TOP 10 Career Lessons of a Web3 Strategist With 10 Years of Experience in Marketing

Hi, dear HackerNoon fam ✨

Daria is here with freshly backed content dedicated to career development.

This year marks a decade since I started my Brand Marketing Strategist career. And you know what that means? It's time to spill the beans and share the TOP 10 lessons I've learned since 2013.

Trust me, these lessons aren't just for the newbies out there; even seasoned pros can find some value in them.

The Top 10 Lessons

So, here is my list, and you can add your points or discuss the existing ones:

❇️ Take charge and be proactive, especially if you're just starting out and don't have a wide portfolio or names of famous companies on your CV. Nobody will offer you anything just like that. You must understand what you want to get, and actively move towards the intended goal.

❇️ Be responsible.

It may sound banal, but you'd be surprised how many people overlook this simple tip. If you say you'll be there at 3 pm, then be there at 3 pm, or give a heads-up in advance. Nothing wrecks your reputation and career faster than being unreliable 🙁

❇️ Don't be afraid to work for free or for minimal pay if the experience you gain will earn you more in the future. I started my career with an internship at the international advertising agency Havas, and it gave me knowledge and experience that I would not have gained on my own 🚀

❇️ Know the cost of your time and experience.

The previous rule applies to those fresh-faced newcomers. If you're a seasoned pro, working for free or below market price is a crime against your self-esteem.

A very low price for your services or low salary expectations as an employee can scare off a potential client or employer because few people want to work with unprofessionals or people who do not value their work. It is better to name a higher price and negotiate if necessary.

❇️ Nobody likes a bearer of bad news.

If you stumble upon a sticky situation, think about a solution before rushing to your manager. Even if your idea isn't the best, you'll come across as someone who takes action instead of just whining about the problem.

I know several people who have been fired after regularly reporting problems and not taking the initiative to resolve them. So, I remind you about the first item on my list.

❇️ If you are young, you may meet people who will try to hinder your development.

When I was 21-25 years old, I was the youngest in the team, and some senior colleagues, feeling competition, made small troubles for me and other younger colleagues. It pissed me off, but eventually, I realized it was just plain ol' envy 🤷‍♀️

❇️ I recommend surrounding yourself with inspiring people who can teach you.

Having mentors or role models who lift you up and give solid advice is crucial. One of my go-to folks was the agency's creative director; many other colleagues were happy to share knowledge✨

Nowadays, I love mingling with diverse individuals and gladly offer up my experience to those in need. For me, it is pleasant and important to help newbies understand the secrets of strategic marketing, branding, business development in Web3, and related topics.

❇️ Empathy is the secret sauce.

Try to put yourself in the shoes of your clients, colleagues, or manager. You have to understand when people need a break and sometimes even persuade a colleague to take a vacation.

And when on the contrary, more motivation and the creation of a competitive environment in the team are needed to obtain the maximum result.

Empathy will help you become a trusted leader instead of a boss that strikes fear into the hearts of others.

❇️ Listen carefully, and don't be afraid to ask.

This is especially true when dealing with clients directly. Too many people assume things based on their past experiences instead of seeking clarification. Don't make that rookie mistake!

At a meeting with clients, most of the time, I listen and ask questions. If you took on a project and did not get to know the business or did not find out the goals, then be prepared for the fact that everything will change along the way, and the result of your work will not cause delight.

There are no bad clients. There are unclear tasks, unprescribed working conditions, and unjustified expectations.

❇️ Play to your strengths and focus on meaningful endeavors that can skyrocket your achievements.

You don't have to be everyone's favorite. If you try to please everyone, you'll waste your energy on others at the expense of your own growth. Stick to what you're good at, and let it be the basis for acquiring skills and knowledge from various fields.

🤗 So, what do you think? Got anything to add? I'm all ears and grateful for your input!

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