A few TopRank team members at the #OptimizeBook Minneapolis Launch
The team at TopRank Online Marketing recently took a Disc assessment which is a tool used to improve employee teamwork and communication by identifying behavioral differences and assigning a profile type to each individual. If you’ve ever taken an assessment like the one that we did, you may find that the description of your traits and learning style are eerily accurate.
A Disc assessment is a tool used to improve employee teamwork and communication by identifying behavioral differences and learning styles within an organization.
Employees will score a little bit differently depending on company culture and industry type but on average these are the following percentages for each profile type:
- 22% Dominance – values results action and challenge
- 28% Influence – values enthusiasm, action and collaboration
- 23% Steadiness – values support, stability and collaboration
- 27% Conscientiousness – values accuracy, stability and challenge
What I learned most from this exercise was not about myself, but about how to best work with and appreciate the different types of people it takes to run a company. Based on my experience with the Disc assessment here are 6 ways you as marketers can best utilize personality types within your organization. Also, TopRank is looking for some key employees to add to our team so take a look at the opportunities included inline.
#1 – Understand Your Clients & Adjust Accordingly
Having an understanding of your clients and how they best communicate may be even more important than understanding your internal team. A happy client will be more likely to listen to innovative ideas, add additional services or solutions to their contract, and communicate better in general.
If you’re like me you’ve had those clients that love you, and those that you really just don’t connect with. If your company is agile and in tune with your clients you may be able to find a better fit for clients that are unpleased with the current communication style. If you unable to quickly change leadership roles you may want to spend some time coaching fellow employees to find ways to better connect with their clients.
Client Champion – Are you someone who enjoys client interaction and going the extra mile to keep clients happy? TopRank is currently searching for detail oriented and enthusiastic Account Managers & Account Coordinators to join our team!
#2 – Have Great Ideas But Trouble Executing?
Personality types that are innovators or “idea people” traditionally have a difficult time executing on their 1 in a million ideas. The hardest part about this situation is admitting when you need the assistance of someone who is more organized than you are.
If you don’t have the luxury of pulling in other team members on a whim try some of the following tactics:
- Force rank each concept in order of priority
- Create an abridged timeline to keep you on track without getting too detailed
- Break down your projects or ideas into assignable tasks to yourself and others
- Have more detail oriented team members review your concepts
#3 – You Must Be Innovative & Creative
Working in an industry such as Internet Marketing requires innovation, adaptability, and creativity. If you aren’t finding new solutions to present to your customers, your competition will.
All marketers including Social Strategists, PR Professionals, Directors of Marketing and Marketing Managers must be educating themselves as well as their teams on an ongoing basis to stay ahead of the curve.
Social Mastermind & PR Pro- TopRank is on the hunt for a top notch Social Media Strategist and Online PR Specialist to join the ranks. If you are a go-getter with keen attention to details, you may have just found your dream job.
#4 – Does Everyone Learn & Work the Same Way?
Successful companies are built upon many similar concepts including streamlined process, and good people. Process for the sake of process alone will not work. The purpose of process is to create a replicable series of steps that will work, most of the time.
As your company expands it is important that employees are encouraged to present new ideas and ways to improve your companie’s existing offering. This flexibility will not only create a workforce that is invested but one that is constantly trying to find ways to improve.
#5 – Great Minds Think Differently
A room full of dominants and influencers can lead to a very interesting brainstorming session. However, consider what a difference it would make to include employees with different working styles to add a unique perspective. Employees who listen well, are precise, and will ultimately help with the execution of tactics are a great addition to a brainstorming session.
When onboarding new clients and finding new solutions for existing clients a balance of enthusiastic and calming can be a killer combination.
Witty & Experienced Writer – Do you have a way with words and want to be the member of a creative team? TopRank is currently searching for experienced Marketing Writers who aren’t afraid to jump in and get their hands dirty to create some stellar content.
#6 – Find the Right Person for the Job & The Right Job For the Person
I think by this point you’ve seen that my opinion is that “one solution does not fit all”. When onboarding new team members, and surveying your existing team it is important to keep a few things in mind.
- What are the existing job openings for your company?
- Have you had difficulty filling these positions? If so, why?
- Do you need to add employees with a particular personality type to your mix?
- How does the culture of your organization affect employee perception?
- Are your employees motivated to promote your organization? If not, why?
- What are the different motivators or incentives for your employees?
Optimization Innovator – Speaking of finding the right person for the job… TopRank is searching for a Optimization Specialist who enjoys creating optimized web copy, managing content plans, and creating recommendations to improve rankings for our clients.
What is it Like to Work For TopRank Online Marketing?
In a couple short months I will have been working for TopRank Marketing for a year. I can’t believe how quickly this time has flown by. I would (and do) recommend this organization to anyone who will listen to me. If you’re interested in working for TopRank please take a few moments to review the open positions that I have linked to throughout this post.
Also, feel free to send me a message on Twitter (@azeckman) to learn more.
