Meet Jeffrey Bowman, an ingenious marketing executive and the founder of the Cross-Cultural Marketing and Communications Association: A Total Market Industry Association. The industry leader works with the founding partners, members and the advisory board on the vision formation, mission development and growth of the association.
Here, Bownan shares insight on why having a differentiated point of view is imperative for success and deeper brand engagement.
What is the mission of CCMA?
Our mission is to globally transform enterprise organizations for the New Marketplace through Total Market education, marketplace Cross-Cultural training and Total Market Enterprise™ certification.
How do you approach business challenges?
The CCMCA is a new industry association and we have a different set of challenges given our stage of development. My approach is to first understand and assess the business environment. After assessing, I then ask questions internally and externally from advisers. Based on the response(s) I get, I explore potential outcomes based on my research. I respond to the challenge with a tailored approach, measure success factors and hold the team accountable.
How do you evaluate talent you are hiring and what are the skills that you are looking for in this marketplace?
The CCMCA is still in the development stage and our intent is to hire for three roles this year. When evaluating talent, I first look for passion for the mission. Usually it’s not what they say is how their body language responds to a conversation about the mission. It’s got to be in your bones. Second for me is active engagement. What I mean by active engagement is the candidate’s actions that led to a conversation about advancing the cause and their point of view. Having a point of view is critical during a conversation. Last, do they possess the skill sets required and the vision of how to make the organization one level better because of them being on the team.
What are the top three benefits to being a member of your organization?
There are two types of memberships at the CCMCA. You can join as individual member or as an enterprise member. Here are three benefits to joining the CCMCA are the following:
• You get an opportunity to set the foundation for the Total Market industry vertical
• Obtain Total Market Enterprise™ TME and Cross-cultural education
• Potentially secure new business opportunities based on learnings gained as a member
How do you utilize technology to give yourself business advantages?
The CCMCA is in the EdTech business. Essentially the basis of our business model is technology. We utilize webinar platforms for meetings and learning. This summer we will announce and share our beta version of our Total Market education software for individuals and Enterprise organizations. Leading with technology as part of our operating model allows us to be more efficient and agile in meeting the needs of our members, partners and advisers.
What technological media have you used to communicate with your membership?
At the moment, we are dependent on email and social media channels for communication – LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
What are three most important business organizational processes and documents used to become a member?
• Explore content and thought leadership about Total Market, Cross-Cultural and Total Market Enterprise™
• Join the association — www.theccmca.org
• Stay connected and active as a member via our social media channels
What are the two key factors for business successes?
Having a vision and the will to see it through.
Name your three favorite business books for insight and inspiration.
• My book for spiritual guidance – The Bible
• The book that changed my life – Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun by Reginald F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker
• The book that formed my professional foundation – Managing Brand Equity by David A. Aaker
If you were giving a speech about skill sets needed in the future to remain relevant to 500 workers at a retraining seminar, what would the title of your speech be and why?
- ReFrame Your Path To Greatness
- Traditional career and development paths continue to morph and decline.
- You have to “re-invent” your path through E – Learning, conferences and online media (webinars)
- Form your tribe based on your interest, explore taking your skills and resolve an unmet need you see in your community.
Describe your leadership style.
If I had to describe my leadership style, I’d describe it as adventurous and at times disruptive. When you have a point of view about your future or idea, it is not always a path for you to drive down. I like to craft a vision, engage with the team to formulate the plan and empower the team to hit our milestones. I try to make sure I stay out of the way and provide tools to make them great and fulfilled.
