The Modern CMO's Survival Guide

In today’s Marketing Pulse, gain insight into how:

• The role of modern CMOs is evolving, with data-driven strategies, AI adoption, and purpose-oriented branding taking center stage

• Operational CMOs can amp up their success by mastering their craft, embodying a growth mindset, and leveraging operational reports.

• Marketing leaders have a golden opportunity to connect deeper with consumers by embracing empathetic marketing to nurture consumer well-being in the post-pandemic world.

Each of these articles is penned by members of Forbes Communications Council, key marketing and communications leaders shaping the future of these fields.

Let’s dive in!

Revolutionizing the Role of the Modern CMO: 6 Key Trends 👨‍💼📈

The role of a modern Chief Marketing Officer is undergoing significant transformation, and it's time to redefine the way we think about marketing 💭 

Here are six key trends for the modern CMO:

📈 Join the Data-Driven Revolution: Data and analytics should drive your marketing department. Test, test, test — even things you think may not work, e.g. “Mistake Ads,” to see if your assumptions are incorrect.

🤖 Adopt AI: Artificial Intelligence is no longer an optional tool. It's key to optimizing targeting and campaign performance. Think Netflix personalization!

💻 Get 'Hands-On': Some basic SQL skills can help CMOs manipulate data and perform quick analyses.

🔄 Embrace Creative Agility: Preparation for unforeseen disruptions and agility in strategy-making is a must

 👟 Invest in Research and Consumer Insights: Keep the faith in traditional research methods for a holistic consumer understanding. Just as Nike does.

🌍 Focus on Purpose-Driven Branding: Patagonia is a great example: guiding its branding based on environmental activism and social responsibility

It's not just a trend, it's an essential transformation to keep up with advanced technology and dynamic market changes.

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The Operational CMO: Five Habits for Success 📊🔑

Transforming into an expert operational Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) demands more than gut feelings - adopt a love for data!

Here are five habits shared by the most successful operational CMOs:

🏋️ Master Your Craft and Excel in Another: A CMO generally excels in one functional area of marketing but to be exceptional, proficiency in at least two verticals is necessary.

🚀 Embody a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a mentality for surpassing set goals, constantly asking how results can be improved

 🔝 Establish an Efficient CMO Office: As a CMO, don't spread yourself thin. Hire the best marketers for each of the seven functional areas of marketing, ensuring each one carries a growth mindset

🔎 Listen to the Data: Analyze the data deeply to answer these questions - So what? Who cares? Why now? What now?. Ask the right questions to draw actionable insights

📑 Have Five Operational Reports at Your Fingertips: Get your analytics team to build reports related to MQL-to-conversions, MQL volume over time, performance by marketing channel, SDR performance, and sales rep win rates. Visit them regularly and thoroughly.

Remember that turning into a successful operational CMO requires patience and time. Stick to data, foster a growth culture, and leverage AI-powered tools. The rewards will soon follow! 🎉

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CMOs Enabling Consumer Well-being: 3 Key Strategies 🌟👥

Consumers, amid finding meaning in post-pandemic life, are on a quest for self-reflection, comfort, and joy 🏞️. It's time for CMOs to respond with empathetic marketing:

🤗 Corporate Culture and Values: Consumers are willingly shedding old habits and looking for brands that align with their values. The trust built from this alignment is integral in fostering a feeling of comfort amongst consumers. This brings the question, "Are our marketing efforts generating positive feelings?"

😊 Empathy at Every Touchpoint: Brands demonstrating resources to support self-care, stress relief and emotional resilience will stand out in this emotionally charged landscape. Are your teams trained in empathetic marketing, and are they empowered to go the extra mile to surprise and delight?

🌍 Community and Connection: Brands can facilitate a sense of comfort and joy by creating spaces for sharing experiences and connections. This could range from creating meaningful online experiences to supporting causes that matter to your community

In a world still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, prioritizing consumer well-being is a prime agenda for marketing leaders. By enabling consumer comfort, joy and meaning, we can make a positive impact on their post-pandemic routines 💫

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Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will absolutely love: Forbes Communications Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together the brightest minds in marketing and communications — founders, CEOs, CCOs, CMOs, and other senior leaders of marketing and communications teams.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Communications Council today, and become part of a group driving transformation in marketing.