How Nick McConnell Got Ahead

I actually graduated in Geography, which, among other things means I can find my way to appointments without the need for a SatNav!

Name: Nick McConnell

Company: Dataforce Group

Job title: Business Unit Director

What made you want to get into marketing?
I was looking for a more dynamic working environment having started out in accountancy!

How did you get into the industry (including relevant qualifications and professional training)?
I actually graduated in Geography, which, among other things means I can find my way to appointments without the need for a SatNav! I also studied for a Diploma in Management Studies. After that I heard that a marketing company was recruiting for a graduate that could fulfil a management accountant role. They needed an accountant and I wanted to be in marketing – it was an ideal route in for me.

What was good and bad about your first job?
My first industry job was great because I worked for a small company and was presented with a range of opportunities and challenges which I’m sure I wouldn’t have been allowed to tackle in a larger place. My MD was a bit of a maverick and trusted me completely in new or unfamiliar situations. The only bad thing was that we were based in a decrepit 1950’s industrial estate in West Acton!

List your jobs to date:

Deloittes – Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants
Colorgraphic Group – Management Accountant/Account Manager/Commercial Manager
Mailcom plc – Client Services Manager/Client Services Director/Sales Director
Digital Impact – General Manager – EMEA
Broadsystem Ltd – Sales & Marketing Director
Dataforce Group – Business Unit Director

What were the best and worst, and why?
I really enjoyed my dot-com stint at Digital Impact (now Acxiom Digital) because I was entrusted with everything for EMEA, including the challenging task of setting up office, recruiting a team, and developing a sales and service proposition. And my worst has to be Deloittes – boring, boring, boring. Did I mention boring?

Who has been your biggest inspiration?
William Park, CEO, Digital Impact. William had incredible personal drive and focus combined with inspirational leadership qualities.

Who in the industry do you most admire?
It would be impossible for me to name one single person. I admire people who really challenge the boundaries and who are passionate about the future of the industry. There are a few individuals that fit the bill at Dataforce Group but I wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone by naming names – I’m sure they know who they are!

What is your biggest achievement to date?
I feel proud to say that I have been happily married for over 20 years.

On what do you base your success so far?
The ability to evolve and adapt as the industry has changed over time.

What are your ambitions?
I would love to spend some time working in San Francisco – they seem to have the work/life balance just right.

Change one thing about your job
Cancel Monday management meetings – what a depressing start to the week!

Change one thing about your industry
Wouldn’t it be great if the majority of agencies didn’t look down on below the line service providers?

Change one thing about the world:
Short-termism.

What is your favourite brand?
Specialized Mountain Bikes – they are there for me during my mid-life crisis.

What is the next big brand in your view?
Anything that supports the ambitions of my family – in particular all things Apple related.

List your “media diet”:
A daily fix of all the online marketing bulletins, weekly marketing trade magazines, times online, BBC.co.uk and BBC Ceefax – I’m an addict!