Cerie Shares Her First Six Months at CFD
Posted on 12th August 2024 at 13:49
Read Time: Approx. 8 Minutes 39 Seconds
Author: Cerie Waudby
It is astonishing to think that my journey with Customer First Digital began just six months ago, in February 2024. Time has truly flown by, and I am both amazed and grateful for the incredible experiences and insights I have gained in such a relatively short period.
From the outset, I was warmly welcomed by an exceptional team whose dedication and expertise have profoundly influenced my professional growth. Their unwavering support and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in my development, allowing me to delve deeply into the intricacies of digital marketing. The knowledge and skills I have acquired far exceed my initial expectations, and I attribute this growth largely to the dynamic and inspiring environment cultivated by my colleagues.
Throughout these six months, I have had the opportunity to engage in a myriad of projects, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also enhanced my strategic thinking and critical thinking skills. My comprehensive understanding of digital marketing strategies and tools including Rakuten, Awin, Shopify, GA4, HubSpot, Buffer, and Similarweb is a testament to the exceptional mentorship and guidance provided by the Customer First Digital team.
Reflecting on this journey, I am struck by the remarkable progress I have made. The last six months have been a period of intensive learning and significant achievement, both personally and professionally. I am genuinely excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and discovery with Customer First Digital.
What work I have done?
Reflecting on my first six months at Customer First Digital, I am amazed by the breadth and depth of experiences I have encountered. From the outset, I was welcomed as a fully integrated member of the team, an opportunity that laid the foundation for my subsequent achievements and professional growth.
Early on, I was entrusted with overseeing two partner accounts one of which was Face the Future and the other was a new addition to the Customer First Digital family, Monpure. This allowed me to immerse myself in the entire client onboarding process, providing invaluable insight into the intricate mechanisms of our operations. I found this comprehensive exposure both intellectually stimulating and immensely beneficial.
In addition to client management, I have actively participated in client and brand partnership calls. These interactions have enhanced my understanding of client relations and strategic collaboration. I have also taken the initiative to spearhead reciprocal brand partnership deals, forging robust relationships with several new brand partners. This role has significantly honed my negotiation and partnership-building skills.
One of my key responsibilities has been producing the Affinity Newsletter, a cornerstone of CFD's Brand Partnership. Now that I am solely responsible for this project, I am particularly excited about the upcoming instalment. This task has allowed me to blend creativity with strategic communication, significantly advancing my professional development. Additionally, I have been overseeing all brand partnership activities, including the successful forging of new partnerships, further enhancing our brand's reach and impact.
I am proud to have successfully completed the first part of the CFD Academy, a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and growth. My daily activities have also expanded to include mastering all Business as Usual (BAU) tasks for our clients, ensuring that their needs are consistently met with the highest standards of service.
Another highlight of my tenure has been conducting my first Lunch & Learn session on Effective Blog Writing. The positive reception from the team was incredibly gratifying and reinforced my passion for knowledge sharing and team development.
Beyond these core responsibilities, I have engaged in monthly client reporting and social media research, both of which are critical to our strategic initiatives. I also had the opportunity to test a new brand partnership platform, contributing to our ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance our service offerings.
Campaign support has been another significant aspect of my role. I assisted in promoting the "366 Days of SPF" campaign for Face the Future, as well as the VAT Burn Campaign. These initiatives have deepened my understanding of campaign management and execution.
Attending the Rakuten Advertising Dealmaker event in March was a particularly enriching experience. I enjoyed meeting publishers, agencies, and affiliates, and gained valuable insights from attending meetings with Suzanne. The seminars I participated in were highly informative and have greatly enhanced my industry knowledge.
Reflecting on these past six months, I am astonished by the substantial progress I have made. Each responsibility and project has contributed to my professional development, equipping me with a robust skill set and a deeper understanding of digital marketing. I am eager to continue this journey with Customer First Digital, confident that the future holds even more opportunities for growth and achievement.
What have I learnt in my first half year ...
One of the most significant areas of development during my first six months at Customer First Digital has been my proficiency with Excel. Initially, I possessed only a basic understanding of Excel, but the demands of preparing our weekly partner reports necessitated a rapid enhancement of my skills. I have since become adept at using various Excel functions and tools, significantly improving my efficiency and accuracy in data management and analysis.
Additionally, I have become proficient in using the Rakuten dashboard, a critical tool for our affiliate marketing operations. Understanding the functionalities of this platform has been essential in optimising our affiliate strategies and driving superior results for our clients.
My professional growth has been enriched by the mentorship and support of my colleagues. Suzanne has been an invaluable resource in expanding my knowledge of affiliate marketing. Through her guidance, I have gained a deeper understanding of various platforms, such as Rakuten and Awin, which has enhanced my strategic approach to affiliate partnerships.
Dave's extensive knowledge of brand partnerships has also been a cornerstone of my learning experience. His expertise has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how to cultivate and manage successful brand relationships, which is crucial in my role for forging and maintaining strong partnerships that benefit both our clients and our agency.
