Key Takeaways

• “At this moment of heightened uncertainty and pressure, marketing’s ability to form and nurture vital connections will make or break their success. "

• “Marketers need to re-establish and fortify connections across the stakeholder landscape: employees, business partners, and—of course—customers.”

• “Now is the moment for marketing leaders to recognize and assert their role as the chief stewards of these vital connections—–as Chief Connection Officers.”

• “If marketing leaders can help employees feel a bit more grounded, with a little more control, and part of something bigger—they have a real chance to invigorate performance, loyalty, and brand advocacy.”

• “Most marketing organizations are solely focused on demonstrating their value and showcasing their contributions to the bottom line, but that’s inherently a one-sided relationship. Instead, marketing must shift focus from “us”—as a single node in an ecosystem—to “us and our partners.”

• “Customers expect you to know and anticipate their actions, needs and requirements. Not being able to do so actively harms connection. However, simply getting it right is not enough to create a real organic connection. To do that, marketers need to focus on motivators.”