hustle will beat hope. Find mentors, and prove to them you want to learn. It's the most invaluable tool: others.
@ryanleecox: As small-time as I am when it comes to 'mentoring' -- I find your point to be 110% true!
@kkestler: The mentor often benefits just as much from the relationship as the mentee. It's a win-win!
@havronsm: Your vacation/days off may revolve around your marketing calendar. :)
@havronsm: Also, be prepared to explain to others why you can't just add emails, use a random list that's not opted in, etc
@ETNexus: Q6 What are your continued learning plans for the rest of the year? Any conferences or training planned?
@kkestler: I'm working on my web dev certs: HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL…it's a big endeavor but worthwhile.
@ryanleecox: Find 3 new mentors (year) around areas of 'improvement' for your skill-set. Have them challenge you with tasks.
@LindaChreno: always looking for learning oppys. Webinars are great & many free ones from Adobe, AMEX very helpful
@havronsm: After our summer push and expo wraps up, I'm hoping to find time to learn more coding using online tutorials
@ETNexus: Q7 How do you organize your blog feeds to stay on top of industry news?
@kkestler: I use a combination of Caffeinated RSS reader, Pocket (Read It Later), my @mojoLive Shelf, and Buffer.
@stefaneyram: I focus on my Twitter feed, expert blogs & the usual websites like @ClickZ for my ongoing learning & "training"
@amandaberkey: I'm a die-hard Google Reader fan! I organize folders for personal and professional blogs that I follow.
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