I know, I know. You’re already super busy at work and I’m very sorry to add one more task to your never-ending to-do list. However, I promise this assignment can actually help further your career.
So, listen up.
Your company probably has a content marketing program. A blog. An e-newsletter. Articles on the website. Social media accounts. The next time your boss asks for a volunteer to produce content for one of these outlets, raise your hand.
Here are four good reasons you should participate in your company’s content marketing program.
[Editor’s Note: By the way, if you’re in your company’s marketing department and struggling to get SME’s to participate in the content marketing program, show them this.]It can improve your profile within the company.
Participating in your company’s internal content marketing efforts can help you stand out.
This is often the case in a big company where not everyone is familiar with each other; having your name linked to the company blog can help you connect and meet new people you didn’t know before. Regardless of your company’s size, accepting an “extra” task demonstrates initiative, motivation, and ambition.
It enhances your reputation with your boss and provides more visibility to senior leaders. If you’re aiming for a promotion or raise later on, being able to show instances where you went above and beyond can strengthen your argument.
You’ll sharpen your communication skills.
The best way to become a better communicator – in all facets of your job – is by becoming a practitioner– practicing what you preach. Actually doing content marketing. Ask any content creator for advice on how to get better at it, and they’ll tell you that you have to do it; you’ll never be a better writer unless you’re disciplined about writing.
When you write for your company blog, you need to research the latest trends in the industry, and then you need to communicate your take, or your organization’s take, on what it means. The ability to take information and form an opinion around it can be invaluable for your career, no matter what department you work in..
Writing for your company’s blog strengthens your own abilities to brainstorm creative content ideas, craft compelling messages and hone your persuasive writing skills. Think of it as professional development and take advantage of the chance to sharpen your own skills, on your company’s time.
It opens you up to potential external and internal opportunities.
Let’s be honest; leveraging your company’s content marketing platform opens you up to external (but also, internal) opportunities.
Maybe the blog post you write goes viral on social media and all of a sudden some of the biggest names in the marketing world are sharing your work. Perhaps the president of an industry association sees your writing and reaches out to invite you to consider joining the organization’s board or a committee. Not that we’re saying you should leave the job you’re in now, but maybe your dream employer sees your work and reaches out with an amazing job description.
Similarly, internal company opportunities could begin to present themselves. Maybe your boss finally gives you the raise or promotion you’ve been after. Perhaps you are invited to attend a conference on behalf of the company. A senior leader takes note of your work and invites you out for coffee.
All of that could happen. None of that could happen. The possibilities are endless and you won’t know until you give it a try.
You position yourself as a thought leader.
When you take an authoritative stance on a topic or write a 2,000 word post explaining something that you’re a true expert in, you position yourself as a thought leader on whatever it is you’re sharing with the world.
Just as opportunities can present themselves internally and externally of your company, the same goes for thought leadership.
Becoming a thought leader within your company means you become the “go-to” person on a given subject. When a client has a question about X, everyone knows to pull you into the next meeting. Becoming a thought leader outside the company means external recognition, praise and potential opportunities from those in the industry.
Think that to-do list can become just one item longer? We hope you’ll prioritize this task!