Lewis has introduced me to new tools and platforms that are pivotal to our operations. His guidance on using HubSpot for releasing our monthly Affinity Newsletter has streamlined our communication processes and improved our outreach efforts. Additionally, his support has broadened my skill set and understanding.
Furthermore, my colleague Liv has been incredibly helpful, particularly with all things Canva. As our office expert, she has shared her extensive knowledge and tips, enabling me to enhance my design skills and create more visually appealing content for our marketing materials.
Overall, my knowledge of the digital marketing landscape has expanded significantly due to the collaborative and supportive environment at Customer First Digital. However, I recognise that there is always more to learn, and I am eager to continue building on this solid foundation. The continuous learning and development opportunities here are immense, and I am excited to keep growing in my role.
Proudest moment so far ...
Reflecting on my proudest moments during my first six months at Customer First Digital, several key achievements stand out.
Firstly, being entrusted with the responsibility of managing CFD clients has been a significant milestone. This responsibility has not only deepened my understanding of client relations but also bolstered my confidence in delivering high-quality service and maintaining client satisfaction.
Another highlight has been presenting my first Lunch and Learn session. This experience was particularly gratifying as it had been quite some time since I had created and delivered a formal presentation. The positive feedback from my colleagues reaffirmed my ability to effectively communicate and share knowledge within the team.
In July, I had the opportunity to complete the Emergency First Aid at Work course. First aid has always been an area of interest for me, but I had never previously pursued formal training. Being offered the chance to attend the course and subsequently becoming one of the office's assigned first aiders was a proud and fulfilling accomplishment. It has equipped me with vital skills that are not only beneficial in the workplace but also invaluable in everyday life.
Participating in brand partnership calls has also been a notable achievement. The surge of interest in this area provided me with extensive experience and insight into forming and nurturing brand relationships. This has significantly enhanced my understanding of strategic partnerships and their importance in driving business success.
Each of these experiences has contributed to my professional growth and has been a source of immense pride. They reflect the diverse and enriching opportunities I have encountered at Customer First Digital, and I am excited to continue building on these accomplishments as I progress in my role.
Outside of work ...
Over the past six months, I've had the incredible fortune of engaging in a variety of enriching experiences that have significantly enhanced my personal well-being and satisfaction.
I embarked on a memorable journey to Mar de Cristal in Spain, where I relished the pristine beaches and the tranquil Mediterranean ambiance. This was followed by a visit to Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful coastline. However, the highlight of my travels was undoubtedly attending my very first Formula 1 race in Belgium. As a long-time F1 enthusiast, witnessing the high-speed action and the electric atmosphere of the race live was an indescribable thrill.
In addition to my travels, I have diligently maintained my commitment to daily gym sessions. Fitness is a deep-seated passion of mine, and these regular workouts have been instrumental in keeping me physically and mentally balanced.
My love for the outdoors has also seen me hiking several hundreds of miles across the stunning landscapes of East and North Yorkshire. These hikes have not only been physically rewarding but have also offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Moreover, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Scarborough, a charming seaside town. During my visit, I attended a gig by The Ultimate Killers, an exceptional tribute band. The performance was fantastic and added a memorable highlight to my stay.
Balancing these fulfilling activities with my professional responsibilities has been a rewarding challenge. I am extremely fortunate and grateful for the ability to enjoy my leisure time fully while maintaining a proficient work-life balance. This balance has been pivotal in ensuring sustained productivity and personal contentment.
Moving into H2 ...
Reflecting on the past six months, I am delighted by the wealth of experiences and knowledge I have gained, far exceeding my initial expectations. This journey has been incredibly enriching, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunities that 2024 will bring, particularly in expanding the Brand Partnership side of our business. The potential for growth in this area is immense, and I am excited to explore the new prospects that lie ahead.
A notable highlight has been our recognition within the industry. I am thrilled to announce that Customer First Digital has been shortlisted for the Best Ecommerce Boutique Agency at the Ecommerce Awards 2024. This acknowledgment is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. Additionally, we have been shortlisted for two more awards in collaboration with our partners at Face the Future: Best Multi-Channel Marketing Campaign and Best B2C App. These nominations reflect our innovative approach and commitment to excellence, and I am eagerly looking forward to the awards ceremony.
I am also eagerly anticipating the commencement of several new projects that have emerged as a result of our innovative "Focus Fridays" initiative. This dedicated time has allowed us to brainstorm, strategize, and develop ideas that are poised to drive significant growth and innovation within the company. The potential of these projects is truly exciting, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our overall objectives and success.
Overall, my first six months at Customer First Digital have been nothing short of extraordinary. The positive experiences and professional growth I have encountered here have been incredibly rewarding. As we enter into the final months of 2024, I am excited to continue this journey with our talented team, eager to embrace new challenges and celebrate further successes.
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