Several weeks ago I was forced to make a really important decision that would not only affect me and my career, but also The Marketing Squad and its team. In short, I was presented with a new opportunity and I decided to pursue it. I'll save the details of that for another day. This post is not intended to be a talking point about where I'm going, but instead, I'd like to focus on where I've been and the lessons I've learned over the last five and a half years at The Squad. And oh, are there many!
I'm forever thankful to Bryce for giving me an opportunity to be his first employee. Back in 2011, TCS was a brand new thing and, a lot of the time, we learned as we went. For those who don't know, Bryce and I met on Twitter. What started as an innocent grammar correction sparked a conversation, which eventually led to a meeting, which then became a new job opportunity! It's been such a fun and interesting ride. So many memories and even more laughs, this company has certainly set the bar high. If you're lucky enough to be an employee or become one in the future, always work hard and do your part to continue to make this company great.
TCS, as it will go down in my history books, has been my home away from home for many years. It was my first exposure to digital marketing and web development and, as it turns out, I'm leaving with quite a few lessons that I've picked up along the journey. Life lessons, career tips... it's hard to categorize some of these and most can be applied no matter what stage of life you're in. Nonetheless, I hope something here inspires you to always work hard, pursue your dreams, and appreciate the journey you're on.
Lessons Learned From My Time at The Squad
- The easier you can roll with the punches the better off you'll be. Working for a small, growing agency meant that change was around every corner. Usually, these changes were for the best and they taught me to roll with the punches and trust the vision the owners had for the company. My advice: Don't sweat the small stuff. Do your job to the best of your ability and you've got nothing to worry about.
- You have to be resourceful in order to be successful. When I joined TCS as its first (and only) employee, I knew my title wasn't all that important. What helped me be successful in my role was learning to wear many hats, taking initiative, figuring things out and buckling down to get stuff done. My advice: Dive in and do your job, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Find someone smarter than you and soak it all in. Learning from someone who's been there, done that truly is priceless. While I learned from everyone while working at TCS, Wayne was the one person who seemed most wise, level-headed, and honest. I like the way he handles conversations with clients and keeps the office upbeat. My advice: Find yourself a Wayne and start learning all you can.
- Laughter is appropriate in almost any situation. Bryce can hear a song lyric, common phrase, or totally random thought and instantly think of a YouTube video that relates (or doesn't) to the situation. It's truly a gift! These random rabbit holes are good for morale. My advice: Learn how to balance the fun with the professional. Laughter is good for the soul.
- If you have a strong leadership team supporting you, you can't lose. In the early TCS days, we worked with clients from all over the spectrum. No matter the situation, Jay always encouraged the team. He had our backs and helped us see the bigger picture. My advice: Be a leader or employee who helps and builds up. It will make your team stronger and help them grow together.
- Seinfeld references never get old... no description needed...
- Love your neighbor. Kindness sure does go a long way. I've been lucky to have been able to work alongside Joel for the better part of my time here. He's been my office roomie but also a person who sees something good in everyone. While his ability to over-strategize left my head spinning more often than not, he's a crusader for people and believes in everyone. My advice: Always be kind and encourage others.
- Work hard and put forth your best effort. No matter what position you're in, seek to make something better, faster, newer, or greater. Don't waste your days away being unproductive. My advice: Respect and work hard for the clients and company that puts food on your table.
- You never know where your next opportunity will come from. Be it a sales lead, potential employee, or your next new gig, an opportunity can arise from almost any situation. My advice: Establish your values and know what you want. Don't be afraid to go for it, or say no when something doesn't feel right.
Thanks, TCS, for a great five years. And in the words of Vivian Ward... stay cool!
