What do you do if you want to stand out as a Creative Strategy professional?

To stand out in Creative Strategy, cultivate a distinct viewpoint, marrying data with creativity. Expand your skills across digital marketing, design, and beyond. Share insights through blogs or videos to establish thought leadership. Network beyond your field, embracing cross-industry collaboration. Be a trendsetter, staying ahead with innovative approaches and technologies. Document successes with compelling metrics. Foster teamwork, value continuous learning, and don't shy away from creative risks. Your unique blend of insight, innovation, and collaboration will make you unforgettable in the creative world. The more different you are everyone else, the better. Even if you're wrong!

what is an effective creative strategy ? - Anticipation! you need to know and recommend a direction BEFORE your client asks what they should do or worse recommends a direction for you - if that happens you will never get creative control back - ever !

To me, excelling at creative strategy means having a deep understanding of the human condition. That means understanding the essence of human need. We, as humans, are essentially driven by emotions of all kinds, which includes how we make decisions. Audience(s). Need(s). Emotions. Truth. This is the heart of good creative strategy, which is what ideally drives excellent creative execution.

To stand out as a Creative Strategy professional, focus on cultivating expertise through deep understanding, continuous learning, and specialization in niche areas like brand storytelling. Keep abreast of industry trends, attend workshops, and collaborate with professionals in related fields to foster innovation. Showcase your expertise through compelling case studies and a strong portfolio, while also honing communication skills to effectively convey your ideas and strategies. By prioritizing these aspects, you'll establish yourself as a standout professional capable of delivering creative and effective solutions to clients and employers alike.

Elevate your game! 🚀🌟 Showcase your unique perspective and creativity 🎨💡, stay ahead of trends 📈🔍, and consistently deliver exceptional results 💼🌟. Network, innovate, and let your passion shine through! 🔥😎

There are a lot of folks in this space who sort of present themselves the way Psychics or Palm Readers do... - They focus on trying to seem believable - They talk about subjective or vague things, like "archetypes" But what really helps is.... 1. A strong curiosity for how different types of businesses work. What fuels them. What behavior they need to stir with folks in order to win. 2. A tremendous respect for being able to make something peeps actually want to be a part of (like an ad, or an event, or really anything creatives are paid good money to produce). This allows you to identify problems that creatives actually want to tackle.

Stay connected with the vernacular approaches. Try not to put so much effort into finding the insight, the more subtle you remain, the more effective your insight would be Adopt a habit of always looking around, dig the stories, and capability of flipping things around Dissect the words, explore the words within the words

You should be able to showcase your unique thinking ability and perspective. Have a personal strategy that helps you showcase this in all your work.

Standing out in a crowded market is about not being afraid to take carefully calculated risks. Continue to innovate creatively and never settle for the status quo.

Focus on the quality of your case studies, not just the quantity of projects. For each portfolio piece, provide a clear explanation of the challenge, your strategic approach, and the measurable results you achieved. Quantify your impact wherever possible, whether it's increased engagement metrics, improved brand perception, or demonstrated behavior change in your target audience. This emphasis on results showcases the tangible value you offer as a creative strategist.

Geh raus und fang einfach an. Jedes Portfolio ist besser als keins! Zeig deine Arbeit, glaube an dich und hol dir Feedback von externen Menschen ein deren Meinung dir wichtig ist! 🫶

Remember: you are a creative person. Therefore, avoid traditional portfolio models and try to do something different not only in the images, but in the texts as well. Anything goes at this time...

How many times have you felt creative limitations placed on you? Well, the best place to express yourself is your personal brand. If you truly are creative, then just create. Put your work out there. Put in the work. Put in the passion. Your impactful work will automatically resonate with the right people. Your personal brand, be it through work or passion projects is what will define you and vice versa it is an embodiment of you as a creative individual

Building a killer portfolio is key to standing out as a creative strategist. Think of it like this: you're applying for a job at a trendy sneaker company. A generic resume might get you noticed, but a portfolio showcasing past projects where you crushed it with creative strategies for, say, a local skate park, will make you shine. Clients want to see real-world examples of your ability to translate ideas into action. A strong portfolio is your chance to tell them, with your best work, why you're the creative strategist they absolutely need on their team.

