If you’ve been tuned into the latest series of The Island, you’ll know it’s a tempestuous affair filled with sweat, hard graft and questionable looking water. From a hairy cliff fall to a couple of moaning Myrtle’s who couldn’t stand the heat, the island will be a cruel mistress if you don’t rise to the bait.
So, what do a few buffoons chasing after a shark have to do with you sitting in an office coming up with bitchin’ names for peanut butter? Let’s get to it.
#1 Conditions Can Change at the Drop of a Hat
There you are, chugging away in the grips of an Seo Report when the MD comes rushing in like a bull in a china shop. Within minutes you’re plonked in a 10-person strong meeting pumping pitch ideas out like your life depends on it. The deadline is in 2 hours and you’re wondering if you’ll have time to finish that half-eaten bagel on your desk, never mind the SEO report.
FollowOlly @WorldOfOllyWhen your team give you 10 minutes to come up with an award-winning idea #ThingsYouHearInAgencies pic.twitter.com/FEMoje85n5
#2 Often it Feels Like You’re Stabbing in the Dark
Watching the islanders attempt to light a fire was TV gold. The wazzocks were there for hours sawing sticks before they managed it.
The same could probably be said of Geoff in the SEO department, desperately trying to crack the latest Google algorithm. There he is, second guessing the update, desperately checking his alerts for new information. Someone really ought to put him out of his misery. Give it up Geoff mate, you can’t outsmart a robot.
#3 Every Day is a School Day
After necking swampy water until they were too ill to function, the castaways quickly discovered that the island is a learning curve. From catching fish to setting turkey traps, each episode brings a new quandary.
#Agencylife is exactly the same; the tide can change from packaging clients to big data in a heartbeat and just when you think you’ve cracked this juggling malarkey, another blighter is on its way to keep you on your toes.
Olly @WorldOfOllyWhen you and your Art Director see the account team that killed your award-winning idea #ThingsYouHearInAgencies pic.twitter.com/mLnXy1Gr9h
FollowJo @jo_bromilow@WorldOfOlly @AgencyQuotes when you forgot to assign ROI metrics and need to work some magic with the numbers? pic.twitter.com/XddFHEM8Kv
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#4 You Can’t Win ‘Em All
Despite her best intentions, even tenacious Hannah was beaten by the elements. A scorpion bite, followed by an island storm and a bad case of PTSD left her with no choice but to leave.
As anyone who has worked like a dog knows, hard graft doesn’t always pay off. Clients will expect the earth, content may not work and despite your best efforts, projects will fail from time to time. Suck it up and remember that you could be restocking the coin machines in Bognor Regis. Life is a-ok.
Followhanna stenwall @hannastenwall– I hope you don't mind me saying this, but we don't really see Europe as a startup country.
– Well...#thingsyouhearinagencies
#5 But by Jove You’re Gonna Give it a go
You might not be able to shazam your client to the top of Google or transform a blog into an immersive magic carpet ride of UX yet, but who knows what will happen next on the agency island.
Perhaps you’ll reel in a shoal of clients or swim out of your depth in search of the Promised Land, but in all likelihood you’ll emerge smarter, savvier and more steadfast than ever before.
Want to join the #Agencylife island? Head on over to our careers page to see if you’ve got what it takes.
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