I received a referral request from one of my clients this morning to offer assistance to a world class CMO looking for his next great opportunity. I provided some counsel and determined that there might be something here for others in the same situation.
Ok, let's assume that you are awesome marketing executive with full skillset and tookkits and your company goes off the rails and you lose your job for no fault of your own. Well it's time to stand back up. From time to time, you will lose your job for situations beyond your control; for example, you company loses its PE funding, your company is acquired by another entity and they don't need two professionals in your position, your company relocates and you choose not to move with them, or you can't stand working for that jerk you call your CEO or immediate supervisor anymore. For those times, you need a strategy, and here is a strategy for a highly talented Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) looking for that next best position for an industry built to last.
First, get connected with your local market. Learn who the players, industries, and growth engines in your community are, and reach out to them.
Network, network, network. Did I say network? Yes, do this with leaders and stakeholders of fast growing companies and emerging growth companies; business owners, investors, financial planners, who might have a handle on job opportunity and needs.
Figure out for yourself if your skill is best used to help many, or to focus deeply on one client. Some CMO's make great soloists and can be a boutique business being a part-time CMO for several other companies, much like part-time CFO's have created this important role in the financial industry. However, if you want to go to work for another company, and you are looking for your next CMO here is my suggestion in view of the growth of the economy for the next decade.
If you have game (i.e., you are world class), have flexibility of timing and geography to be choosey, then here is what I would suggest if you are world class in your capability, position, and skill set in your industry.
If I were guiding you, I would focus on the future growth industries with high potential and need for your services; you could also be a contrarian and focus on fossil industries in great need of modern marketing know-how.
If you are world class and playing at a high level, I would suggest that you link up with top Silicon Valley headhunters listed here.
