I'm an early career professional working as the first ever official strategist for a small agency. I seem to be suffering a case of "lack of work to do," and have been working on compiling research and strategy advising reports on developments in our clients' industries, but that can only get me so many billable hours. I know part of agency life is finding work to do, but it feels often that they brought in a strategist without an idea of what they wanted. Any advice on building out my value?

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Welcome to Strategy.
"We know we need you, not sure what for."

likesmartfunny

Sounds a lot like most Marketing roles at small-mid size companies! "We know we need you, not sure what for."

If you want to be a strategist, then "Be a Strategist".
Right now you are an order taker doing what is asked instead of researching how to develop.

Start with simple steps.

Like maybe posting this question to an AI that will ask you qualifying questions to show what you may be missing. . Best of luck!

likesmart

maybe some comms planning?

like

1. Standardize the briefing process - how to capture client briefs and translating them to creative & media briefs
2. Send out regular insights-gathered report
3. Research competition and provide your POV
4. If your agency has one big client, then depending on budgets offer research as a service
5. If media planning / buying is a big ask, then work on curating the right audiences

likehelpful

Yes like most advice here, you could fix brief templates or send “insight” emails but at your level you should not be finding work. This is a flaw in the agency and what they are selling. Do you trust the leaders to sell strategy like things? Does the agency appreciate what you do as a skill? If not, build an exit plan.

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