The new year has finally arrived and rather than making predictions or setting goals, we’re going to recap and share our 2017 learnings that we’re championing into this year.
Founder and Head of Creative, Josh Hine:
This year has been an interesting one as Mattr Media had its second year of business. While year one was a bit of a rollercoaster, 2017 has been crunch time with lots of growing up to do. I’m pleased to say we’ve made it out the other side and feeling all the more older and wiser for it… still plenty more learning to do in 2018 but here are 3 pearls of wisdom from 2017 that stand out:
1) People first - Wether you’re a giant global PLC or a super high tech startup your brand needs a face. Connect with your staff and your customers, engage with them in your advertising and use them in your content. Talk with people not at them, it works wonders, trust us.
2) Punch above your weight - We’ve learnt this not only with our new business drives, our ideas, pitches and our projects but also with the most successful clients we’ve worked with. As those cheesy motivational images on instagram say… Success comes to those that dare. (Or something like that!)
3) Remember why you started - This is a particularly personal one for a lot of us, but something thats so easy to forget when you get caught up in the whirlwind of day to day life, something I’m guilty of for sure. Get back in touch with that inner kid who had a passion and a fearless dream and make sure you’re doing them proud!
Founder and Executive Producer, Josh Fineman:
Whilst spending quality time with the wife and bubs over Christmas, I also took some time to analyse how 2017 went for Mattr and when the numbers are staring you in the face, it’s amazing to see what lessons you can learn moving forward. For me the three most important things we want to take forward:
1. Interrogate briefs more - Time is precious and when you spend too much of it on pitches or projects that aren’t worthwhile, it stings your progress. By putting proper qualification processes in place, we will hopefully avoid the rotten eggs and work on more golden ones!
2. Give yourself time to breathe - We pitched on a huge range of projects last year and if we lost, the first thing we often did was question why and analyse what we could have done better. Whilst it’s hugely important to assess losses, we’re going to make sure we.celebrate the team effort first. We’ll revisit it when we’re in a better headspace and that will lead to a much more productive debrief.
3. Keep (the good) relationships alive - There were so many amazing people we met and worked with last year. 2018 is going to be about nurturing these relationships as much as the new ones whether that’s learning how to improve for future jobs or just sending over valuable thoughts that can help that person achieve their own goals for the year.
Bring on 2018!
Senior Account Manager and New Business Development, Stefanie Sword-Williams:
2017 bought a huge amount of change to my life, moving from the North to the South has been the most amazing experience, but joining a smaller business with a tonnes of ambition was definitely my highlight. Finally landing myself in a role and business that has the same motivation and drive has transformed my career. My three things I’m going to take from the past 8 months of working in London are:
1) Treat every new interaction like an opportunity - No matter whether it’s in a pitch, a networking event or even a party on the weekend, you never know where one conversation may take you. My biggest tip is listen first, don’t be too eager to offload your sales pitch particularly in social scenarios….
2) Be patient but hungry - Starting a new business role has it’s highs and lows but when that win finally pays off, it’s totally worth it. Don’t wait for things to fall into your lap, keep calling, emailing and networking until you get the result you’re looking for.
3) Make everyday fun - Whether you’re working in an agency or working client side, keep finding ways to laugh at work. It’s integral for your own sanity, trust me. It brings the best out of people and makes your days way more enjoyable. Even in those late hours of ultimate stress and tiredness, a mini game of articulate can always help ease the mood!
So how about it, say no to resolutions and instead think about what you learnt last year that’s going to motivate you through 2018. Even if it is to never look at the solar eclipse like Donald Trump….
From all the team at Mattr x