We learn about life from our parents. For Father's Day, I have reflected on some of the principles I learned from my father that have served me well in life, and particularly as a Marketer.   Think about what you've learned from your parents. You might be surprised where you use what you've learned (and how much like your parents you actually are).

1. Don't take yourself too seriously.  As a blogger, social media guru, and the "Ëœvoice' of my company, it is important not to take myself too seriously. Marketers need to be willing to get personal, laugh at themselves, and be willing to interact with everyone.
2. Admit mistakes. One of the most important things to do in public relations is to admit an error and correct it. Angry comments on your company's Facebook page about a recent product recall? Apologize and make it right "“ in the same public forum they used to point out the mistake in the first place.
3. Always keep learning. Being a marketer requires utilizing the latest information and techniques. Being an Internet Marketer means you are learning new things every day "“ New SEO rules, the latest "Ëœface-pin-meet-in-place' network, and the best tools that were released an hour ago (and are probably already almost obsolete).  Research and relevancy are keys to success as a marketer.
4. Adjust your attitude. Your attitude shapes your life (and your business). Good things and bad things are going to happen to you in marketing, in business, and in life. What is going to determine the ultimate success of any endeavor is your attitude.  You don't always choose the popularity of your marketing campaigns, but you do choose your attitude about them. Be positive, willing to try again, and when necessary, willing to start fresh.  Your attitude will carry through into your work, and your audience will respond to its inflection.
5. Give without expecting in return. This is the basic idea behind content marketing. Too often as marketers we are trained to think in direct ROI. But if you give your audience something of value, without a hard sales pitch, they will come to value your company for more than just your product / service. That is how you create true fans of your business, not mere customers.

What valuable lessons have you learned from the fathers in your life? I'd love to hear your stories- Share them!

 Lindsey Winsemius, VP of Communications for ApogeeINVENT