It is believed that 10,000 hours in any specific task makes an expert. In Outliers:
The Story of Success, the author Malcolm Gladwell repeatedly mentions the “10,000-Hour Rule.” He claims the key to success in any field is, to a large extent, a matter of practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours.
According to Gladwell’s theory, I am an (Inbound Marketing) Expert. For me, this is 5 years at the same task, Internet Marketing. Human Resource departments base your annual salary on the standard amount of professional hours per year, 2,080. I am using this formula for expert hours spent per year.
Experts with hybrid skills are the next generation of desirable employees in the coming decade according to Paul Roetzer author of The Marketing Agency Blueprint.
“The future of marketing belongs to the generalists, the hybrids,” Paul Roetzer.
Hybrid Skills
Hybrid marketing professionals are trained to deliver services across search, mobile, social, content, analytics, web, PR, and email marketing.
My career in Internet Marketing began over 5 years ago. Previous to that, I had 10+ years as a Marcom expert. Hybrid skills are part of my DNA. In 2008 I began mastering Inbound Marketing to include a formal education.
The application of Gladwell’s theory is a great starting point when hiring a consultant. Finding a marketing expert with hybrid skills is a certainly a bonus too.
Vetting an Expert
Start with their website. You can learn a ton about staff on a company’s website and in the company’s the blog. To further gain insight about key personnel, search for their names in LinkedIn. Research the owners and managers experience applying the 10,000-hour rule.
Transparency is key, if you do not find anything out about the people in the company you need to move on.
Passion and Emotional Intelligence (EI)
In order to keep working hard, one has to be motivated. Find a consultant who has a passion for what they do. At the core of motivation lies passion. Passion means dedication. Motivation is the engine and passion is the fuel. Find someone with fuel to handle your next project. Personally, I have a love for learning and that beaming light show up in all my interactions.
In addition to academic performance, professionals believe EI is the missing component in the success equation. EI is the ability to identify, assess, and control the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups. Take the Emotional Intelligence test here for free. I was pleasantly surprised with my results. Just by taking the 146 question test you will have an advantage in selecting a candidate/consultant that is right for you and learn quite a bit about yourself.
The information presented in this blog should arm you with the necessary tools to find an above average Inbound Marketing Consultant and/or any type of expert.
