My answer?
I look for someone who wants to be a Producer.
And now that I think about it . . . what do I look for when I hire a Company Manager?
I look for someone who wants to be a Producer.
What do I look for when I hire someone to run errands for the office?
Yep, I look for someone who wants to . . . you know . . . produce stuff.
I was talking to a wise business owner the other day who put this theory to me very simply. "Ken," he said, "I always think 3 positions ahead when I'm interviewing someone for a job. You want someone who wants to grow. You want someone who is hungry. You don't want someone who wants to be comfortable."
A lot of people are scared to bring on employees that want to do what they do, that could compete, that could rip-off ideas, etc.
But from my perspective, these are exactly the people you want working for you.
And when they are ready to move on and do their own thing, I'll be happier than they will be.
Because I will have helped produce a Producer.
- – - – -
I know I mentioned that I'd have a juicy announcement today, but we had to delay 24 hours to tie up a couple of loose ends. But an announcement is coming. Tomorrow. And if you're a fan of this blog, and of doing things a little differently, then I think you'll like it. Tune in.
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4 Responses to What do I look for when I hire a marketing person?
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So you’re not really hiring someone, you are mentoring someone. You are finding a person with raw talent to be inspired by the creative energy you and the people in your company generate; becoming charged by that energy and allowing their creativity to connect with that energy and create even more energy, and consequently very creative work. It’s all about creating the right kind of energy. If a few billion more people thought like you, this planet might have a chance to survive! Go Ken!
Thanks for this tidbit. I’m currently studying for my MA in Integrated Marketing Communications and it is nice to know that the prevaliant attitude of not wanting to hire someone who wants your job is slowly loosing ground. When I’m ready to start looking for a new job in the marketing arena, at the top of my list is an opportunity where I can grow and I know I’ll be hungry for it. Alas, I don’t want to be a producer.
I 100% agree with you.
Hi Ken. I stumbled on your blog today when I was reading your company’s website. As someone with a strong background in theatre, this personally spoke to me and it makes complete sense. It is refreshing to see someone who is not afraid of hiring someone who wants to grow, succeed, and do wonderful things. I applied to your PlayBill posting earlier – and hope to have the opportunity to discuss this matter with you in person! Much continued success — and I will keep returning to this terrific blog.