Imagine starting a new job amidst a global pandemic, third national lockdown and post Christmas break. That’s what I decided to do. I’m the new Marketing Manager at Digital Storm. I joined at the beginning of 2021 and thought it was about time I introduced myself.
I’m Natalka (sounds like talcum powder). Under normal circumstances I’d go on to tell you a bit about myself, but post-2020 I’ve forgotten all of my hobbies. My evenings and weekends consist of Netflix, eating and painting the random pieces of furniture I find on Facebook marketplace. I’m sure you can relate.
Digital Storm invited me to join the team as a Marketing Manager in December 2020. Since then, time has flown by. Before starting my new role Curtis and Olivia jumped on a call with me to go over everything. Since starting we’ve had a crash course on every client, campaign and piece of software you can imagine (thanks Liv!).
I’ll be working alongside the marketing team to strategise, plan and implement your campaigns. Using a variety of digital channels, such as social media and email, we’re positive that we can make this your best year yet.
Who’s Natalka?
I’m from Brighton, but moved to Bournemouth to study advertising. Bournemouth University was always my first choice, their advertising and marketing courses are renowned worldwide. Also, I had no intention of leaving the beach. Ever.
The university gave me the option of completing a placement year, an opportunity that I jumped at. As everyone at Digital Storm knows, apprenticeships teach you a lot. Fast. I spent a year at a media planning and buying agency in Brighton. It was great fun, I learnt a lot and I got a bit of behind-the-scenes insight into all of the media platforms.
A Lover of Digital Marketing
Digital channels have always been my favourite. They give you an amazing opportunity to interact and engage with your audience, rather than just shouting at them. I will say I am a fan of out-of-home advertising.
If you’re familiar with BOB milk you’ll know that their branding is all yellow. They ran a campaign where they bought all of the OOH space in Brighton and turned it yellow. Of course, the real win was the buzz it generated on social media and in the press.
That’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, so BOB milk, if you’re reading this, give us a call.
And a few more Random Facts
Eventually my placement was over so I came back to Bournemouth to finish my degree. I ended up taking a job at a restaurant which turned into a senior role and a postgraduate degree.
Never a fan of twiddling my thumbs I launched a blog, started freelance writing and taught myself SEO. I left hospitality, joined an in-house marketing team and put everything I had learnt to the test. Basically that’s how I got here.
Joining Digital Storm
I joined Digital Storm as a Marketing Manager and dived straight into planning the 2021 campaigns. The team are amazing, although I’m not convinced Lesley will ever get us joining her in her PE with Joe sessions.
Starting at the beginning of a new year definitely has its advantages. We’re at the beginning of rolling out campaigns, so I’ve been involved right from the start. There’s a lot of information to take in about the existing clients (who knew there was so much to learn about decking!?), but new clients are still coming through the door. It’s been a busy start to the year, so I’ve got high expectations for 2021.
The weirdest thing has been starting from home. Most people are working remotely. It’s something that 2020 forced us to get used to. But starting a new role at a new agency without leaving my house has been very strange indeed.
Starting a New Job, From Home
Starting a new job whilst working from home is strange. Crazy to think that I’ve only met most of the Digital Storm team through a screen. Not that you’d be able to tell.
With everything going on in the world at the moment, Digital Storm has adapted really well. From the morning meeting until the end of the day, we’re always talking to each other. I’m getting sick of the sound of my own voice if I’m honest, but it’s amazing to feel like part of the team so early despite the obvious hurdles.
So far I’m still getting up early enough to go for a walk, have some breakfast and get ready for the day. I can’t promise that I won’t be working in pyjama trousers soon. But we’re off to a good start.
What 2021 has in store
Right now I’m working closely with Olivia and Curtis to finalise the 2021 campaigns for clients such as The Colour Works, The Mayfield Group, Fabric Land, among others. We’ve also got a new client joining us – John Pipe International. I’m very excited to get stuck into their strategy and see what we can do this year.
I’ve definitely hit the ground running at Digital Storm. We’ve got a lot planned. There’s a lot to do and, if I’m being honest, I probably shouldn’t have spent this long writing a blog post about myself.
Keep an eye on our socials. Like I said, we’ve got a lot planned for this year and we’ll definitely be shouting about it.
