New agency job? 5 steps to creating valuable connections with your colleagues.
And make a strong first impression.
I’m now working for my 9th marketing agency. That’s 9 agencies in almost 20 years!
That might seem like a lot (or it might not). But I can say for sure that the benefit of working for different companies, is that I’ve had some hard lessons about how to start on the right foot and how not to piss off the wrong people. A Creative Director from my early 20s springs to mind 🙂
Today, I’m going to show you how to build valuable connections with people who’ll define this next part of your career journey.
You’ll want that time to be as pain free and productive as possible. By understanding their motivations, influences and ambitions, you’ll be able to work together in (cough) harmony.
Step 1: Be Proactive and Introduce Yourself
Get hold of your agency org chart and check out who’s who. So when the Head of Strategy rocks up to say Hi, you don’t have a vacant looking face.
Identify the people you'll work with on your projects and prioritise an introduction.
See what already might be in your diary and work around that.
Don't wait for others to find you - take the initiative and find them first.
If there was an introductory email about you, reply expressing your excitement about joining the team - but don’t sound cheesy or clichéd.
Tips:
Be warm and friendly.
Show interest in their priorities and how you might collaborate.
Remember names (and faces from the org chart).
For creative-types, ask to see their latest piece of work, what it’s all about and how the project has been going.
Step 2: Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Be ready to give a quick overview of your background when asked, "Tell me about yourself."
Think about the skills and experience you bring to your role and how they benefit the agency and clients.
If it’s your first job, then think about college or university and why you’re looking forward to working there and getting stuck in.
Distil your thoughts into a 20-30 second introduction.
Tips:
Highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
Mention notable achievements or successful projects/initiatives you've worked on.
Practice your pitch beforehand so it feels natural.
Common mistake: Avoid going into excessive detail about your entire career (or education) history. Focus on the highlights most relevant to your role.
Step 3: Be Mindful of Body Language
Your non-verbal communication is just as important as what you say.
Use open, friendly body language, like maintaining eye contact and keeping your arms uncrossed.
Offer a firm handshake and warm smile when introducing yourself.
Tips:
Stand up straight with your shoulders back to project confidence.
Lean in slightly when listening to show engagement.
Avoid distracting habits like checking your phone during conversations.
If you are able to have a longer meeting (perhaps about a project) a great way of mixing things up is to go for a walk. Even better if you work somewhere more rural, like I used to.
Common Misconception: You might think you need a serious demeanour to be taken seriously. In agencies, a balance of professional with a friendly and approachable presence is the way to go.
Step 4: Listen and Ask Questions
One skill you’ll want to practice, not only for your first intros but for your whole career, is ‘active listening’.
It’s an all too common situation. Some people just can’t wait to get a word in. Don’t be that person.
Show genuine interest in your colleagues.
Tips:
Give your full attention to the person speaking, maintain eye contact, and avoid distractions like your phone.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage your colleagues to share more about their role, projects, and challenges.
For example:
“What is your biggest priority right now?”
"What projects are you most excited about?"
"What do you enjoy most about working here?"
“How can I help out?”
Show understanding when your colleagues share any difficulties.
Keep it professional. You don’t yet know whether someone is into Celebrity Love Island or makes TikTok videos as a side hustle. Save that chat for later.
Step 5: Follow Up and Keep Building Connections
Now all the groundwork is done. You’ve met with the agency ‘big wigs’ and your project teams. And your Creative Director is looking forward to having you rock up with deadline reminders every day.
Keep the corridor small talk going. When you bump into someone, it’s a GREAT time to build on your previous chat. Or speak to someone new.
Look for opportunities to collaborate.
Say “Thanks” by expressing appreciation for any advice that you put into practice.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Your new agency job can be thrilling but (a little) intimidating to start with.
By having a plan and introducing yourself, you’ll start building solid connections from day one. Your colleagues will appreciate your proactive approach and genuine interest in working together.
You’ll gain valuable insights into the agency's culture, processes, and challenges.
You’ll identify areas where you can offer support or collaborate on key projects.
You’ll build trust and rapport by showing that you value your colleagues' perspectives and experiences.
Here are your next steps:
Do your homework.
Develop your elevator pitch tailored to your new position.
Identify key people to prioritise introducing yourself to.
Set a goal to introduce yourself to a certain number of colleagues each day/week.
Remember to listen and ask good questions.
Start contributing your skills and ideas to the agency's projects.
Gain a Competitive Edge: Access Insider Tips and Strategies on My Substack
If you haven’t visited my Substack website yet, nows the time to check out the articles, resources and a couple of cheeky GPTs that will help in your day-to-day.
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