Seattle Direct Marketing Association

Today was one of those, "Lessons learned days" that will prove invaluable, but that you wish you could know without it ever happening.  One you wish you were able to suck it back in, like a regrettable email. 

I recently changed my role from that of an in-house marketing manager to vendor with marketing customers.  Since Chief Marketing Officer is statistically the shortest lived position of ALL corporate roles, with an average life span of 18 months, chances are that this may happen to you some day too. My switch was by choice, but still, it comes with some adjustments. And, even though I began my career in agency, it is easy to forget some nuances of the outside position.

In my eagerness to "handle everything" for a very important client, I found that I'd overstepped my role.  The consequences were not fatal, but the anguish was visceral.  

Fortunately, my customer is experienced and understanding, aware that they are demanding and complex.  And they are willing to go through the learning curve with me. They must see some potential. I hope.

My pain involved my decision to approve a high profile project, in an effort to get the product to the customer expediently. I was confident in my ability to make wise choices, as I've done this for years on behalf of very discerning constituents.  

The problem.  I am the vendor.  The choice was not mine to make. 

Ultimately my eye on the color of this printed piece was acceptable. But the problem is, I've not yet earned this right to choose.

So, lesson of the day, if you are in a new position as an outside vendor, wait.  Wait until the marketing manager, or print buyer, or chief bottle scrubber has said, "You make the call on this one."  Then, put the dishes away with confidence.

Oh yes, and don't forget the beauty of the written word, and never forget their signature!  Think of it as filling your autograph book, and remember the customer is now the star of the show.