Gus Bouari

What’s your North Star mission and vision? You need an overarching strategy that aligns with your branding, guiding every decision. When short-term pressures push you to make quick changes, stay anchored to that North Star. It’s not about avoiding mistakes but about ensuring every step—even the missteps—leads you closer to your long-term goals.

There's no such thing as a set in stone. I understand it's challenging sometimes for marketers, but a professional does their best in their craft to achieve the results they want. So you've got to have some flexibility with changing stuff. Even last-minute.

I’ve been there like the time I thought a billboard campaign would be a game-changer. Spoiler: it wasn’t. It cost me more than I’d like to admit, but I had to try it. Marketing is about taking risks, learning, and adapting. When things don’t go as planned, own it, communicate honestly with your customers, and make the necessary changes. It’s all about showing you're committed to improving and moving forward, even when the first step isn’t perfect. The biggest companies in the world with the best marketers can get underwhelming results. Your customer must know that. If they don't, they'll never grow.

Check-in without freaking out... I’d reach out with a friendly, “Hey, just checking in!” Sometimes life happens (hopefully). A little empathy goes a long way, it’s less awkward than an all-caps message or an irritated tone. Then talk it out, what went wrong, and what could we have done different? I’d make sure we’re both on the same page about the new deadlines (and maybe sprinkle in some emojis to keep it light if you're not talking on the phone). Finally, always have a backup. Whether adjusting the schedule, whipping up some new content, or calling in another influencer, I’d always have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C). And a Plan D...

Align your team around a shared vision. Ensure everyone understands the goals and values that drive your marketing efforts. Clarity in roles and open communication foster trust and collaboration. Leverage diverse strengths. Use the unique skills and perspectives within your team to create more innovative and effective marketing strategies.

Consistency is key across all channels. No matter which platforms or tools you choose, ensure that your messaging and branding are consistent to build trust and recognition with your audience. Test, learn, and adapt. Use data from these channels and tools to continually refine your approach, double down on what works, and adjust what doesn’t.