‘I moved from Agency to Client Side & I’m really struggling’

Today I’m analysing the situation of Fred. Fred reached out to me on TikTok as he has just made the move from the agency side to the client side and he is really struggling to adapt.

What’s the challenge?

Fred has spent most of his career at big, prestigious London agencies and recently made the jump to the client side. He's landed a role at a global corporation - one of the most recognisable brands in the world. 

Fred wants to make the most of this opportunity, but he’s finding it difficult to adjust to the change in environment. He reached out to understand more about how big globe orgs work and how he can be successful in this new space. 

My advice

It’s a climbing wall, not a ladder

In a big global organisation, the structure is often more like a climbing wall than a ladder. 

On the agency side, the reporting structure is pretty straightforward - you report to the person above you. On the client side, it’s different. There are a lot of dotted lines and cross-functional teams that need your attention. 

You’ll need to work with people outside your immediate team who influence your work. It can be frustrating at first, but once you get your head around it, you will be able to navigate the complexities of the organisation more smoothly.

Relationships are THE most important thing

This might seem like a no-brainer, but on the client side, relationships are absolutely crucial. You might even find it difficult to do your job without the right connections. 

On the agency side, relationships are important, but they’re often more transactional. On the client side, it’s different. To succeed in a big global organisation, you need relationships across the entire business - not just within your own team or department. 

Make it a priority to build strong relationships with key people in the company.

The ‘work’ is different on the client side

The pace and nature of work on the client side can be a big adjustment. On the agency side, you’re often focused on productivity and delivering results quickly because your time is billed by the hour. 

On the client side, the focus is on the value you add, not how many hours you clock in. 

Shifting your mindset here is key - once you start thinking about your role in terms of value, you’ll see where you can have the biggest impact.

Take tons of coffee dates

Building relationships is crucial, and one of the best ways to do this is by taking coffee dates with your colleagues. 

It might feel like an indulgence, but trust me, these chats are vital to understanding the business and the people around you. It’s an investment in your future success because the stronger your relationships, the more value you’ll be able to add down the line. 

No one will ever criticise you for taking an hour to build the connections that will help you excel.

So, do big global companies sound like the right fit for you?

I help people in the Marketing & Creative & Tech Industries to find their next perfect role. If you are looking to level-up your career, then the Creative Career Level Up might be the right solution for you.