As a former newspaper guy, I had a lot to learn about the advertising industry when I bought Smith Kroeger at the beginning of 2019. While I’m used to the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with positions like CEO, publisher and president, I was excited about diving into a more creative world and finding opportunities to integrate my business expertise.
Here are a few things I’ve learned since becoming president and CEO of Smith Kroeger.
- Follow your gut. If your instinct is telling you something, it’s likely for a reason. If something within your organization isn’t working, don’t be afraid to take a new path. You can’t have a fear of making tough choices. Plus it will likely turn out to be well worth it and better for your business in the long run.
- The ad industry can be demanding. We do the best work possible for our clients – and my teams are consistently going above and beyond here at SK. There is a huge diversity in the work we do, so being the experts in digital media, lead generation, web development, print production, video production, sales strategy and more across a number of verticals is a demanding task we take head-on every day. However, that’s what makes this business exciting. Having a team that enjoys problem-solving and is fulfilled personally and professionally doing great work for our clients are what keeps our momentum strong.
- When it comes to avoiding burnout, I make sure my teams know that there is never shame in asking for help or advice. It’s okay to find a balance that works for you. Whenever possible, I try to remind them to keep that balance in mind, even though “work-life balance” can be more of a juggle than a balance, especially lately. If that means taking an afternoon off to visit family or a long weekend for a “staycation,” go for it. Our unlimited vacation policy makes all of those things possible – and it’s there to provide that opportunity for rest.
My professional goal has always been to challenge the status quo. When you take the time to look at things from a different perspective, you might be surprised by what you find.
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