English: Mashable.com logo as of late 2008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In my few weeks in the “real world”, I’ve learned more from him than I could have ever hoped to gain in any classroom. In my first post, I think I’ll talk a little bit about being the “New Guy” in this crazy world. More digitally focused posts will no doubt follow, so consider this a set up.
Something I had a hunch about, and have found undeniably true, is that this environment is nothing like a classroom. It takes a different skill set to keep up, and an even different one to excel. As the New Guy I’ve quickly realized that this world is immersive, stuffed with big ideas, and full of energy and passion for the work that’s being done. In order to keep up, you have to be the same way. Immerse yourself, embrace the big ideas (and try to come up with your own), and get excited about what you’re doing.
Also, as the New Guy, you need to have the right attitude. Every day is a new adventure, with challenges you never knew existed. So not only do you need to have a positive attitude, you need to translate that into positive action. Have an “I’ll just figure it out” attitude. This will always prove useful in new environments. When met with a new challenge ask questions, learn as much as possible, connect the existing dots, and in the end just put in the hard work necessary to “just figure it out”. I think this mindset can probably be applied to digital advertising as well.
Each day brands, agencies, and people are doing things in the digital space that no one has ever done before – just read Mashable. To keep up, I think it’s important to recognize that the answer, the solution, or the path to success can’t always be served up with clarity and written instructions. When that’s the case the people who have great ideas, and the drive to “just figure out” how to make it happen, are the ones who stand out and innovate.
So let me conclude. When you’re new, if you’re ready to learn from the great people around you and “just figure out” the rest, then what may seem like an overwhelming new experience will turn out to be a lot of fun.
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