My entire career in SEO and digital marketing has been spent either working in-house at large organisations or as part of agency teams. And I’ve come to realise that, regardless of the qualities of the boss I work for (and right now I work for a truly great boss), I still don’t like having a boss. So the problem is not with the bosses – the problem is with me.
On top of that, in about two years the big Four-Oh will arrive and, as a result, I feel a sense of urgency about the direction my career is heading. Am I doing the thing I really want to be doing? Am I playing it too safe?
One thing I want to avoid is to get old and look back with regrets about chances not taken, opportunities not pursued. So I’m taking my chances and, following in the footsteps of many SEOs and digital marketers in recent times, am starting my own business.
As of July 10th I will be officially self-employed and trading under the name Polemic Digital, which I thought was rather fitting for me. My services will be almost purely SEO focused, as that’s what I love doing most and, truth be told, I’m not much good at anything else.
Polemic: 1. A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific doctrine. 2. A person engaged in or inclined to controversy, argument, or refutation.
As Polemic Digital I will offer technical SEO audits, strategic SEO planning, and SEO training. And if I have an issue with my boss, I can argue with myself about it (something which I’m prone to do anyway).
While many digital marketers are moving away from the SEO label, it’s a label I embrace wholeheartedly. SEO is and will continue to be a cornerstone of all digital marketing, and it’s not something our industry should be ashamed of. I will unhesitatingly call myself a SEO specialist and firmly nail my colours to that mast.
Over the next two months I’ll be handing things over to the team at The Tomorrow Lab. I’m immensely proud of the team I have built there – I’ve recruited each and every team member personally, and I’m totally confident that they will continue to grow and prosper and move ahead to great things, no longer encumbered by the crazy Dutchman at the helm.
This BarryAdams.co.uk website will be moved to its new domain polemicdigital.com, and expanded in to an official business site of sorts. For those of you who like reading my rants, don’t worry – I will continue to rant as usual, and all of my existing rants will move across to the new domain name. Not a single swear word will be lost!
It’s an exciting new adventure I’m embarking on, and the last few years working for Pierce Communications / The Tomorrow Lab have given me the confidence to make this bold new leap.
I want to wish the teams at The Tomorrow Lab and its sister companies Brand Etiquette and Pierce Printellect all the best, and express my gratitude for the years of camaraderie and collaboration. It’s been jolly good fun, and we’ll definitely stay in touch – Northern Ireland is a small place after all.
Onwards and upwards!