Our Industry Insights Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we head to Sydney to speak to Aaron Brooks, co-founder and chief commercial officer of influencer marketing startup, Visual Amplifiers (VAMP).
Duration in current role/time at the company:
One year.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
VAMP is full service influencer marketing company that helps brands connect with influencers that love their products. We handle everything from talent recruitment, campaign management, payments and analytics.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Influencers are redefining how we visually tell brand stories and connect with consumers through social media – my job is to educate clients and potential clients on how best to leverage this emerging channel of influencer marketing.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
The past 12 months have been a wild ride. We acquired funding, commercially launched the business and have grown our team significantly, including welcoming Todd Sampson to our board. We’ve maintained a leadership position in a fast-changing, emerging channel and cemented a unique position which places the influencer at the core.
Not to mention the almost unbelievable feat of getting brand managers and marketers to relinquish control of their brands (for a while anyway). And the effective campaigns we’ve delivered have allowed us to do it time and time again for major clients including ASOS, Uniqlo, eBay, Samsung, MasterCard, The Horse, Schweppes and many more.
Things are moving very fast, in a very positive direction, for us right now.
AdNews speaks to two VAMP influencers to find out what's in it for them. Read more here.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
As the social economy continues to evolve, the success of VAMP relies on us continuing to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. This is a major driving force for me. Beyond this, we get to work with some of the most amazing social media influencers who surprise and inspire us every day with their unfailing ability to strike that fine balance between creativity and effectiveness – the holy grail, right?
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
I was previously in tech companies such as Oracle, Zuora, Huddle & eMarsys. At Huddle I was working with some amazingly entrepreneurially-minded people – more than 15 of them have started their own businesses.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three year’s time?
The next three years are going to be huge for Vamp. We’ve got major expansion plans. But like all good entrepreneurs I plan to have a few things on the boil, so stay tuned.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I am working on my celebrity status reluctantly and without intention. I was on Jimmy Fallon and in the Daily Mail.
Top networking tip:
Take any and all meetings, you never know the outcome.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
I love a great steak so Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse is my go to.
My favourite advert is:
Anything Nike Football.
My must-have gadget is:
Can’t live without my iPad Pro.
My favourite media is:
Social media (of course).
My favourite TV show is:
Seinfeld - a day doesn’t go by where I can’t find a relevant quote to apply to my day.
The last book I read:
Elon Musk’s biography. He is a true icon of our time.
My mantra / philosophy is:
The harder you work the luckier you get .
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I co-founded VAMP because as a consumer of social media I saw an opportunity to help brands and influencers connect more effectively. It’s really that simple... Well, other than the fact that starting a new company is bloody hard work and I’ve always been up for a challenge.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Trading stocks. I am a secret (well not so secret now) trader.
In five years' time I'll be:
Still be driven by my entrepreneurial side. Once you get your first idea off the ground it becomes pretty addictive. I plan on doing this for years to come.
Define your job in one word:
Ever-changing.
What's your poison:
Sailor Jerry and dry.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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