The Other Side

I read this really interesting article tonight from AdAge.com in which the writer asks the question of new grads, which side of marketing do you want to be on? Agency or Client?

You can read the article here, but the part I want to talk about is the two lists at the end where the writer describes what he believes to be the main characteristics of the two sides:

Agency Side:

• Multi-faceted clients and assignments — work on many brands, with many personalities.
• Structure, but not too much.
• Where casual dress began.
• Fast-pace. Deadline-driven.
• It’s all about the people.
• Often more unique décor.
• Service culture — it’s all about the clients.
• Right Lobe — rush of excitement from big ideas energize the hallways.

Client Side:

• Work on one brand.
• More disciplined corporate environment.
• Pace is slow compared to most agencies.
• Power — as the client, you call the shots,
• Often a more formal dress code.
• Left Lobe — working among peers who are as good with math as they are with ideas.
• Compensation — it’s usually better on this side.

As a recent grad working on the client-side, I can appreciate the truth in that list.  And I know people who I graduated with working on the agency side, and I can see the differences in our day-to-day; however, I think a more relevant question isn’t where do you think you’ll “fit in” but rather, where can you learn the most, and what’s more important to you.  Although the perks of an agency setting are attractive (except casual dress – what can I say, I look good in business attire) ultimately, I think skills are transferable between the two sides, and people (especially recent grads) shouldn’t pigeon-hole themselves into thinking they belong on one side or another.  Although I’m very comfortable in the client / corporate setting, I could also see myself working in an agency too.

Advertising & Marketing really boil down one thing: creative problem solving.  Whether you’re doing it as part of an agency for a client, or for your own brand, you need to understand (or at least appreciate) the value in both sides.

Life Update and Advice

I really hate that I’m writing the obligatory “I’m Not Dead!” post – but I’m going to.

I haven’t updated for a long time.  But as they say, Who is worse shod than a shoe makers wife?  Not that I am shoemaker with a wife.  Or a shoe maker or wife, period – but you know what I mean.  I’ve been spending so much time working with computers – writing a well-thought out blog post is pretty much the last thing I want to do.

But here we are.

I graduated college in December, and shortly after began working as an online advertising coordinator for a publishing company.  How I happened upon such a sweet gig, I couldn’t tell you -  maybe dumb luck or the always-deadly combination of optimistim and persistence, but either way I feel very lucky.  Lucky not only that I got a job right out of college, but also a job in my field, and most importantly – a job that I love.

Yes, I realize it’s entirely possible that one of my bosses or co-workers could find this post (hi!) but I swear i’m not just saying that I like my job because of that possibility.  I really do.  Seriously – I look forward to going to work.  I feel good about promoting a product that’s doing the world some good, utilize skills I learned in school, and  I Love my coworkers (ok, that last one really was just in case they read this).

All work and no play make Mindy a dull girl – and make her blog posts pretty dull as well.  Since graduating college I’ve had less free time, but now I spend my free time doing things I really like.   I think because in college I didn’t appreciate free-time as much as I do now that I work 9 – 7ish, Monday through Friday.  So Saturdays and Sundays are to be enjoyed to the max.  In the last few months, my friend Sean and I have been doing alot of exploring and adventuring around Connecticut.  Vineyards, Hiking, Kayaking – so on.  Mostly in support of his latest and greatest blog, The Connecticut Weekender.

It’s interesting – now that I’m insanely busy, I fill every minute of my limited free time with awesome things to do.  I’m enjoying life more now.  Make sense?

I’ve been more consistent about updating my tumblr blog.   I treat it more like a combination between my shared items on google reader & twitter updates.  Not as well thought out (not that this post is particularly well thought out), and more sporadic.

I think I’ll end this post with a few life recommendations, based on anecdotal evidence.

- Singing in your car during the morning commute is generally embarassing; however, singing along during the evening commute is great and will put you in a great mood.

- Listening to music as you work will make you happier.   Use Pandora to listen to music you like, and find new music without even trying.  Here’s a link to mine if you’re into it.

- Twitter, much like any social networking tool, becomes cooler the more time to put in to it.

That’s it.  I’ll try update more often, but I make no promises.

Advice, 1.0

“You know what you really enjoy doing, and it’s no coincidence that that’s what you’re good at.  Just find something that let’s you do it.   The context of how and where you’re doing it can change, that doesn’t matter.  But what you really, sincerely enjoy doing – that’s forever.  That’s who you are.  Don’t settle.”

This was good to hear today.