Furloughed? Here Are Some Resources to Boost Your Marketing and Communications Skills
We’ve spoken to many communications and marketing professionals recently who are currently furloughed or have even been made redundant as a result of COVID-19. Everyone is tackling their new routine in different ways, from finishing that Netflix series to picking up a new book. If you’re looking for ways to keep your mind engaged, here’s our list of podcasts, books, blogs and courses to help support your development and keep you going during difficult times.
ICology’s Chuck Gose interviews internal communications leaders on their failures and successes and what they’ve overcome in their IC careers.
The B2B Marketing Club is a not for profit community run voluntarily by passionate B2B marketers. Dave Stevens, who is the founder, runs a weekly podcast on the current challenges. The BMC have run several podcasts focusing specifically on the crisis, which you can tune into every Wednesday afternoon.
Marketing School’s podcast contains a wealth of information, on digital marketing, branding and stories of marketing successes and failures. With over 1000 podcasts, there’s definitely something for everyone.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one place to catch up on the latest marketing news, Marketing Week is what you need. Their “5 things that mattered this week and why” weekly read showcases what brands are doing and how they’re reacting to the current climate, as well as other key news every marketer should know.
Just.Marketing is another great online magazine where you’ll be able to find interviews from a variety of professionals within the marketing industry, focusing on news, marketing techniques and research and data. Our very own marketing recruitment team have done interviews on the types of marketing jobs which have been evolving in the market, which you can read here:
If you’re looking for a lighter read, then click through to Famous Campaigns. Famous Campaigns highlights the best work in the creative world, showcasing the most innovative creations in marketing and PR. As they mention in their About page, it’s “a place to procrastinate and get inspired”.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger may be a questionable title right now, but Berger writes about why and how some content goes viral, broken down into six basic principles. With over 1000 five-star ratings, it’s definitely a read to get into.
Did you know the term “inbound marketing” was first coined by HubSpot? The marketing software company provides a plethora of easy-read blogs on everything from management to Instagram marketing. If you’ve always wanted to get stuck into SEO but have been too intimidated by it, their Ultimate Guide to SEO is the perfect place to start.
Content UK is another community run by passionate content marketers. Here is a list of resources, from courses to must read books to help every content creator boost their skill set.
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We’ve been holding calls on a weekly basis for communicators to share best practice and learn from each other in this difficult time. The conversations provide great insight into dealing with crisis communications, even if you’re not working yourself. It also gives an opportunity to network with others in the safety of your own home. Click here to see when our next online sessions are.
If you want to use your creative skills to support others during this time, then check out Not Fur’ Long. Not Fur’ Long was put together by furloughed advertisers who want to use their skills to benefit SMEs who may be struggling during this time. If you want to pitch in and help, sign up here.
FutureLearn provides a multitude of free courses, from business to healthcare to languages. Each course is broken down into hours and weeks, depending on its length, which can help you plan. You’ll also receive a certificate at the end of the completed course, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile!
Google’s Digital Garage digital provides courses in digital wellbeing, public speaking, leadership and even graphic design.
Membership bodies
If you’re not involved with any professional marketing or communications bodies, this is a perfect time to consider joining. As well as being a great place to network and be part of a community of other like-minded professionals, these bodies provides events, webinars, courses and other training resources to help develop your career.
We’re always looking for ways to support the communications and marketing community. If you would like to see any particular webinars, online networking events or would even like to contribute a blog, please do not hesitate to contact marketing@vmagroup.com. If you’d like to speak to one of our consultants, then click here.
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VMA GROUP is a leading international interim and permanent communications, digital and marketing recruitment, and executive search specialist. Specialist practices cover internal and change communications, external communications, public affairs, marketing, digital, and agency services.
We have a reputation for providing leading consultancy services and advice supported by in-depth knowledge of the professions we recruit for. Our thought leadership and benchmarking studies have become go-to resources for the communications and marketing industry supporting planning and decision-making.
VMA GROUP has offices in London, Manchester, Amsterdam, and Brussels, but we work with organisations and individuals on a global basis.