You need to showcase your work that defines your creative thinking, your strategic planning and is a showreel for your executions. Own your work and just articulate this into a portfolio for people to understand your background and creative streak.

Your work speaks for itself and your portfolio is the megaphone! It isn't just a collection of projects; its a visual resume that represents your professional journey. Offering that glimpse into your experience will amplify your expertise and distinctive style so get creative with capturing your work and consider hiring a photographer/videographer to help with visuals.

Networking within the creative community has been invaluable for me. Whenever I encounter work that impresses or inspires me, I make it a point to reach out to the creators. Not only does this provide an opportunity for learning and growth, but it also allows me to cultivate meaningful relationships with fellow professionals whom I deeply respect and admire. This collaborative exchange of ideas not only enriches my own creative journey but also fosters a supportive network within my field.

Network is your networth. Constantly communicate with people in your industry, stay on top of trendsetting creatives and collaborate with these individuals to grow further. Indulge in conversations that make a difference and help you make your presence felt.

Two things: One. The work should stand for itself. The work should do the work for you. Do great work, people will seek you out, not the other way round. Two. Be generous with your expertise and knowledge, it’s the only way networking works.

As strategists we often work alone and don't always benefit from those who practice strategy in other forms and flavors. So whether you're early in your career or a seasoned veteran, you will always have something to learn from other strategists who look at and approach the world differently. In short, always look to expand your strategy braintrust.

Tu network representa, al menos, el 50% de tu esfuerzo en conseguir el empleo (o proyectos) que quieas conseguir. Es un esfuerzo enorme mantener vivo tu network, que verás recompensado justo en el momento en que más lo necesites. Tod@s estamos/conocemos/podemos contactar de forma directa a alguien ‘importante’ para un contacto nuestro que haya cuidado la relación con nosotros. Por esta razón es muy importante mantener viva y cuidada nuestra red.

As the African proverb goes, it takes a village. Think of creative strategy as that Strategy and strategy stems from war, and any good war strategist knows that you need alliances to win. Though business doesn't have the life or death stakes, alliances are nevertheless just as important and it goes by a different name, your network. Your networks give you eyes where you can't see and ears where you can't hear. So keep your network fluid and contribute and you'll reap the rewards as well.

Networking and growing your business group is extremely important. In creative business you are your own company. In my experience connections and how to keep them warm always works.

Networking in the creative world is like adding spices to a dish – it brings flavor and depth. My grandpa always says, "Make sure folks know you in your community. If I visit your workplace, they should know who you are." Actively connecting with others is essential for finding opportunities, teaming up on projects, and sharing insights. It's all about building relationships, offering help, and swapping ideas, so that you're not just a face in the crowd, but someone people are excited to collaborate with in the creative playground.

One thing that I have found helpful is to build a power introduction or an elevator pitch for my personal brand/ offerings. While most people look to add as many skill/ability stars on their hat while networking, one can be consciously selective in what you want others to remember of you. Remember, less is more! Also, Don't be shy to emphasize being a T-shaped professional who brings specialist services to the community. One more important way is to be relevant to the network as everyone is seeking something or the other while networking. Be the 'giver' in the sea of seekers.

Shake the hand. Make the call. Introduce yourself. But, most of all, utilise the tool of empathy to realise that we are all humans at the end of the day, no matter position or power. And there is no better way to connect with someone, and network, than through showing interest and understanding in someone's viewpoint and experiences.

In my experience it's important to always lead with authenticity from both a creative perspective as well as from a strategic viewpoint. I think there is a lot of respect that comes from putting your own ideas "out there" at the risk of judgement. Although there is risk of acceptance involved, there is also great reward in knowing that you immersed yourself in the creative process without letting the potential risk of judgement from others curb your passion for creativity.

