Juggling university exams and running a business…
With the aim of inspiring digital marketing jobs seekers, those of you aspiring to freelance and those looking to launch your own businesses, we’ve tracked down some industry professionals from a range of sectors to talk us through their own career journeys in this brand new blog series.
This time, we’re chatting to 25-year-old Will Bower
Will is already the Founder of unique viral video production and marketing agency, Royalty Three and is a Director at Selfie Factory, the UK’s first popup selfie creation experience!
Without further ado, let’s find out what made this marketer…
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A ‘businessman’
What & where was your very first job?
I worked at McDonald’s for a single day at Gatwick Airport when I was 16 but the employee training me didn’t wash his hands at the start of the shift so I decided not to go back. Funnily enough, it still hasn’t put me off eating there – I had a Chicken Legend Meal last night.
When & how did you first discover digital marketing / your specific industry sector?
After completing an underwhelming Business & Management degree, campaigning (making noise) stood out as the ‘fun part’. I forced my way into the advertising industry shortly after with a viral video and have been generating PR and producing highly-viewed campaigns for clients ever since through a business of my own.
Share a mistake you made or an event you most regret from your career?
I used to ‘play-out’ in the street (before mobile phones) with my brother and neighbours, we spent our time recording sketches and uploading videos online. We used to get 100,000s of views because we were extremely early on the YouTube train and there were a lot more viewers than creators. Eventually, we stopped because we were lazy, the YouTube boom happened and we missed out on our one-way ticket to fame, riches and reality TV shows. I guess the lesson is: just keep going and stick at it… and like, share and subscribe.
Jumping in a time machine, what pearls of wisdom would you give your 18-year-old self?
Think big. I used to think that businesses were these finely oiled machines of productivity, set in their ways working on huge world-changing projects but I’ve since realised that most of them are just gaggles of adults typing things on computers and drinking tea. People actually read your emails and you can just reach out and make big things happen.
What industry skill do you wish you’d learnt sooner, and why?
Facebook Ads. I can literally create a message with artwork in 5 minutes and fire it out to thousands of people I want to see it. It’s almost too easy.
If you were to publish your autobiography in 20 years time, what would it be titled?
Building Businesses: The Boots Meal Deal Diet
What is the one thing you want to be remembered for from your career, and why?
Mainly not taking things too seriously really, business is boring enough as it is. I’ve just started up a new venture called Selfie Factory; it’s the UK’s first Instagram-Inspired Funhouse for selfies and I’m pretty proud of it, you should check it out.
Thank you Will, for this snapshot of your career! Business is no longer ‘just for adults.’ We’re now in a generation of hustlers who, like Will, are building successful digital businesses while passing exams. Key take away: If you have a business idea, no matter your age… run with it!
Selfie Factory is currently in London and is available for event hire! Book your ticket today!
Do keep an eye out for more in our ‘Making Of A Marketer’ series as we’ll be continuing to publish new editions on a regular basis from equally inspiring digital marketing experts.
Could your career story encourage others to further their digital careers? Get in touch with me, Emma, via emma@clockworktalent.com or our contact page.
