In the fast-paced world of startups, being versatile is key. As a marketer, I began my career as a T-shaped marketer. I had deep expertise in one area, with broad skills in others. But as I gained more experience, I realized the need for deeper knowledge in multiple areas. This led me to transform into a V-shaped marketer. Here’s why I made the switch, the skillsets involved, and how it has benefited me and the startups I’ve worked with.
T-Shaped Marketer vs V-Shaped Marketer
A T-shaped marketer has one strong area of expertise, supported by a wide range of general skills. This is great for large companies where roles are specialized. However, in a startup, you often need to wear many hats. Here are some challenges I faced as a T-shaped marketer in a startup:
Limited Flexibility: With deep knowledge in just one area, I found it hard to switch tasks quickly.
Dependency on Others: I often had to rely on other team members for tasks outside my specialty.
Slow Response Time: Startups move fast, and waiting for others to contribute can slow down progress.
A V-shaped marketer has deep expertise in multiple areas and a broad understanding of other marketing disciplines. This combination makes them more adaptable and versatile. Here’s why I made the switch:
Increased Flexibility: With deep knowledge in several areas, I can handle various tasks without delay.
Greater Independence: I don’t need to rely heavily on others, which speeds up project completion.
Better Strategic Thinking: Understanding multiple areas deeply helps me create more effective strategies.
My Skillsets as a V-Shaped Marketer
Why These Skills Are Relevant in a Startup Environment
Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups often require team members to take on multiple roles. A V-shaped marketer’s diverse skillset allows them to switch between tasks seamlessly, adapting to the ever-changing needs of the business.
Cost Efficiency
Startups typically operate with limited budgets. Having a marketer who can handle multiple specialized tasks reduces the need to hire several specialists, saving money and resources.
Speed and Agility
The ability to quickly analyze data, implement strategies, and measure results is crucial in a startup. A V-shaped marketer can rapidly iterate on marketing campaigns, ensuring the startup stays ahead of the competition.
Holistic Strategy Development
With deep knowledge in several areas, a V-shaped marketer can develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that integrate various tactics, leading to more cohesive and effective campaigns.
Improved Collaboration
Their broad understanding of different marketing functions enables V-shaped marketers to communicate effectively with other team members, fostering better collaboration and alignment across departments.
How to Become a V-Shaped Marketer
If you’re considering making the switch like I do, here are some steps to become a V-shaped marketer:
Identify Key Areas: Choose a few key areas where you want to develop deep expertise.
Having a Growth mindset: See the challenges as an opportunities to grow.
Continuous Learning: Invest time in learning and staying updated in these areas.
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working on projects that require diverse skills.
Networking: Connect with other V-shaped marketers to share knowledge and insights.
Final Thought
Switching from a T-shaped marketer to a V-shaped marketer has been a game-changer for me in the startup environment. The increased flexibility, independence, and strategic thinking have made me more effective and valuable. If you’re working in a startup and facing similar challenges, consider expanding your skill set and becoming a V-shaped marketer. It could make a significant difference in your career and the success of your startup.
