My First Marketing Job
Fresh out of Baylor University with a business degree concentrating in marketing, I found myself at a crossroads. Eager to dive into the world of entertainment marketing, I decided to take a risk and accept a position with a startup that aimed to support up-and-coming comedians. I was tasked with developing strategies for four very different comedians—an exciting challenge I had never faced before. And I didn’t realize I’d be the marketing lead.
Back to the Basics
This new job came with its share of uncertainties. My role involved pitching our startup's marketing vision to comedians and encouraging them to sign on with us. To make a compelling case, I needed to create a marketing strategy that would resonate with each comedian’s unique style and audience. My first major task was to put together a slideshow presentation on how I could leverage digital media to boost their online presence.
With no previous experience in this niche, I decided to stick to the basics. My core message was clear: success begins with a consistent marketing strategy. I proposed focusing on social media as the primary vehicle to build their brand and drive engagement. The plan was simple but effective: use digital content to lead audiences to live shows, where we could collect emails and foster relationships for future promotions.
Once I had my strategy laid out, I looked to the founders for approval. To my surprise, they had little to say about my plan. Their lack of feedback wasn’t due to disinterest but rather a gap in expertise. They relied on me to lead the way in marketing, and their trust became a significant confidence booster. This experience taught me to trust my instincts and recognize the value of my knowledge and skills.
Learning to Laugh Online
One of the unique challenges I faced was figuring out how to translate comedy into online content. I had to learn quickly how to relay jokes through memes and graphics that would capture attention and reflect each comedian’s style. Crafting these digital personas was both fun and daunting, pushing me to explore creative ways to make each comedian stand out.
The strategy I implemented emphasized the importance of social media in building a comedian’s brand. Through consistent posting, engaging content, and interactive online presence, we aimed to drive audiences to live shows. At these shows, we collected emails and built relationships, creating a loyal fan base that we could engage with future promotions and events.
A Foundation for Future Success
Reflecting on this journey, I realize how pivotal this experience was in shaping my career. It wasn’t just about creating a marketing strategy; it was about learning to navigate uncharted waters, gaining confidence in my abilities, and understanding the power of digital media in the entertainment industry. This first job laid the foundation for my future endeavors and reinforced my belief in the importance of strategic marketing.
Starting with a risk, I ventured into the world of entertainment marketing and emerged with invaluable lessons and experiences. Today, as the founder of Engage Society, I continue to apply these lessons to empower small businesses with strategic marketing guidance, helping them achieve their growth objectives without compromising operational excellence.
