Well – somehow, it’s April and I’m already 2 weeks into my new role at Green Ginger Digital. It only feels like yesterday that I was attempting (unsuccessfully) to form my hair into some sort of acceptable shape to look presentable for my interview – bring on 12th April by the way!
It would be impossible for me to detail everything I’ve learned during the last fortnight – the notes in my new notebook certainly testify to that! So, for the next 5 minutes or so, I’ll try to give you a brief insight into what life is like as a new GGD employee. From work stuff – like the interesting new clients I’ll be working with, to what it’s like starting a new job during lockdown, and more importantly, the first impressions of my new colleagues.
Why Green Ginger Digital?
I’ve worked in marketing now for over 3 years. I’ve learned so much in that time, but I’ve also formed a few strong opinions on how agencies should be coming across in the modern day and how to get the best out of the agency/client relationship. These opinions revolve largely around being totally transparent and honest with each other, admitting that there is ALWAYS more to learn, and certainly not trying to over-complicate or sugar coat some of the processes that go on within the world of digital.
After speaking with Nick & Emily for just 15 minutes, I knew we were on the same page. They really value transparency and absolutely thrive on delivering great results for their clients, and it comes across in spades when they are talking about their business. It was this, plus the swanky new office in the heart of Hull’s old town, which convinced me GGD was the right move for me.
In all seriousness, all I need to enjoy my job is an honest, open environment where everybody enjoys producing their best work – that may sound obvious to some but trust me, it’s not always so easy to find!
What’s new so far?
Where do I start? I’ve loved learning about Green Ginger Digital as a business – the philosophy, the services, the clients, the targets for 2021. Emily and Nick are really open, and you know if you ask a question, they will answer it candidly and without an agenda. My background in marketing is very eCommerce focussed, so naturally I am going to add a few more strings to my bow at GGD – another reason I decided to join the team. Already, I’ve learned tons more about SEO and PPC and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the other services that GGD pride themselves on.
It took at least 2 hours to go through the overview of our client list on Tuesday, so that tells you how successful things have been for GGD over the last 12 months. To give you an idea of the types of businesses we currently work with, here’s a basket of all the items I could come away with today if I just shopped with our clients; a bottle of premium rum, a seriously good pick n mix, loads of new clothes, a Kawasaki Vulcan S, a drone, beard wax, spine surgery (I actually need this), a few lengths of American Oak, a Moldex Classic FFP2, a new HVAC system, and last but definitely not least – a pie and a pint!
I think we can agree that would be a very decent haul.
A few other non-work-related things I’ve managed to pick up so far:
- Molly likes an IPA – (This will come in handy, especially as our new office is nextdoor to a great pub).
- Emily is highly susceptible to a random impulse buy.
- Nick needs a haircut almost as much as I do
- The team WhatsApp group needs a catchier name.
What’s it like to start a new job during lockdown?
Not easy! Especially when you’re newly installed lightstream WIFI clearly isn’t as ‘ultrafast’ as it made out it was. To be honest though, I’ve gotten away with this one slightly as I worked with Nick and Emily in a previous job. So, it hasn’t been too terrifyingly awkward for me at all. If you want an accurate account of what it’s really like remote working in a new team where you’re meeting everyone for the first time, be sure to read El’es’ post too.
What’s next?
Well – I think I speak for every one of us at GGD when I say that the main thing I’m now looking forward to is getting back into an office. Like many others around the world, I’ve just had my 1st year anniversary of working from home and I can tell you that it is NOT for me. Even though the traffic on my new morning commute from bedroom – bathroom – spare room is virtually non-existent, there are far too many other negatives to remote working, and I can’t wait to see the back of them. It also must be so difficult to make an onboarding plan for new staff at the minute, so I really appreciate how much extra work the team are all having to put in right now.
Other than that, I am doing an ‘Instagram Takeover’ this Thursday – so if you are interested in the random musings of a 32-year-old Yorkshire man, make sure you’re tuned in at @Greengingerdigital
It’s likely to include a bit of early morning cycling, some very decent playlist recommendations and lots of me moving from room to room to find the best internet signal for my calls/meetings. So, if that’s your thing, you’re in for a real treat. Oh, and SKYR, loads of SKYR.
Thanks for reading, I’m sure I’ll be sharing more thoughts and opinions on our social channels and our Blog real soon and feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you like.
