Quick Summary
Mastering a new smartphone is always easier when you have a partner pushing you through the steep learning curve. In business, we see the exact same dynamic play out with a one-person marketing team. When solo marketers are left in an isolated silo without sales feedback, momentum stalls. This post reveals why the secret to motivating a lone marketer isn’t a bigger budget—it's giving them a teammate. By pairing marketing directly with sales, we can spark the friendly competition that drives real pipeline growth.
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I remember when my parents got their first iPhones.
I was 19 and about to move to China (I studied Mandarin for 2 years), so we got my mom a smartphone to stay in touch.
At first, she hated it. The learning curve was steep.
A few months later, she got the hang of it, and she even felt more confident using tech around the house.
But guess who got jealous and wanted their own iPhone?
Dad.
Same Pattern At Work
I speak to many architecture and construction companies, and often hear about their one-person marketing teams.
Leadership tells me, “Marketing makes us look good, but they aren’t bringing in leads.”
The marketing manager tells me, “I don’t get clear direction, feedback or numbers from the sales team.”
Neither one says it out loud for fear of conflict. And they keep working in silos, confused.
Better Together Than Alone
Fast forward 10+ years, and my parents use their phones all the time.
When mom does online banking, dad helps read and follow the instructions. When dad posts on social media, mom helps with the visuals.
On their own, I don’t think they would’ve learned nearly as much. Together, they figure it out. They even push each other a bit like friendly competitors.
The Takeaway
See where I’m going with this?
If you want to motivate a one-person marketing team, give them a partner. Someone to push them.
I’m not the first to say this. In fact, the author of Built to Sell, John Warrillow, says never hire one salesperson: hire two.
Do I think you need to add another marketer to your payroll? No, but you can do this:
- If you have a marketing agency, make a salesperson their point of contact.
- If you have an in-house marketer, connect them closely with your sales team.
Marketers and salespeople are competitive and growth-oriented people. We do better with a shared goal and a friendly competitor. Like my mom and dad.
If you’re looking for that kind of partner, book a call. Happy to see if we’re a fit.
On a housekeeping note, I’ll be sending these emails bi-weekly going forward. Every other Thursday.
I’ll see you next next Thursday.
Tchau,
Daniela
