Feature

My secret work weapon: Choose a mantra to aim for - an idea you can visualise

It's having a mantra to work toward.

Paul Trueman, head of marketing, MasterCard
Paul Trueman, head of marketing, MasterCard

For us, it's all about how we deliver 'Priceless', the cornerstone of the MasterCard insight and proposition. For any partnerships we get involved in, we ask: 'Is it Priceless?' This creates an imperative to do your best, aim high and ensure the business remains unified and focused on delivering excellence.

It may be a marketing message or the way the founders talk about it, but translate that into something you can visualise.

Along with this is a book: How Brands Grow: What Marketers Don't Know, by Byron Sharp. It helps put the consumer at the front of the experience but challenges some assumptions about marketing.

Two key points: distribution is the first vital goal, and distinctiveness. Differentiation is commonly cited as the 'Holy Grail', but distinctiveness allows you to stand out by aligning the consumer-inspired insight with your company's beliefs and values and should ensure you remain relevant, helping you succeed – and that's priceless.