Does the Company Truly 'Get' Marketing?

Businessman giving presentation during meeting in office

Interviewing for a marketing role?

Ask these questions to determine if the leadership team “gets” marketing, or as my friend Jordan Scheltgen ⚫️🟡would say, “Do they treat marketing as the arts and crafts department” to make pretty things for the sales team.

So to determine if the senior leadership understands what marketing truly is and what it can achieve, (which can help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you), ask these questions:

🌐 How does the company view the balance between brand-building efforts and short-term lead generation or sales goals?

This can reveal whether leadership understands the importance of balancing long-term brand equity with immediate performance marketing.

🎯 How does the company measure marketing success? 

This will give insight into whether they understand the value of brand awareness, lead generation, customer engagement, and other key metrics beyond just sales numbers.

📊 What does cross-functional collaboration between marketing and other teams (like sales, product, or customer success) look like?

This can reveal how integrated marketing is within the company and whether it’s seen as a strategic partner or an isolated function.

📈 What challenges has the company faced in marketing, and how did leadership address them?

This will show how much senior leadership is involved in marketing strategy and whether they respect its complexities or oversimplify its role.

💡 How does the company support the marketing team’s growth, learning, and innovation? 

This can help you assess if there’s room for experimentation, creativity, and professional development—or if you’re expected to stick to the status quo.

🔍 How does marketing contribute to the company’s long-term vision and goals?

This helps uncover if they see marketing as a strategic function that drives sustainable growth, or if it’s just reactive, driven by short-term sales.

👥 How involved is the C-suite in shaping and supporting the marketing strategy?

This question shows whether the leadership team views marketing as an executive-level priority, or if it’s pushed down the chain of command with little high-level support.

⚙️ How does marketing leverage data to inform decisions?

This will give you a sense of how data-driven the company is in its marketing approach—are they focused on metrics like ROI, customer insights, and market trends?

🧠 What role does customer feedback play in shaping marketing initiatives?

This explores how closely marketing aligns with customer needs and whether the company prioritizes customer-centric strategies in their campaigns.

What are some of your favourite questions to ask during a marketing interview?

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What Brands Can Learn from Subcultures to Create Brand Loyalists

The importance of subcultures for youths cannot be overstated. These groups offer identity, belonging, and community—elements that are just as crucial for brands seeking to build loyal followings. By taking lessons from subcultures in authenticity, community building, and differentiation, brands can create lasting connections with their audiences.

Building brand loyalists isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about creating a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s about recognizing that in a world where conformity is often the norm, those who celebrate individuality and cultivate genuine communities will stand out. Just as subcultures provide a refuge for those seeking to find their tribe, brands that foster real connections will turn customers into loyal advocates who champion their message far and wide.

That sense of community could be the difference between a one-time transaction and a lifetime of loyalty.

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