Stephen James Griffin’s Post

Brands AND agencies are both struggling with the same problem right now. WHO DO I HIRE AS A CREATIVE STRATEGIST? "Should they have a media buying background?" "If they do, can they also write briefs, scripts, and manage creators?" "Should they have a creative background?" "If they do, can they truly understand performance data to stay on track?" It's a hard skillset to find which is why I see so many in my network searching, then hiring, then firing, then searching again. This is costing time and money. The good news is, I have a simple solution to this common problem. FRACTIONAL CREATIVE STRATEGY through Roadmap Why is this impactful? You get a comprehensive report on account health, creative trends, and asset needs. A full breakdown, within 7 days, that connects creative with performance. 👇 Check it out 👇 ✅ Creative Report Card ↗ Asset Type Grade ↗ Framework Grade ↗ Hooks Grade ↗ Iteration Grade ✅ Detailed Creative Asset Audit ↗ Custom variable tagging on the last 90 days of assets in your account ↗ Over 20 specific, action-oriented insights ✅ Asset Needs Report ↗ Clear briefs on what assets you should test next ✅ Ongoing Support As Needed THIS IS DELIVERED TO YOU WITHIN 7 DAYS. FOR $1,500 or LESS. Truly costs less than even the time spent interviewing. Let alone a full time or part time employee.

Your brands reputation deserves better. Are you considering hiring for a junior position but expecting a multi-talented pro to get your brand to go viral? (Insert red flag here) (NOTE: If you are using the word ‘viral’ in regard to your social media this is a sure sign you need a professional on your team). Mediocre content and zero strategy will not get your brand known for anything good - your investment in someone with no experience could even prove to be costly. Instead, invest in a good manager to coordinate the experts in their fields, to ensure each specialist area is getting the attention and piece of the pie in terms of budget to get you the best results possible! I would love to know your thoughts on this - drop me a comment or direct message. #Outsource #HireSmart #InvestInYourBrand #BrandStrategy #MarketingStrategy

I've always been surprised at how smaller and growing agencies don't invest in hiring for roles in Strategy. Since Strategy is largely a "thinking" role, founders assume that a brainstorming session will lead them to the necessary thinking which would help create the so- called "Strategy" behind their approach. This is a major reason why client servicing personnels slowly transition later into a career in Strategy, as they are often tasked with research and strategising during pitches or specific campaigns. But rarely, do you see someone starting out with a role in Strategy, where their sole purpose is to think effectively so that the creative team can "do effectively". At smaller setups, the role of a core Strategist is all the more necessary so you can scale gradually with the size and quality of clients you onboard. Let's not make it a norm that only your network/global agencies are the only avenues where a Strategist is absolutely essential. #agencylife #advertising #career #strategy

Strategy isn't a function. It's one of the most important ones. Without strategy, you're like muscles without a backbone. And that's all over the place. #strategy

Here’s a bit of a rant. Could everyone please stop listing "strategy" as a skill unless they're genuinely a strategist? It undermines our work and the entire industry. Strategy isn’t just a skill; it’s a career. You can’t be a strategist and juggle fifty other roles simultaneously. You can be a creative strategist or a creative planner, but that’s still within the strategic realm. Just because you’ve written a few strategy slides doesn’t make you a strategist. Strategy isn’t something you can template. I often see job applicants' CVs, and let’s take an example from a marketing manager with 2 years of experience. They typically state: “I have a strong background from XXX and XXX, and 2 years of experience. I bring expertise in strategy, client servicing, social media, content creation, and managing creative campaigns.” You’re an account executive learning to be an account manager. The only accurate claims there are client servicing and managing creative campaigns. You should add managing client relations, assisting in content creation, and deploying strategy. You’re not a strategist. #Advertising #Strategy

