In this article, we delve into an in-depth conversation with Sean Shannon, a seasoned expert with 34 years of experience in the advertising industry. Having consulted with small to medium-sized businesses on growth strategies, market identification, sales, and marketing, Sean has also been instrumental in crafting some of the most adored brands in broadcasting. He is not only a sales savvy individual who has managed and trained hundreds of top-tier sellers, but he also excels at solving complicated issues. With a love for playing an advisory role for startups and established businesses at critical junctures, Sean shares insights on his expertise, motivation, and the disruptive trends he foresees in the advertising industry.

What are your areas of expertise?

I have spent 34 years in the advertising industry, consulting small- and medium-sized businesses on growth strategies, market identification, and sales and marketing. I've been a part of creating some of the most loved brands in broadcasting. I am a sales guy, too, having recruited, trained, and managed hundreds of top-flight sellers. More than anything, I just love solving big, complex problems.

What's your main motivation for being an advisor?

Charles Kettering is quoted as saying that "a problem well-defined is half-solved." Playing an advisory role for a startup or a well-run business at an inflection point is what gives me joy.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

Market identification is one of the trickiest and least practiced disciplines in business. In other words, to borrow from Clay Christensen, is there a job arising in a consumer's life that this product or service solves? I also love figuring out what benefits consumers seek in developing target segmentation. Solving sales puzzles, be it formulating a compensation plan or strategizing a go-to-market approach, is something I have done with remarkable success.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

Absolutely. The ad model has been turned on its head with the advent of subscription-based video and audio services, giving consumers greater control over whether they see ads or not. The implications for top-of-funnel marketing functions are enormous. Can a new product launch simply on the power of a social campaign? Where's the audience to advertise to?

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you’ve been involved in as an executive.

I'll bullet point them:
--Leading the acquisition of radio stations for a large regional television station group.
--Relaunching one of the most beloved brands in Atlanta, 99X.
--Creating a trial by proxy campaign for the launch of the Xbox Kinect.
--Innovating a completely new compensation plan for one of the three largest radio broadcasters in the country.

In conclusion, Sean Shannon stands as an exemplary professional in the advertising industry, with an impressive wealth of experience spanning over 34 years. He has proven his expertise time and again, providing innovative growth strategies, identifying profitable markets, and providing effective sales and marketing tactics, all while creating some of the most beloved brands in broadcasting. Furthermore, his experience in recruiting, training and managing top-tier sales teams further amplifies his wealth of experience. His aptitude for solving complex problems showcases his suitability for any challenging role.

With such an impressive repertoire of skills, it comes as no surprise that Sean is available for hire as an advisor. For those in need of a seasoned professional with unparalleled industry knowledge, Sean Shannon is now available for advisement engagements on AdvisoryCloud. Leverage his expertise to build strategic advantage and achieve your business objectives. Your opportunity to collaborate with this industry expert is just a connection away.