The story so far
Twenty years of client-side marketing (and an unexpected redundancy that gave me the final push) has led me to this. That’s twenty years of working with agencies – good, bad and indifferent – and twenty years of discovering what works well, what frustrates me, and how I’d switch things up to make it easier for clients to work with me, if I were agency-side.
Fast forward to today and here I am, introducing you to my own pint-sized marketing agency, or gig as I prefer to call it (perhaps because I think I’m cooler than I am!). My gig is founded from these learnings, bolstered with a few life lessons, and embodies, I hope, the qualities of ‘that agency’ I’d loved to have worked with back in the day.
So, here’s me and how I will roll.
Just crack on
I know this won’t apply to all and I get that, but for me, one of the biggest stumbling blocks I found in working with agencies was actually getting started. Long-tailed briefing sessions, pain-staking brainstorms, and too much talk of strategy seemed to, quite often, be a prerequisite for anything – even the smallest of tasks. Don’t get me wrong, this stuff has its place but, if we’re honest, sometimes we just need to hit the ground running and get shit done.
I’m here to do just that. Get things moving and crack on. No fuss, no stress, just take the bull by the horns and deliver. I’m not saying I’ll get it 100% right first time, but who does? What I will do though, is give you what you need to pass the start line with confidence, get things rolling, and move you on to the next step, quickly. We can tweak, as needed, along the way.
Back to basics
Who else has been caught up in a battle of buzzwords? I’ve sat in many a meeting where every other word is an acronym or trendy catchphrase meant to impress. But, in truth, I’ve often left more bedazzled than awe-struck. Whatever happened to straight-talking, good old plain English?
I’ll cut the unnecessary jargon and embrace the simplicity of laymen’s terms so we all speak the same language, have a common understanding, and can contribute freely without fear of misinterpretation.
Compatible minds
An interviewer (who later became my boss) once said to me “I’m looking for 40% skill, 60% personality”. This was for a role where I knew I’d immediately be in the deep end and would need to learn FAST to stay afloat. He hired me, I fitted like a glove, and the rest was history. But what he said stuck. I learned the skills of course, but what really cemented my presence in that company was that I simply ‘just fit’ – the people, the culture, the environment.
I’ve often felt the ‘them’ and ‘us’ divide between client and agency, caused by mis-matched personalities and values. For me, there’s got to be a spark, a good feeling, or curiosity to delve deeper. If none of this presents, we’re probably not meant for each other. I will be honest about this from the start and move on if my gut tells me to – to save you time, and me, my reputation.
Humankind(ness)
More of a life learning this one, and very elementary, but the older I get and the more people I meet, the more I learn that regardless of stature, people are just people – mostly (and I say mostly) kind, considerate, and friendly. I’d like to think I’m one of those people and I’m seeking out like-minded, decent human beings to work with.
If you’re decent too, are looking for honesty, integrity and a level-fielded relationship where we can be ourselves, challenge each other, and laugh, then I’d love to work with you – as an extended part of your team, or a friend even. I don’t know it all, of course, but I’m game for a challenge and if I don’t have everything you need, I have clever(er) people around me that can figure it out. Whichever way, I give you my word that I’ll get it done, and it’ll be brilliant.
Meet Kayes
So, here’s where I properly introduce you to Kayes. My straight-talking, no-fuss marketing gig that cuts to the chase and just delivers. Anything from an occasional hand to supercharge your output, to a full-on partner for life who can grow with you, I’m on it – with as much, or as little, guidance as you want or need.
I won’t be for everyone, and I know that. If you read this and think “meh” then we’re likely not meant to be. And that’s ok. But, if you read this and feel lifted at the thought of finally just being able to crack on, then it might be worth us having a chat.
Let’s talk
Got a project that you need to get moving? Want more information on the services I can offer? Get in touch. I’m available now and would love to help!