I said once and I’ll say it again… 🚨 HIRE A JOURNALIST 🚨 What I Bring to the Table: A Breakdown When you’re looking to build a team, you’re not just hiring a role—you’re investing in the kind of person who can elevate your brand, streamline your strategy, and make your goals a reality. Here’s what I bring to the mix: 🔥 Strategic Storytelling: I turn abstract ideas into narratives that stick. Whether it’s a PR campaign, internal messaging, or executive communications, I ensure the right story lands with the right audience. 🔥 Media-Savvy Expertise: After years in the trenches of broadcast and digital media, I know what works—and more importantly, what doesn’t. From media training execs to leveraging earned media, I help brands cut through the noise 🔥 Creative Problem-Solving: Have a “can’t be done” challenge? Let me show you how it can. From crafting innovative campaigns to managing complex projects, I find the opportunity in every obstacle. 🔥 Relationship Builder: Whether it's collaborating across departments, guiding leadership teams, or connecting with external stakeholders, I know how to build trust and keep communication seamless. 🔥 Efficiency Meets Results: I’ve been where creativity meets deadlines, balancing the need for innovation with the importance of delivering on time and on point. 🔥 Authentic Leadership: I empower teams, nurture talent, and foster environments where collaboration and creativity thrive. Looking for someone who’s ready to make your team effective, your messaging sharper, and your goals more achievable? Let’s talk. #journalist #media #mediastrategy #pr #prtips #directorofcommunucations #communications #storytelling #brandstrategy #branding #opentowork #hireme #mediatrainer #mediacoach #contentcreator #mediarelations

Private and Public

Companies that are change agents in the world have a lot on their plates. It can seem like endless emails, meetings, events and projects. You don't have to do it all on your own though. Delegating to the right people on your team, hiring new team as you need it, and focusing on what you do best, are all ways you can have success in your work and in your personal life. Some of the tasks you could delegate include scheduling, email responses, admin support tasks, copywriting, graphic creation, social media posting, and more. The key is to be clear on what is on your plate, what you want to delegate and who would be the best person to take that on. And if you don't have someone already overseeing your projects and team, that should be an important position you get someone into as soon as possible...as long as it's the right person. Are you clear on what you can delegate? And ready to move forward with it? #businessgrowth #businessoperations #successtips

🌟 Attention Cleantech and Sustainability Leaders! 🌟 I'm excited to recommend an exceptional marketing communications professional seeking new opportunities in our space. With over 20 years of experience, this individual brings a unique blend of strategic marketing, sustainability expertise, and hands-on execution. Why consider collaborating with this marketing communications expert? Integrated Marketing Approach: They excel at developing and executing high-impact, integrated marketing programs that drive awareness, preference, and measurable results aligned with sustainable business strategies. Brand Storytelling: Their ability to craft compelling corporate narratives has consistently elevated brand identities, resonating deeply with diverse stakeholders and driving engagement. Sustainability Focus: With extensive experience in ESG and sustainability marketing, they can align your organization's messaging with its core values and sustainability goals. Cross-Channel Expertise: From digital marketing to thought leadership content, they ensure a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints, enhancing credibility and trust. Proven Results: This professional has led campaigns that have significantly increased market awareness, positioned companies as industry leaders, and directly impacted business growth. Global Perspective: With experience working in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, they bring a valuable global outlook to marketing strategies. Their holistic approach to marketing communications, combining sustainability expertise with strategic insight, can be transformative for organizations looking to enhance their market position and drive sustainable growth. If you're seeking to elevate your brand's marketing efforts in the cleantech or sustainability space, this candidate could be the perfect addition to your team. They're open to consulting, interim, fractional, or full-time roles with innovative startups and scaleups. Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out for an introduction! #SustainabilityMarketing #Cleantech #MarketingCommunications #ESG #Hiring 

Time for a change? Ready to make a move? Your dream job is out there, and it could very well be on our website. Have you checked it out yet? We’ve got lots of fabulous listings across the media spectrum. Visit www.vgp.co.za today to browse our available jobs! #vgprecruitment #careers #jobs #recruiter #recruiting #hiring #recruitmentspecialists #mediaindustryspecialists #advertising #marketing #digital #creative #publicrelations #pr #media #publishing #content #communications