Time We Discuss: Marketing and Media Agency | GroHaus
Watch/Listen to this Episode Marketing and Media Agency | GroHaus
Drew Donaldson's career journey in media and marketing is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and the pursuit of meaningful work in this episode of Time We Discuss. Starting during the early days of online video marketing, Drew leveraged his film school experience to create high-quality business videos. Despite his technical expertise and accolades, including festival awards, he struggled to grow his production company, realizing his gap in marketing knowledge. This led him to take a job at a university in New York, where he managed their video marketing program and learned the intricacies of advertising, digital strategies, and scaling businesses.
Drew's brief stint at a large marketing agency revealed the downsides of the industry, particularly the "churn and burn" culture that prioritized output over employee well-being. This experience solidified his decision to leave and carve his own path. Transitioning into consulting, Drew gained further insight into business operations and client needs. Eventually, he began coaching, focusing on helping small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period became a critical learning phase, as he explored market demands and adjusted his offerings.
Interestingly, while Drew initially aimed to avoid running a traditional agency again, his coaching clients often asked him to take on the actual implementation of his recommendations. This organic demand led to the rebirth of his marketing agency. Learning from past experiences, Drew refined his approach, emphasizing specialization and targeting a specific audience rather than trying to serve everyone.
Throughout his career, Drew highlighted the importance of understanding human behavior and mastering writing as core skills for marketing success. He dismissed the notion that formal education in marketing is essential, advocating instead for hands-on experimentation and self-directed learning. He shared how tools like Joel Irway's Power Offer course and Alex Hormozi's $100M Offers reshaped his business strategy, helping him recover from a financial downturn and achieve substantial growth.
Drew's business philosophy centers on "humane capitalism," a model that values employee well-being and customer satisfaction alongside profitability. He believes businesses can succeed by fostering loyalty and trust, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes. His agency now helps organizations implement these principles, advocating that success doesn't have to come at the cost of grinding people down.
In closing, Drew reflected on his journey, emphasizing the power of adaptability and the importance of refining one's skills. He also encouraged aspiring marketers to invest time in writing and understanding human psychology, calling them indispensable tools for long-term success. His story is not just about building a career but also about creating work that aligns with his values of growth, fairness, and meaningful impact.
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