Steve Kazanjian’s Post

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Growth Strategies for Agencies, Creative Teams, and Individuals | Entertainment Marketing Consultancy | Former President & CEO of Promax

All Hands on Deck: Or Turning Headwinds into Opportunities Last night, I was catching up with an old friend who gave me my first real job in “Promo.” Inevitably, our conversation turned to the industry, our careers, and the next 10 years. Where is everything headed? Where are WE headed? And most importantly, how do we deal with these massive headwinds hitting us in the face? Then a metaphor came to mind. A few years ago, I took up sailing. I was awful at it. One weekend, while out on open water, the weather suddenly changed. The gentle breeze at my back turned into massive headwinds. The sail was billowing, the boat was stalled, and I felt completely out of control. Then I tacked slightly, and everything changed. This simple adjustment turned those headwinds into accelerators, propelling me forward. Here’s the metaphor: Everyone thinks tailwinds are ideal. I disagree. Sure, they are easier—you do less work and ride the wind. However, they can also be unstable. If the wind changes direction and you aren’t paying attention, you could end up overboard. Have you fallen overboard? So have all of us at some point. Looking to tack? Here's how to "shift your wind." 1. Angle Your Approach What makes you innately YOU? Find it. You are more than the product you create. Take stock of the work you've done, find the common themes, and understand how to repackage yourself. Identify the growing areas of our industry (yes, they do exist), explore the areas that excite you, and align your skills accordingly. 2. Diversify Yourself Don’t have all the skills needed? No problem. Build them. Don’t look for the same role that is contracting. You’ll be in the exact same place in 5 years—and 5 years older. Identify your gap based on your curiosity (point 1) and fill it. Learn new technologies, take up side projects, or explore different aspects of your industry. You’ve done this countless times over the course of your career. It’s time to do it again. 3. Leverage Your Network Find those people in your network who are the experts in what you want to do and reach out. Not for a job—for advice. This does NOT mean cold-calling. No one likes a cold-call, neither you nor the person you’re calling. However, reaching out to get opinions on where the industry is headed or what trends they’re seeing can be a great ice breaker. And if you’re on the receiving side? Please, take the call. No one is THAT busy. So, what’s the point of all this? Headwinds will make you stronger. It’s not about reversing direction to get the wind at your back. It only takes a slight adjustment of your sails to catch the wind again and get you back on course. At The Next [Next] Group, we’re here to help you navigate these waters. Let’s chart a course together towards your next big opportunity. Interested in diving in? DM me for our free upcoming workshop. #CareerReboot #StrategicThinking #Innovation #EntertainmentIndustry #ProfessionalGrowth #angularity #AgencyLife #MyNextNext

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Maureen "Mo" Sullivan, M.S., SPHR

Employee Relations | Organizational Development | Change Management | Leadership Coaching | Talent Acquisition | Employee Experience

1mo

I read this post to Duran Duran's Rio 😀

Ron Beck

President of Tiny Hero

1mo

I see a pivot into starting a consultancy firm on where to get cool blazers.

Angie Panelo

Director Latin America & U.S. Hispanic Relations at The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences

1mo

Great insights as usual. Thanks for sharing Steve Kazanjian

Steve Kazanjian as a nautical certified coastal and celestial (didn't finish the class) navigator, I appreciate your comparisons. You are spot on. As always. Play it right. Put down the jib. Loosen the sails and lower your heads. "Coming about". And put on some shoes. White soles only.

Brett Bagenstose

Creating story-driven immersive & interactive spaces for real & digital worlds @ NeoPangea. Growing audiences for entertainment, experiential, & museums.

1mo

Of course, your jacket matches the boat. 👌

Aaron Beaucher

SVP at NeoPangea | Army Veteran

1mo

Roll up your sleeves or pants in this case and jump in. Curiosity is the key here. There's plenty to be afraid of but just look under the bed already!

It is brilliant metaphor , “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”. But the sail must be raised in any case

Love this metaphor and it couldn't be more spot on. Thank you for your words of wisdom, as hard as they maybe to hear. Also, you were meant for sailing in that 'fit

Dan Bragg

Creative and Marketing Executive

1mo

That's very Christopher Cross of you Steve-O. I trust you do have the Yacht rock cruising with you.

Brendon Hamlin

Video Strategy & Content Creation for Live Event Marketing

1mo

So smart! So many times we think we must reinvent and become something completely new, when really we might just need stop, evaluate & listen then reinvest and make some adjustments. Thanks Steve Kazanjian always appreciate your insights and guidance.

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