Are you a tradigitalist?

Found this post on: TechnoMarketer

In this increasingly digital world, the skills that traditional communications professionals bring to the table are often taken for granted and/or cast aside. This is a huge mistake for companies to make as there seems to be a growing shortage of people who can think about marketing communications strategy and get it done. Digital workers often jump to the tactics instead of considering the full scope of how consumers live their lives (it's not all online). Traditional marketers often, certainly not always, see the broader landscape of the full marketing communications spectrum.Enter the reign of the tradigitalist. This person could have arrived at this title in a couple of ways. Let's look at these:

1. The digital native with a passion for marketing. This person is a digital native, gets what is happening, understands the power of social media and emerging technology, yet places value on the total communications spectrum. Traditional PR, TV, print, radio, outdoor, WOM, etc. can all play into the mix to reach the potential customer in the most effective way. They understand that a pure-play digital approach is *very* rarely the best way to go. I find myself in this category.
2. The digital immigrant who sees the potential. This person comes from a traditional marketing communications, PR or advertising background, but sees that digital is the way of the future. They also know the power of traditional marketing and use their depth and breadth of marketing strategy knowhow to shape campaigns using the best options.

One of the things that working in a company with such a strong traditional communications practice has shown me is the value of people who bring traditional marketing knowledge to the table and how excited they can be about the digital future. I personally make sure to keep up on what is happening across all forms of marketing communications for just this reason and I am leaning on these people to broaden my marketing acumen on the traditional side. I am returning the favor on the digital side.

Are you a tradigitalist? Do you know one? Shouldn't we all be tradigitalists?