My decision to leave one of the largest, most prestigious agencies in the world was the hardest choice I’ve made in my career. The decision came with much anxiety and even some guilt. Like this article, it was based on my personal experiences with a big agency and the pleasing culture change of a smaller agency. Now settled into my new (smaller) agency home at SilverTech, I can honestly say that I feel it was worth the move -and here is why.
Big agencies can have the ability to make you feel small amongst the big brands, big budgets, and all-too-often big egos. With this, big agencies can see employees as “what have you done for me lately,” instead of recognizing each individual as a talented and valuable member of the team.
I was competitive and know that I offered the skills to be successful in big-agency advertising, but I was not seeing that my thoughts, opinions and expertise made a noticed ripple amongst the countless others fighting for the spotlight. I was ready to move on to a culture built on teamwork focused on client success. I chose to leave big agency life and go small.
Some big agencies can be very good at keeping secrets, and the best may be how they promote talent. I have over a year of insider experience and, frankly, I have no idea how people move up. Employees of mega-agencies can be left with no idea where their career path is headed and little reassurance that they’re on track for a promotion.
Employees are much more engaged when they feel they’re an influential member of a well-coached team. That’s why many small agencies are very successful in increasing output without adding to the employment pool. At SilverTech, I know that every member of the team is absolutely crucial to client and agency success, from founder to yours truly.
You may have heard the claim that big agencies lack the creativity or focus on effectiveness which many small agencies are known for. Too often, this can be an unfortunate truth. Not only do small agencies stand by their creativity with clients when it is the right decision for the brand, but they create and foster an environment where putting politics before a client’s returns on investment and honest innovation is unacceptable.
The switch to small has been a rebirth in my love of the industry and client service. Since joining a small, dynamic agency, I’ve learned that you can love what you do and still be human. My tweet on August 8th sums it up best, “Really happy for the first time in over a year”.
Are you ready to join a motivated team? Whether you’re an experienced small-agency pro or looking for a change from the big-agency path, keep an eye out for digital marketing careers at SilverTech.
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Tags: careers, Clark Van Der Beken, culture
