Olly Cox
I'd be happy to chat to anyone about helping them with their website or brand. Plus, any Escape the City members can get a 15% off any of Pop's services.
Starting my own marketing agency
Leaving the UK's top digital agency to do your own thing: gutsy move and an exciting one too. Best of luck to Olly and we're with him on the 'read Seth Godin's blog' advice too.
How I can help Esc members
I'd be happy to chat to anyone about helping them with their website or brand. Plus, any Escape the City members can get a 15% off any of Pop's services.
Currently...
I recently set up Pop, a London based marketing agency that specialises in digital and brand development. The core of what I do is helping people and businesses get online - starting with strategy and working right through to developing websites (where required).
Before I escaped...
I worked in business development for 2 years at a wealth management company in the City, and then worked for 2 years at http://www.daredigital.com/" rel="nofollow">Dare, the top digital agency in the UK. I was incredibly lucky to work with some of the best digital brains out there, but at the same time I wanted to fulfill a lifelong ambition of working for myself.
I was excited by the prospect of gaining more control over my life and so decided to take the leap a couple of months ago.
My moment of truth...
Delivering work for my first ever client was a huge milestone. It made me realise that it wasn't something I just talked about anymore and that I could use my skills and experience to help people on my own terms.
Planning for it...
It took me a year to pull together the savings, experience and clients before I handed in my notice. I did some work for a couple of friends to make sure I could do it without the support of a larger organisation. I also spent a lot of time learning to ensure I had the skills required.
The worst and best bits...
Best: The freedom and control I now have over my life. Equally brilliant is that fact that every day is different.
Worst: I do miss my old work colleagues hugely. Not only are they incredibly talented folk, but they're lovely people too. I'm looking forward to building up a network of similar people over the coming years.
Best advice...
- Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.
- Once you're sure, don't hold back any longer than you have to.
- Follow Seth Godin's http://sethgodin.typepad.com/" rel="nofollow">blog
Useful resources and information...
Friends, family and old colleagues have all been invaluable. My bank manager had some great advice on how to structure my money now I'm self-employed and the British Library business section is a great resource too.