17 August 2008 Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes

It’s funny how things can change in only a few days.

As of Friday night I was in the middle of constructing a six foot high pencil made of wood with the text “www.iwanttoworkatleoburnett.com” inscribed on the side. I had big plans to get this couriered to the Managing Director at Leo Burnett Melbourne and earn myself an interview. My plan was to go in as the naive student and learn, then ideally leverage social media and build a name for myself.

But things change. I’ve decided that these guys aren’t going to give me the experience I want. So before I make my next move someone suggested I throw this out to my small, but hopefully passion, audience. I honestly don’t expect a response but I hope there’s no harm in trying.

Can you help me get experience in new or social media?

And if anyone wants six planks of wood shaped like a pencil let me know.

Posted by Zac Martin
10 Comments
  • Anonymous
    Posted at August 17, 2008 11:13pm, 17 August Reply

    Don’t be a pussy, give it a shot. Whats the worst thing that can happen?

    To quit this early on is a cop-out, especially if no adequate reasons or logic are evident.

    Seriously, hit that.

  • Tannie
    Posted at August 18, 2008 12:52pm, 18 August Reply

    Rachel told me about your pencil plan and I thought it was an awesome idea. If you’re going to give up on it I hope you are really sure of yourself and it isn’t just nerves getting the better of you.

    Getting the job really wouldn’t hurt you at all I think. Even if they aren’t going to give you exactly what you want it can’t be denied that you will learn a lot of stuff. When it comes down to it I think having an opportunity to learn from such a big group as this will teach you things that will be useful in whatever you end up doing. Even if you don’t get in just pulling a stunt like this is helpful for a marketers image.

    Though that being said said if you’re not interested in doing it dibs on your plan 😛

  • Zac Martin
    Posted at August 18, 2008 2:11pm, 18 August Reply

    @ Anonymous and Tannie

    A good friend of mine suggested that instead of working for an agency where I have to constantly fight for social media, I should work for one where people encourage it.

    I will still be looking for experience, but this is not the area for me. I’m just waiting for, and seeking, the right opportunity.

  • Anonymous
    Posted at August 18, 2008 5:29pm, 18 August Reply

    Perhaps it’s a better idea to learn the basics of traditional marketing, and getting a solid and practical understanding before lanching into the relatively new and uncertain platform of social media.

    You’re obviously still very young, so such experience will still be incredibly useful. The fundamentals learnt can be later applied in practically any area of marketing you so choose. (not to mention Leo Burnett being a great name to put on your resume)

    I’d still go foor it, and if and when all goes well, and it’s not as beneficial as you may have hoped, then re-evaluate and look at other options. Don’t be so sure that Leo Burnett won’t offer the experiences you’re seeking

  • Stan Lee
    Posted at August 19, 2008 12:52am, 19 August Reply

    Are you looking for a job or some work experience Zac? It’s unclear from your post.

    Why Leo Burnett? What is it about them that interests you? What are you looking to achieve from spending time with them?

    If your aim is to spend time in an agency that values social media above TV you’re barking up the wrong tree. From my experience I’d say this applies to all multinational agencies.

    You say in your blog blurb that you want to be an evil marketer when you grow up. Funny as you may think that is, people in the comms business take it very seriously. It’s not evil. You cannot make people buy stuff they don’t want. Well not often anyway!

    You have my email address. Get in touch.

    Best…Stan

  • lex luthor
    Posted at August 20, 2008 8:15am, 20 August Reply

    Zac,

    Did your mate let you know of a successful agency in melbourne that encourages social media more a couple of facebook ads, meaningless Edms & microsites?

    You need to know the system you're fighting against before you go into battle.

  • katherineliew
    Posted at August 24, 2008 11:33pm, 24 August Reply

    Ch Ch Ch Ch Check out http://stickyads.com.au/ – From what I’ve heard they’re one of Australia’s top social marketing agencies. Yes, even if they’re located in Newcastle.

    Love the pencil idea though. I think I’ll be following your blog from now on 🙂

    Katherine
    -Yet another marketing student

  • Rick Clarke
    Posted at September 4, 2008 3:35pm, 04 September Reply

    *is a little behind on blog-reading*

  • Anonymous
    Posted at September 4, 2008 6:13pm, 04 September Reply

    Working at Leo’s definitely won’t hurt.

    But you could learn more from other places.

    Sometimes it’s good to get traditional experience. Have you done AWARD? Kiss your prospects goodbye until you’ve done it.

  • Zac Martin
    Posted at September 4, 2008 7:23pm, 04 September Reply

    @ Anonymous

    At this stage I’m a little more interested in strategy than creative I think. But yes, I have a lot to think about.

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