Top 5 Lessons From Working in Digital Media

I’ve learned a bunch of things in my first few years out in the work force in the digital media field. Some I’m sure are lessons that cross verticals into other industries. Let me know if you have any other winners that I’m leaving out in this top 5.

1. No one is above taking a screenshot - If you think you are, then you probably should leave the industry. Ok, some don’t do this as often as others (C Level folks), but in the end, you’re going to need to snag a screenshot to show a client proof that you created/launched what they wanted. Screenshots are delightful, learn to like them.

2. The Least Annoying Ads Work - Create an ad experience for the user that’s not annoying and you have a better chance for them to click on it. Throw a fun, easy to understand game that they can interact with, bada-bing, bada-boom, you got yourself a successful. At FM, the units that we work to create are not annoying (I’ll toot my own horn a bit, I’m not embarrassed), thus I’d say they have at least a chance of being successful, and more often than not, they are.

3. I’ll never understand why it takes agency folks so long to respond - Sorry if you work for an agency. You might take this personally, if so, get over yourself. But honestly, why does it take you so long to respond back and say, “We’re waiting on client approval”? Is it really necessary to take 2 days to say this to me in an email? (You agency friends who aren’t like this, you know who you are, so you needn’t take this personally.)

4. A few drinks with a client can make them human (definitely crosses industries) - Nothing better than a little face to face meeting over drinks. Why do I feel it easier to talk with a client after meeting them in real life, as opposed to over calls and email? Oh that’s right, because drinks makes them a real person to me. Connecting with a client over a lager is an excuse to shoot the breeze about life outside of work. (Yes, everyone there is a world outside of the walls of your office. Believe it.)

5. Layman’s terms are out the window - There is a love to use big words, acronyms, and buzzwords in digital media. I have slipped into this world a bit. Usually I like to explain it simplistically with “real people” words. Sometimes I don’t, but honestly, it’s a result of the world I’m immersed in for 9-10 hours a day. Live with it.

Great mid-90’s pic of the scary internet - information super highway. Looks pretty daunting!

—-

Be good,

Brad

24 August 2011 ·