The marketing landscape continues to shift and change at a rapid pace. Along with the changes comes an ever-increasing need to polish or improve our skills.
You can’t look through your emails for 10 minutes and not see some articles telling you that you need to be the best at data-driven marketing, strategy, and cross-team management. We simultaneously need to be able to test, analyze, and differentiate between a plethora of metrics and the most important KPIs, ultimately gaining the insights that will improve our business.
Then, there are the ooey-gooey soft skills we need to have.
- communication
- emotional intelligence
- problem-solving
- adaptability
- people management
- creativity
Impact of the “Always-on” Customer
The composition of our casino customer bases is starting to shift because of the aging of our core customer, increasing adoption of Gen Xers, and the necessity to keep adding new customers. We are fortunate to practice marketing at a time when technology is advancing our efforts, but we have to remember the power we hold to inspire customers. We need to foster meaningful relationships with them. Our ability to engage them will continue to have a considerable impact. We need to empower brand ambassadors.
Impact of “Always-on” Marketing
Moreover, we need to balance the human side of marketing with the data side that all the articles are telling us are a must. Additionally, we have even more skills to hone like omnichannel marketing, AI and machine learning, digital – SEO, social, email and mobile, and evolving media and programmatic buying.
On top of that, we still have to get the mail out and the offers right because that is what our current customers (and general managers) want because they know it works and how to measure it.
Training and Development are Vital
There is no denying that training and development are necessary. We all know that learning is essential, but expanding our knowledge base as well as that of our fellow team members is also vital to the health of our organizations. Training is one of those line items that we always put that on our list of to do’s; it never seems to make it to the top. That list seems to grow like the weeds in my garden. However, there is hope. You CAN add learning to your list and get it done.
I know the valid reasons why training doesn’t always rise to the top of the list. It can be expensive. Employees who are attending training are not working. Alternatively, worse, no one is asking for formalized training outside of that needed for new technology or programs we’ve purchased.
Arguably, the benefits will outweigh those roadblocks. Proper training can address the weaknesses in your department. Employees who take advantage of training opportunities are better prepared for the future of your organization. They are confident and competent, and that confidence can help them stay on top of industry changes that can help you maintain (or improve) your position in the market. Employees feel challenged and appreciated when training opportunities are afforded to them. Productivity and quality of work improve, and turnover is reduced.
Creating Learning Opportunities.
With a world of information at their fingertips, there are many ways for team members to learn a new skill, refresh old ones, and fine-tuning others. We can (and do) Google, “how do I” and get answers, but purposeful learning environments are designed to immerse you in topics and build your skills.
Virtual classrooms such as our Casino Advertising Masterclass allow participants to view presentations as well as communicate with fellow participants and the trainer or teacher. These classrooms allow participation from around the world. This style of learning can be extremely budget-friendly as travel is limited to the nearest computer. All you need is an internet connection. Classes typically happen on a regular schedule, much like in-person classes with lessons and homework due according to set deadlines.
Self-paced learning is typically pre-recorded to allow the participant to work sessions into their work and home schedules and is ideally suited for a lifelong learner. These types of training are very scalable, providing you with the flexibility to train as many people as you want. This type of training is perfect for content that will be used repeatedly. New employees can learn new skills, and existing employees can polish those that may have dulled over time. Of course, the drawback is that you are dependent on the employee’s motivation to learn.
The notion of a masterclass is interpreted in numerous ways. Google lists a variety of definitions for the term. Still, the generally accepted explanation is that these types of classes are “one-off” and taught by an expert in the subject matter. Because the level of information is specific and well beyond the surface, it is best experienced by students with a genuine interest, ideally already understanding some basics before they begin. These classes are typically divided up into easy to consume modules with associated materials and more than likely assignments to help you develop your new skill set. These classes can be in-person or online and are designed for trainees to experience a feeling of one-to-one learning. Often these can also include video group discussions and resourcing.
Workshops like are designed to be interactive. Typically focused on a single topic over a short period, hands-on work is a signature part of this type of training. Smaller groups allow trainers to deliver content through practical exercises and close interactions. Active participation allows for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Participants typically receive assignments, materials, or devices to implement learning. Knowledge and execution are equally emphasized. Casino Marketing Boot Camp was explicitly designed with this level of learning in mind and with the added elements of pre-work to assist attendees in hitting the ground running both at the event and once they returned to their properties.
Topic programmed conferences and seminars like the annual Casino Marketing Boot Camp can give you intensive exposure to a specific topic or field. Discussions and presentations are provided by multiple experts, thereby giving you a breadth of information. It’s a great way to gain knowledge for those not interested in reading the latest business books. The discussion offers the opportunity for debate, encouragement, and answers. Also, because these events typically combine learning with socializing, they are an excellent way to gain access to experts and network with other marketers.
Books and podcasts are some of the best ways to learn new things at a personal pace. With Summer in full swing, this is the perfect time to subscribe to some great podcasts or to create a reading list for yourself. I guarantee you will reach Labor Day with a new (or improved) skill or two. Additionally, many new business books come with added resources and tools to help you take the concept into action. Check out our marketing book club to see some of the books that inspire us.
The lessons in a business book are apparent, but did you realize that reading fiction can help you build empathy and enhance your ability to see other points of view. According to neuroscience, reading fiction can also improve your brain function. So, that juicy novel has a dual purpose!
The mutual benefit to all of these types of learning is a renewed energy and motivation. Too often, the daily grind can overshadow the excitement we often had when we started our jobs. Pursuing opportunities to learn and engage with like-minded professionals can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
Any of these options can be tailored to be delivered onsite or off.
The benefits of onsite learning are apparent and make decisions relatively easy (though resources can be a challenge.)
- You can save valuable time and money otherwise lost or used in travel.
- The flexibility to make last-minute changes to content and attendees ensures you will focus on the most crucial topics.
- Likewise, you can tailor the content FOR the specific market or attendee needs.
While offsite learning is a little more costly in terms of dollars and opportunities, the benefits could tip the scales.
- Sitting in the same office day in and day out can stifle your creativity if you don’t make a concerted effort to re-energize continually. Getting out of the routine can do that.
- Offsite learning environments often force you to step out of your comfort zone.
- Because you’re not next to your phone or computer, you can focus on learning.
- There’s nothing quite like the energy when you’re in a room with like-minded people all learning new things. Absorb that energy and take it back to your property to share.
- Expanding your network with new contacts can provide you with the idea and sounding boards you never knew you needed.
- Sitting and learning in an unfamiliar environment can challenge you.
Start Learning Something New
An informal survey of casino general managers indicates there is generally a budget available for training. If you have a budget, find the most suitable option for your learning style and your schedule. Do your homework. It’s one thing to be bursting with enthusiasm when you ask your boss to invest in you and your chosen learning, but you should also be prepared to answer a few questions to justify, not only the expense but, the specific program.
- How will this immediately impact your role or projects?
- What are the long term benefits?
- How will this be shared with co-workers?
If you find your department does not have a budget, check with human resources to see if there is a budget you can tap. If a budget is not currently available, start planning your pitch for next year by researching available options and the benefits your company can bring to your marketing efforts.
A version of this post originally appeared in Casino Journal and as an episode of the Drivetime Marketing podcast.
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