The Tecmark 10 – with content campaign manager Phil Humphreys

Content campaign manager Phil Humphreys is Tecmark’s most recent employee of the month. We caught up with him in the inaugural ‘Tecmark 10’ to get his thoughts on work, learning lessons… and the Kardashians. Follow Phil on Twitter.

1. What does your typical day look like?

I don’t really have a typical day – which is part of the reason why I love what I do. Everyday is different and brings its own challenges and activities. Saying that though…

There are certainly some functions of my role that I can expect to do on a daily basis. This includes things like dealing with client requests, ensuring all campaign requirements are met and met to a high quality, catching up with the wider team about projects we have under way and researching what’s currently out there in terms of content marketing campaigns and new developments in the industry.

2. What’s the most satisfying aspect of your work?

For me the most satisfying aspect of what I do is working on campaigns from idea conception right through to activation. I really enjoy the ideas stage of what we do at Tecmark, coming up with new and exciting content ideas and assets and then working on the idea until it’s a fully live campaign. It’s also satisfying to then see your idea go on to achieve results for your client, and getting that sense of achievement you get when completing a successful campaign.

3. And the best thing about working at Tecmark?

One of the best things about working at Tecmark (apart from the free breakfast)  is being given the freedom to be creative with the campaigns and clients we work on. Since starting at the company I’ve started many  sentences  with “can we do this?” or “is this possible?” – at Tecmark these questions have always been met with a similar response of (as cheesy as it sounds) “anything is possible”, or that we can find a way to make it possible.

This mentality really gives you the freedom to come up with some great ideas that  ultimately  then go on to get our clients some great results.

4. What’s your background? How did you end up working in digital marketing?

My background is predominantly SEO. I’ve worked on a number of household e-commerce sites, with the majority of my time and experience built up in agencies – something I would recommend. Working in an agency provides you the greatest learning resources while also working with the best talent within the industry.

I got into digital media purely by accident; one of my friends worked in a big media agency in Manchester, and they put me in touch with their recruitment contact. I got sent two job roles, one of which was in radio and the other one in SEO. Originally I was really keen to go after the radio role, but after doing research on both fields I decided to go after the SEO role.  I got the job and, fast forward three-and-a-half years later, I’m now working at Tecmark.

5. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned over the last 12 months?

Make sure your next career move is the right one for you. Before I was at Tecmark I was working at an online fashion retailer in-house, which was completely the wrong move for me professionally and personally. I didn’t go into that role with my eyes open and still had unanswered questions, which in hindsight I should have asked.

Also, take anything recruiters say with a pinch salt (or a massive tablespoon full of it).

6. And what do you expect to be learning about over the next 12 months?

It’s hard to predict what I’ll learn over the next month 12 months, as who knows what will happen within the industry? But ideally I’d like to advance my technical knowledge, and working in an agency I think you also get to continuously develop your client-facing and handling skills.

I’d also like to learn more about online PR for SEO purposes.

7. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to work in a digital agency?

Don’t be to afraid to put yourself out there – get yourself in touch or in front of the right people and take every opportunity you get, even if that means no pay. The majority of the time it will lead to something.

8. How do you relax away from work?

Aside from socialising with friends and family, with everything that entails, I keep up with the Kardashians A LOT. I’m a massive TV addict. From Game of Thrones to Geordie Shore… I tell myself I watch it all ironically to make myself feel better, but there’s nothing ironic about it. AT. ALL.

9. Twitter or Facebook?

Instagram.

10. And finally… you’re our most recent Employee of the Month. What will you spend your vouchers on?

Vivienne Westwood or Nike.