Bev Ridyard is a passionate senior marketer who has held roles at Manchester Airport Group, Bupa Care Homes and Halifax Bank of Scotland. She is currently a Business Governor at Piper Hill High School, a member of the Learning and Advisory Group at CIM (The Chartered Institute of Marketing) and an Alumni member of The Marketing Academy.
“…it’s a mixture of practical experience gained in the workplace as well as study, networking, reading and qualifications that turn a good marketer into a great marketer…”
My love of marketing and making a difference to the bottom line
I’ve loved marketing ever since studying the module for my A Level Business Studies! I’ve always worked hard and pushed myself which has led to new opportunities and promotions. I am passionate about supporting and inspiring fellow marketers as well as making a difference to the bottom line. For me, it’s proving that marketing isn’t about painting pretty pictures.
CIM qualifications – turning a good marketer into a great marketer
The marketplace is full of people wanting to get ahead so you need to show commitment and passion in the industry as well as working hard and putting your hand up for things – it is all about standing out from the crowd. CIM is one of many parts that show that it’s a mixture of practical experience gained in the workplace as well as study, networking, reading and qualifications that turn a good marketer into a great marketer.
My role on the CIM Learning and Advisory Group
The group’s role is to advise the Board of Trustees on how CIM understand and then meet the needs of customers for education and learning, best practice regarding learning and thought leadership leading the debate on marketing. There are several meetings a year when the group meet to discuss opportunities and challenge ways of doing things – it’s great as there is such a diverse group of people involved and everyone has a passion for making a difference.
Getting strategic…
My postgraduate diploma was key to this as has been using all of the tools available through CIM from webinars to journals and debates through social channels. As a Chartered Marketer I am keen to keep my skills relevant and up to date and the CIM plays a huge part in this.
Becoming a school governor and applying commercial skills in the education sector
My philosophy has always been that a lot of people helped me get to where I am so it’s important to give back to others. Being a governor has really helped me take my commercial skills into the education sector and tailor so that the school and their customers can benefit from marketing too.
I have recently been working with the school on their external communications which has been fun but more importantly, very rewarding. I find that the skills are transferable from one area to another which is great for my own personal development too.
If you want to have it all then why ever not?
I’m now a mum so my life has changed a lot and has made me re-evaluate things. I do believe that if a woman does want it all they can have it – why ever not?
As part of The Marketing Academy I have been very lucky to understand from a relatively early age what my values are and what my true life plan is. This is really helpful for evaluating the future.
https://twitter.com/bevridyard
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/bevridyard
