I was aware that this was where I would get the mentorship I needed to become a top-notch professional.
In less than a year, Aleksandar became a Paid Social Magician, and recently reached the third level of the LeanSEM career path. He currently got his Senior status and believes that in marketing “you can always do better”.
- Choose three words to describe yourself?
Consistent, reliable, curious.
- What’s your current position at the company?
Senior Paid Social Manager.
- Was your previous work experience marketing related? How did you find out about LeanSEM, and what made you apply for your work position?
Yes, though not so much focused on Paid Social, but rather more integrated marketing communication. Ugh, it’s hard not to find out about LeanSEM, since we are leaders here in what we do. 🙂 I found out through social media. The excellent working conditions and the team’s expertise have always been openly communicated.
Once I was ready to focus more on building a career, and the moment I saw an open position again, LeanSEM was my top choice. I was aware that this was where I would get the mentorship I needed to become a top-notch professional. Additionally, working with Silicon Valley customers has always sounded cooler than any everyday job in Macedonia.
- What does it mean for you to be part of such an agency and such a team?
It means a lot to me, not gonna lie. I feel privileged to be part of a world-class expert team ( we’re being compared to Silicon Valley experts) and to have the chance to develop professionally at my own pace, without having to leave Macedonia.
- Can you compare yourself to Alex a year ago? What milestones have you reached, and what has changed since the beginning?
In the first 2-3 months, I was confused and thirsty for knowledge… now I am just thirsty for more knowledge ?
Every day at work is a story in itself. The most significant milestone I reached was when it eventually clicked with me how integral we are to developing the companies we work with. Once you understand that, you start thinking about how to overdeliver and help them reach their goals. You learn and invent ways that you may not even have been aware that you can do. Naturally, as you grow professionally and approach their level – you gain self-confidence in what you say, which is another milestone to reach.
At first, I felt intimidated by their professionalism and drive, but now I enjoy the long discussions about how to go X5, and I enthusiastically pitch ideas.
- Describe your path to your current Senior position. What is the biggest challenge you face now?
I recently reached the third level of my LeanSEM career path; I started less than a year ago. The “Road to Senior” (and beyond) is detailed in a spreadsheet you receive on the first working day. Each level contains several milestones you are expected to reach and are discussed weekly on a 1: 1 meeting with the mentor and monthly with the management team. Once you meet those at the upper level – it means you are ready to move on.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s tough to reach these milestones, given that they are super-clear, constructive, and you can see the direct impact they make. Plus, when your mentor is a rock-star, you can’t mess up. ? kudos @Gligor.
Until now, my main deliverables were mainly focused on the clients, the platform I work on, the ads themselves, etc. However, the new ones that belong to the Senior position and above refer more to the growth of LeanSEM as a company, improving internal processes, getting into the shoes of a mentor for subsequent employees. At the same time, clients and the platform are equally crucial as before.
These are challenges that I meet for the first time, but there is no growth without challenges, so I am excited! Especially when it comes to mentoring new employees, I can’t wait!
- What is your most vital attribute that allowed you to get where you are right now?
Persistence for sure. There have been times when things did not go according to plan, and it is crucial not to lose the drive and go through with what you are doing. It’s easier when you know that in the end, you get…if not results – learnings, of course.
- What does “success” mean to you? Do you feel like you are on your way to reaching it; have you perhaps already reached it, or is it just an idea that a person strives for for the rest of his life?
I definitely don’t think that success is just an imaginary idea, and I believe I’m there. I probably would not be a marketer if I did not believe it can always be done better.
To me, success is ‘being at a good place in life’; enjoying what you do; being satisfied with what you produce; creating, flying, and being fulfilled in most aspects of life. Success is a feeling of genuine happiness, not always related to work/earnings.
- What made you leave your previous job and join LeanSEM? What didn’t you like about it, and what did you get here in return?
I missed the freedom of expression, the opportunity to organize my work responsibilities, the growth opportunities. That’s exactly what I get at LeanSEM. I have never been a fan of
classic 9-5 jobs.
- Some say the LeanSEM’s employment criteria are frighteningly high and strict. Do you agree?
Well, I would not say scary, but demanding for sure. In my opinion, this is a good thing, at least you know what kind of company you are dealing with, so you will filter yourself out if you are simply not ready to go beyond average.
- What is the mistake you learned the most from?
The opinion that working hard pays off when in reality working smart pays off better. ?
- Which of your achievements within LeanSEM are you most proud of?
Ok, this is easy. I’m most proud of exceeding customer targets during the Corona Crisis, with some customers even x5. Mainly because it was not something expected or predictable. We did it when most feared for their businesses. The fact that the team and I are giving them ease of mind makes me proud. Also, as I mentioned above, the transition from a “confused child” to a confident professional makes me more than proud of myself.
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