To be a true thought leader you have to prove that you have a track record of bringing new thoughts to the table. Case studies are a good mean of showing your expertise and proving effectiveness.

A mentor always told me: "An opinion is worth 80 IQ points." He was right. LinkedIn makes it simple to share your opinion with others. The benefit of doing so? Your opinion turns into a discussion that informs and refines your opinion. If you're worried about "competitors" drafting off your sharing of intellectual capital, the odds are they won't be able or willing to do so.

Stepping into the limelight as a thought leader isn't just about being seen; it's about being so insightful, they can't look away. I'm diving into the depths of creative strategy, surfacing with pearls of wisdom to share, minus the clamshell. Speaking, writing, or virtually signaling through digital smoke signals, I'm staking my claim in the creative wilderness. It's not just about attracting opportunities; it's about becoming the beacon others navigate by. In a sea of thinkers, I'm aiming to be the lighthouse, guiding lost ships to the shores of innovation.

It’s not about being the loudest in the room but always having an informed POV. Stand up for what you believe in and be able to articulate your opinion on the matter in a focused way. So often people talk just to be heard, but those who share their experiences and beliefs in a simple and truthful way are those who grab the attention of others.

Focus on the "WHY", don't just promote the "what" of your services. Help clients understand the "why" to build deeper connection, understanding and motivation.

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.” Offering thought leadership is a fast-track to imposter syndrome, unless you believe in your ideas. Share you ideas quietly, and for free to build confidence. Give yourself time to separate you from your ideas. Contribute.

How leaders and executive run a meeting ? SEVEN TECHNIQUES can help you get control of your top management agenda and make sure meeting time is spent building value. #1. Deal with operations separately from strategy. #2. Focus on decisions, not on discussions. #3. Measure the real value of every item on the agenda. #4. Get issues off the agenda as quickly as possible. #5. Put real choices on the table. #6. Adopt common decision-making processes and standards. #7. Make decisions stick.

Make sure that you are an expert in your field of industry and be good and tell it. Sharing is caring applies in building thoughtleadership. My best advice is to follow your gut feeling to decide if you need to share something or not. Your gut always knows best!

A true Creative Strategist, wether more strategy or creative leaning, is likely always observing and connecting dots. The word thought leadership feels overblown, however its important to have an outlet to test out theories, pose questions and state observations - essentially clear out your head. This can come in any format, the industyr gets stuck in writing long and drawn out 'thougth peices' - however it is about finding whats the best format for you! This could be a 100 word substack, it could be an Instagram account where one post simply states observations through a carousel. It is about finding the most effective way to communicate, avoid the race to sound intellectual and do it your own way.

As a traditional publicist I had always inner fights with technology. My resistance to change was because I thought more of myself as a creative or as an artist, not a "numbers guy". It took me a while to realize that I was wrong. Numbers, metrics, insights and data make it more beautiful, more challenging and definitely gives better results. Technology can be your best ally but is up to you to tame it and control it, don't let it dehumanize you, use it to be more productive, strategical and analytical, use it to free yourself from boring tasks and have more time for creative thinking. Adapt or die.

𓅪 Adopt Early. Adapt Early. Assess Early. Abandon Early. The bottom line is ... Early bird still gets the worm. 𓅪

A futurist stated (in the 1970s) that the most important skill is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Technology continues to change at an ever-increasing pace. And your key to relevance is your ability to adapt to these changes. Look at it this way, everyone dislikes change. But what if you could take advantage of change and use it to differentiate yourself? Lean into the inevitable.

