A successful marketing consultant needs a combination of qualifications, experience, and skills. To become a marketing consultant, you need a university degree in marketing, business, or communications (or an MBA with a focus on marketing, if possible). You also need to have several years of consolidated experience as a full-time marketer with expertise in digital technologies and tactics. Additionally, you need to have a large portfolio that demonstrates your history of marketing activities and success.
It takes 6 years of professional experience to become a marketing consultant. This doesn't include the time spent on formal education, which can take 9 to 11 years. It's possible to become a marketing consultant without a bachelor's degree, but most companies require marketing professionals to have one. To be successful as a marketing consultant, you need to demonstrate your knowledge of marketing theory and show that you have the associated skills needed to successfully play the role.
You should choose 1 or 2 areas of expertise and become an absolute authority. This is how you'll find the best consulting clients. You should also create a resume that showcases your skills and experience. Use templates to ensure that the structure and format of your resume is top notch.
Additionally, you should take advantage of programs that focus on non-profit marketing and apply for independent marketing consultant jobs that have not yet been announced. Finally, use the 12-step marketing consultant cheat sheet to help you succeed in this field. This includes figuring out how to present your products, putting in place the right marketing tools, setting up a set of marketing activities to get your name out there, and taking advantage of remote job sites.
