Panda Q&A with Jon Simmonds, founder of Rocket Science Digital

Ever thought, "I wish that the digital agency we work with could think more like a client-side marketer"? You have? Well, trust me when I say that you're not alone.

Introducing Rocket Science Digital, the digital agency that's full of client-side marketers who truly understand your brand's needs (and the limitations too!). We caught up with agency founder, Jon Simmonds, to learn more about his exciting new adventure...

Marketing Pandas (MP): In 140 characters or less, what really sets Rocket Science Digital apart from other digital agencies?

Jon Simmonds (JS): As former client-side marketers, we've all been in the client's shoes and understand their headaches far better than traditional agencies.

MP: Tell us more about the types of clients you work with, and some of the projects that you’re currently working on.

JS: We work mostly with small-to-medium businesses in any industry sector. Many SMBs still have a huge gap in either the skills to run digital campaigns or the time to do so; they need to commit those hours to doing the ‘day job’. One of our most fun clients is a startup offering luxury holiday villa rentals in Turkey - it’s always good for inspiring some wanderlust on a drab Monday morning! We’ve also got a homes and gardens lifestyle business on the roster, along with a larger client offering professional services (e.g. hotdesking and mentoring) to local businesses.

MP: You’ve been in the digital and ecommerce industry for over 20 years; how have you found the move from client-side to digital agency founder?

JS: The biggest change is the switch from buying to selling. Previously I was the one listening to agency pitches, now I’m on the other side of the fence. But I believe that makes us far more able to understand what the client wants and what’s actually feasible for them. I’ve sat through some bonkers pitches from agencies in my time, which had no chance of being accepted… There’s often a significant gap between what an agency wants to deliver and what a client can manage, either in terms of resource, reputation or executional ability.

MP: What’s the most (and least) rewarding thing about launching and running Rocket Science Digital?

JS: So many rewarding aspects. The diversity of clients we work with, the flexibility to work in different ways with different clients, developing proper one-to-one client relationships, no fights over the office Spotify playlist (well, hardly any…)! The least rewarding has to be dealing with your own tax, it’s a nightmare of inconceivable proportions!

MP: What are your top three tips for experienced digital professionals looking to make a big career move?

JS: First and foremost would be not to overthink it and just get on and do it - procrastination can keep you stuck in a job you’re not in love with; Secondly, always have a backup plan just in case - the rewards can be huge but there are no guarantees of success; Last but not least, if it feels like the right thing to do, it probably is. Wow, what a Panda Q&A! Big thanks to Jon for taking the time to speak with us.

If you'd like to have a chat with the agency people who think like a client, get in touch with Jon. And visit the Rocket Science Digital website to learn more!