The First 90 Days: Quick Wins, Curveballs, and Strategic Shifts

Your first 90 days in a new company can set the trajectory and the speed at which you make an impact. I really enjoyed this conversation with Drew Neisser, Isabelle Papoulias and Bernd Leger as we shared insights on how to navigate your first 90 days, handle unexpected curveballs, and build trust from the ground up – including getting those early wins.

Here are a few lessons I've gleaned (sometimes the hard way) from a few 'First 90 Days' experiences:

1️⃣ The countdown to your first 90 days begins before you officially step into your new role. It's crucial to grasp the company's stage and the CEO's expectations for marketing. Although expectations may not be crystal clear, asking the right questions can help you gain essential clarity on marketing’s role in shaping the company’s growth and scale.

2️⃣ In your initial 30 days, venture beyond your functional domain. Dive into understanding the company's overall operations, including a thorough examination of financial and growth indicators found in the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flow. This not only allows you to assess the company's financial health but also enables you to identify opportunities for growth that you can influence and shape.

3️⃣ As you immerse yourself in the marketing function, take the time to comprehend the contributions of other departments to the business. Consider this phase your 'Listening Tour.' While the impulse to make rapid improvements is natural, it's crucial to grasp the bigger picture before weighing short-term wins against long-term vision. Exercise restraint to ensure alignment with your overarching goals. However, do identify early victories that address immediate needs while you pave the way for lasting impact.

Listen to the full episode at Renegade Marketers Unite or watch the full episode on YouTube.