NORTHERN PLANNER

I was sat enjoying the best cup of tea in the world last week in Mum and Dad’s garden, overlooking the beach. We’d been there for five days and the rigors of the long stretch between Christmas and Easter we’re beginning to wear off. It’s relentlessly cold, dark and wet eventually get a bit much and this year and Christmas is never much of break with the usual relations duties and so forth.

So this annual spring pilgrimage to Cornwall is always welcome, but this year it’s on the back of three months getting used to a new job and adjusting to even earlier mornings and later nights.

The first 100 days in office are now over and the report is in. Like most places these days, there was a three month probation that’s now out of the way. It’s good to know you’re being kept on for sure, and nice to be told you’re doing well. It’s not that surprising to be asked to say what I think a bit more, and good to know.

The biggest challenge for a planner is to be wanted in a room in a first place, so it’s nice that people do. It’s also ironic that holding back a bit while you get a feel for the place and its people makes them value what you say. Jonathan pointed out that this blog has become a little muted of late. Funny how writing your own long tail reflects your frame of mind. Expect a return to more bolshiness.

It’s been nice to be part of a planning department, I’ve always liked being around creatives and suits, but they’re not planners. I’m doing one or two things for the first time, and other bits where I was ‘stirring the soup’ I’m getting the chance to do really well.

On the other hand, being part of a big group means proprietary models and sometime one or two barriers. The trick is thinking around them and them post rationalising for whatever you have to conform to. Anyway, everyone has a process really. Even W&K sticks to its ‘find the voice first’ schtick pretty rigidly (is Fallon’s ‘give it to Juan?).

It’s lovely actually having to hold creatives back and throw in the odd steer. The enthusiasm and commitment is intimidating, from the bottom up – not least my ghd team who work do hard with unbridled passion every day.

So far I’ve:

• Been involved in winning a client of Mcann’s London.
• Written the most exciting  brief I’ve ever done.
• Had the Church ban my ad.
• Fainted in a hotel.
• Spilt tea only once.
• Acquired two perfect mugs.
• Taught everyone to warm the pot.
• Briefed a transvestite performance artist.

Mostly, I’ve felt like I was beginning to belong, and like I was moving forward. Learning, and hopefully adding some bits of my own.

Good this.