Start by mastering digital analytics tools to gain insights from data, which is crucial for crafting impactful strategies. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring emerging technologies such as AI, AR and VR and integrating them into creative campaigns for immersive experiences. Participate in online platforms for continuous learning and networking with industry innovators. Use social listening tools to understand audience sentiments, enabling more targeted and effective campaigns. Foster a culture of innovation in your team by encouraging experimentation with new tools and technologies. This proactive approach not only enhances your strategic propositions, but also positions you as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.

Having specialized in Digital Marketing and Analytics, I have realized the prominence of the diminishing line between creativity of marketing and technology. Data analysis and AI are driving creativity but it's the integration of emerging technologies that are leading to an exciting new era of #marketing. Leading brands are increasingly implementing #CGI advertising, #VR and #AR to bring forth an immersive customer experience and increased brand-customer engagement. Some are extending its physical presence to the virtuality, Metaverse. Time and rapid research are unfurling the potential of creativity in #digitalmarketing. What other technologies have you come across? I would love to connect and explore more!

Leverage the latest technological advancements to enhance your creative strategies. Understanding and utilizing tools from AI to data analytics can transform your approach, making it more dynamic and aligned with current demands. This tech-savvy approach ensures that your strategies are not only relevant but also pioneering in today’s digital era.

If history has taught us anything, it's that those who didn't adopt/embrace technology, were quickly left behind. "Adapt or die"

I believe that undoubtedly the use of technology is essential for new work tasks and activities. There was a wave of advances during and before the pandemic in which some of us jumped on and others were afraid or were simply reluctant to believe that technology had advanced so much. that even for daily chores we have to use it. An example is writing using gpt Chat, reading with voice assistants, this tool really makes it much easier to advance knowledge and brainstorm creative and consolidated ideas.

Embrace technology for strategic creativity. Stay updated on latest tools like AI and data analytics. Enhance planning and execution for impactful strategies.

In the digital renaissance of AI, embracing new technology is key. From generative design software to predictive analytics, AI tools are expanding our creative horizons. I've been experimenting with these technologies to see how they can enhance our work. Follow my updates for insights into cutting-edge AI tools that are changing the creative landscape

Cocreation is the only way. I have a lot of experience working with members of the community the comms is intended for and you often end up with better solutions if you work with those who are part of the audience. They usually have a high bullshit meter and will help you course correct. Also, find a great and affordable transcreation vendor. It's worth it if you have to execute a campaign targeting multiple languages. The Internet is a beautiful thing and you can easily find not just native speakers but people who understand idioms in different languages and how they can be tweaked to work.

Connect and collaborate, it is the only way. Whether across race, class divides, disciplines. You can not be it all, or represent everybody - but it is how you curate and cultivate together to create realy representation whether the final work comes from yourself or somebody else. Listen to opinions you dont agree with, take advice from Juniors, allow yourself to be challenged.

La mejor manera de destacar como un Createga, es más simple de lo que puede dicta la academia, incluso, la misma industria. Deja. Que. Tu. Trabajo. Hable. Por. Ti.

Diversity is also about how you reframe your problem. 99% of the harm is caused in your head, by you and your thoughts. 1% of the harm is caused by reality, what actually happens and the outcome. Most of the time, the problem isn't the problem. The way you think about the problem is.

This is a must. I took a career detour years ago and worked as a social worker and in public health. I also lived in Spain for 8 years, which provided me the experience of what it was like to be an outsider. These experiences stuck with me and have only grown into greater awareness and consciousness. I often introduce diversity in projects through photos, images, and even sometimes in discussions. Diversity is more than being representative of one group vs another; it is also making sure your content is understandable for people who are not native speakers.

Whether it's race, gender, orientation, economic background, neurodevelopment, or all manner of different strata of human diversity - if you are only asking for the opinions of people that look and sound like the person in the mirror then you are missing out on a spectrum of opinion and thought.

Embrace diversity in your creative strategies! Collaborate with individuals from varied backgrounds to enrich your work and ensure inclusivity. Championing diversity showcases your understanding of global markets and cultural nuances, vital in today's interconnected world.

