Today's Question: Are You Motivated by the Next Big Thing?

One thing that is pretty predictable about agency life is that fact that things tend to slow down in the summer. There’s a decrease in agency pitches, more people are on vacation and fewer products are introduced at this time. It’s easy to let your mind wander as you wait for the next big thing…

One thing I’ve discovered about myself is that I get more accomplished when I’m busy. My “to do” list needs to be jam-packed otherwise I get complacent. It’s also easy to get complacent when you keep revisiting the same client roster. So, how can you beat the summertime blues? Here are a few tips:

1. Instead of “waiting” for the next big thing, go and find it. No one is keeping you from picking up the phone and meeting a respected mentor/peer or ideal prospect for coffee (or iced tea).
2. Use the time to get acclimated with trend and industry changes. You can never stop learning; figure out how your new findings can translate into client campaigns.
3. Lend a helping hand—either inside or outside your office walls. It might be the perfect time to get involved with a local cause or charity.

Most importantly, keep providing great results on the current work you do have—it might be slower, but that doesn’t mean that your clients are not talking to your competition—remember, they might have more time on their hands too!