This Spotlight is with the fab Julia Smith!
How did your career in promotions start?
I’d been working in the Direct Response TV industry for a number of years when I decided I was ready for a new challenge. I was offered a role by a promotional agency who were looking to expand their B2C sales promotion business by developing a paid-for membership programme for consumers, comprising the rewards and offers they already had in their portfolio; and here I am over 30 years later!
What product did you last buy because of the promotion?
Too many to mention, especially in the supermarket; I always end up buying at least 2 or 3 things that weren’t on my list because of the promotions, whether that’s because I’m motivated by the offer or I just want to explore the idea in more detail.
What’s a fact about yourself that surprises people?
I once ran into the side of a helicopter by accident (it’s a long story, and I was sober at the time!)
Where’s your favourite place that you’ve travelled?
Definitely the Greek islands – any and all of them!
What has been your biggest achievement/proud of outside of work?
I recently moved home; it took almost 9 months – chain free – because of a contractual issue; it took four months to get the organisation at fault to see that they were wrong but I persisted because I really wanted the property and they’ve had to make some fundamental changes to all their contracts as a result, which will benefit a lot of other people.
What is your favourite ever promotion?
An oldie but a goodie – the Pot Noodle spinning fork. I just love how simple the idea seems (the best ideas are sometimes the obvious ones) but what a brilliant solution it is.
If you could master a new skill what would it be?
Singing – I’m so bad I don’t even sing in the shower!
What is your biggest work achievement?
Working with 80% of the UK’s top home energy providers over the course of just 18 months; understanding that if one of them had a particular challenge to manage, then the others would likely have the same challenge (and they did!); finding a genuine solution to one of their major pain points and then translating that for some many other brands in the same space was fantastic.
Do you have any apps on your phone you think more people should know about?
I’m old school – I love what3words and it seems under-rated to me. And I LOVE Shazam too!
Lastly, if you were a cocktail, which would you be?
Definitely an Aperol Spritz; I was late to the Aperol party and now every Friday night kicks off sitting on the balcony with an Aperol in hand.