AI holds the promise of personalization and diversity in the creatives we produce, reaching out to a global audience with precision and empathy. I'm passionate about leveraging AI to ensure our creative strategies are as diverse as the audiences we serve, fostering inclusivity one campaign at a time

Talk to others. Ask for opinions while working. Make others voice heard. Check historical data. If no one did what you thought, you are either a genius or it's a bad idea. 99% of the time, the second is true.

Be creative first, strategic second. In fact, don't see the line between them, don't think of yourself as a strategist, think of yourself as a creative. This is as important in how you approach the challenges you face as the process you use. As soon as you start creating walls between departments, between disciplines you get in the way of great ideas. It's never about being smart, it's about finding different ways to think about the problems a business is struggling with and finding intriguing and useful ways to address those problems. That's it.

For those who thrive at the intersection of logic and imagination, a career in creative strategy might be your dream job, allowing you to leverage both analytical and artistic strengths. At its core, a creative strategist acts as a bridge between a brand and the cultural landscape. You'll identify a global trend or conversation relevant to your brand, then craft a piece of content reflecting your brand's values. But the creative strategist's job doesn't stop at the content itself. A significant part of the game involves strategizing innovative ways to reach your target audience. The true magic happens when you can breathe new life into established media channels, finding fresh ways to capture attention in familiar spaces.

Diverse skills sets, the ability to draw from a wide range of experience across business disciplines and sectors allows one to tap into this bank of multi dimensional resources that adds tremendous value in creative strategy design and execution.

Enjoy finding your own perspective on Creative Strategy - what it is and how to apply it. The check list provided in this overall article is extremely useful for structure, but YOU will have gathered a unique set of experiences and opinions that could potentially untap new approaches, particularly if you find the right people to work with. Part of the fun is finding where to follow the well-trodden path and where to try something new.

Standing out is a state of being, it's not a box you check, after which you don't have to worry about it. We should always be a little scared. It ensures we are always changing much like the world around us.

Always keep upgrading. Keep taking learnings from past campaigns, and keep looking out for trends. See what works in a campaign and what doesn't. Do a SWOT of almost anything you find creative. This field requires attention to detail, and from a non-professional POV, keep looking for beauty in the mundane. Keep an open mind that looks for creative solutions in everything and you'll be truly unstoppable.

We are outliers, and viewed as such. The black sheep. Show results, discuss process and capture the end customer accolades. Be the sheep dog. The client is not the customer. Hard pill for many of them to swallow, but results trump all feelings. Satisfy their flock of customers in attraction, dialog, camaraderie and delivery and all win. Defend this and watch your flock flourish.

Embrace what makes you, you. Strategy is about understanding people, and people warm to those that aren’t afraid to be themselves and are great to work with. So: 1. Find what makes you special, unique, different and wear it as a badge of honour. 2. Put yourself in your colleagues shoes and help them exceed their goals. But most of all, if you want to stand out, truly give a s**t. Be the creative strategist that will go the extra mile to develop the best work possible. You won’t just stand out, they’ll struggle let you go.

Do things that work, first. You're working creatively so you want to be creative but you don't want to push the wheel to the breaking point by completely reinventing the wheel. Instead, make small new implementations that are capable of generating substantial results. How much better does the wheel work with a new set of spokes, improved tread or rubber that offers better durability? Take new steps incrementally.

Incorporating fun into the creative process of advertising can be a game-changer. It's not just about producing content that is enjoyable for the audience, but also about fostering an environment where the creative team can experiment and innovate without the fear of failure. When the process is enjoyable, it can lead to more spontaneous and authentic ideas, which often resonate better with the audience. Feel safe to take risks, they're more likely to come up with groundbreaking ideas. Sometimes the most outlandish ideas are the ones that capture attention. Remember, fun in the creative process can lead to campaigns that are not only effective but also memorable and shareable, ultimately contributing to a stronger brand identity. ✨