Navigating the job market can be challenging, especially during uncertain times like these. But with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible to not only bounce back but also thrive. That’s the story of Ben Wright, who went from being laid off to starting his own partner marketing agency and launching an AI solution that has gained over 1,000 users in record time. In this interview, Ben shares his insights and advice for those looking for their next opportunity or starting a new partnerships role.
Juancho: Could you tell me more about your experience being laid off last year? What lessons did you learn?
Ben: I think one of the things that I know now is that you need to prepare for the worst. I think a lot of people have been caught off guard with the layoffs that have happened and are scrambling to figure out what to do next. The lessons to learn from it are that you are expendable to many organizations, no matter how much you’re told otherwise. So having things like an emergency fund and a network that you can leverage to transition into your next opportunity are essential.
Juancho: How did you decide that you wanted to start your own partner marketing agency?
Ben: Creating content is something that I genuinely enjoy doing, and I know the partnership space really well. So the two taken together, set me up for that kind of career choice. Additionally, there’s a need in the market that could be addressed. That’s how Partner Fuel got started.
Juancho: I love how you were able to unite passion and need. What advice do you have for those that are looking for their next partnerships role right now?
Ben: Firstly, give yourself some time. Rushing into a new role is the worst thing you can do, as you might end up regretting it soon. Keep business hours, which means working on applying for jobs for a block of time, but also give yourself time to do other activities. Don’t let the job search become all-consuming as it can become quite a mental drain.
Juancho: Talking about job search, could you tell me a little bit more about Sidekic.ai?
Ben: I’m very entrepreneurial in the way that I think. Previously, I started a software company, which was a gifting tool, but it gave me experience in the software space. I saw a way of using AI for good, and with all the layoffs, we hacked a solution together over the weekend that has now gained over 1,000 users. It’s a cool little tool called Sidekic.ai, that uses AI to write cover letters tailored for you and the company that listed the role. I really enjoy side projects so you’ll probably see more coming from me in the future.
Juancho: And having so many projects, how do you manage your own time? What helps you decide which task or project to prioritize?
Ben: Candidly, I don’t manage my time as well as I could do it. However, setting a to-do list at the start of the day and systematically working through them helps. Additionally, time-blocking work, such as doing an hour of work and then taking a 20-minute break, works well for me. The Pomodoro method is a good technique for time management.
Juancho: I love Pomodoro as well. If you had to share a single piece of advice with someone that’s starting a new partnerships role today, what would it be?
Ben: If you’re brand new into a new partnerships role, the most important thing to do is get the executive team on board and have them understand and buy into partnerships and how long it’s going to take. That’s the quickest thing that will derail a partnership program. Secondly, get yourself a mentor, somebody who’s been there and done it. Everybody in the partnership space is willing to help out.
Additional notes:
- You are welcome to reach out to Ben on LinkedIn – mention Partnership Leaders in your connect invite
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