Real World Review: 1 Year at Engauge

8th September 2011

I’ve officially hit the one year mark at Engauge, and more impressively in my head, the one year survival mark in the real world. It’s been quite a whirlwind of a year and I’ve learned more than I could ever write, but I’ll try to touch on some of my biggest lessons here so far.

Go big or go home. Don’t settle for good. Good doesn’t cut it in this business, great does. Push yourself everyday, ask why, innovate, go the extra mile and you just might find your job is easier and a little more rewarding along the way.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Yes, everyone is in over the their heads, but the good news is everyone is in over their heads. They get it. Your coworkers know why you are losing your mind and how to help you get back on your feet. It’s OK to admit defeat sometimes, you’ll feel much better when you have someone to watch you back and help you on the bad days.

Take a time out. One of the most rewarding things I’ve been able to do in the last year is spend one hour a week volunteering with an elementary reading program. I’m convinced I find more relaxation and learning during of the hour I spend not doing my job than I do for any time spent during after work hours.

Be a customer service expert. This extends beyond what we preach to our clients in the digital space and takes a role in everything you do. Put into your work, your relationships and your clients, everything you would expect from a waitress at your favorite restaurant.

Stay ahead of the curve. Learning didn’t end when I turned in my last final and that has to be one of my favorite roles in my job. Take time to read, to ask questions and to share ideas with anyone willing to listen. One of my favorite practices at Engauge are internal events like Technology Thursdays and Lunch Clubs where members from different departments simply share and debate on some of the latest trends, campaigns or work we may have produced.

Speak up. This one seems simple, but has probably been one of the most challenging tasks for this former shy girl over the past year. If you are interested in learning something new, working on a project you are passionate about or disagree with a coworker, have an open conversation. Sometimes raising your hand is the hardest step, but I’ve found the responses never seem to be quite as scary. Going back to my first learning: everyone wants to help.

I have been given far more than I ever could have imagined in my last year here at Enguage. I still find myself thinking “normal 23-year-olds should not be doing this at their jobs” on a weekly basis. I’m still learning. I don’t know a fraction of what some of the people I work with have taught me. I’ve found an industry I’m passionate about, a place I want to go every morning and I cannot wait to see where the next year takes me.

PS want to come work with me at my super amazing, badass agency? We’re hiring.

Turning Sparkly Objects into Action

19th August 2011

Today, a coworker of mine encouraged us to take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy lunch outside for a change. Sometimes it’s the smallest actions that can change your day. As hard as stepping away from the chaos for 30 minutes can be sometimes, it’s 200% necessary.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending Chick-fil-A’s annual Leadercast event, combining some of the industry’s brightest speakers, most passionate companies and enough momentum to make you want to go outside and save the world.

Chick-fil-A Leadercast Highlight Reel 2011 from GiANT Impact on Vimeo.

Leadership and momentum sound easy when you’re listening to someone yell about how you can change your life today, but putting the sparkly objects into practice, now that isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s the ability to push yourself to do more, break out of the mold, and treat work like something you love.

During my last year at Engauge, I have learned that if I don’t make time for the “fun” stuff or the “non” work stuff, my productivity and the work I produce suffer. Innovation certainly can’t live on an island, so working somewhere where I am surrounded by people who push me to do more, to be uncomfortable and ask why is truly the most rewarding action of all.

Amazon targets mobile through email

16th August 2011

This morning, I received a rather interesting email from Amazon inviting me to upgrade my Android phone, through their new wireless service.

How did Amazon know I’ve been using an Android phone for some time and may be looking to make an upgrade in the near future? I’ve downloaded apps previously from the Amazon app store.

As our digital channels become more and more seamless, the opportunities to hyper target users based on interests and preferences is opening up the playing field to deliver rich user experiences.

By taking the time to connect the data between my phone and my Amazon account, Amazon was able to target my preferences by offering information on products I may be interested in actually taking action and purchasing.

In addition, Amazon provides clear call to actions in the email showing their selection of unlocked phones and a bonus $15 credit towards any future app, book or music purchases for my potential new device. The interaction on-site is rather seamless, integrating easily with my existing carrier account, plan and service options.

As retailers look for ways to drive ease of use, personalization and user recommended content when making purchasing decisions, channel integration examples such as this can become the tipping point for a user to make an educated decision. I for one cannot wait to compare, review and shop for my next phone all within the comfort of a network I already love and trust.