Aker Ink Celebrates Turning 13

Skip to content Search for: Toggle Navigation SERVICES BrandingPublic RelationsDigital Marketing Pay-Per-ClickSEOSocial MediaEmail MarketingAI VisibilityWebsitesContentMarketing Dept Management CLIENT EXPERIENCE NEWSROOM Agency NewsBlog ABOUT Our CompanyOur TeamCareers CONTACT US Search for: Search for: Toggle Navigation SERVICES BrandingPublic RelationsDigital Marketing Pay-Per-ClickSEOSocial MediaEmail MarketingAI VisibilityWebsitesContentMarketing Dept Management CLIENT EXPERIENCE NEWSROOM Agency NewsBlog ABOUT Our CompanyOur TeamCareers CONTACT US Search for: Previous Next Aker Ink Celebrates Turning 13 with Advice for Teens That’s Even Better for Marketing As Aker Ink turned 13, the team experienced a wave of nostalgia in reminiscing about when each of us were teenagers (as seen in the photos shared here, we have come a long way—some more than others). We got to talking about what advice we would give our teenage selves, and realized much of it is also applicable to marketing. Do your homework As teens, most of us had to show our homework was done before we were permitted to do anything fun. Not only did that prepare us to get the challenging tasks out of the way before the easy ones, but it also primed us to do the research that informs strategic planning, competitive analyses and messaging. Somewhere along the way, doing our homework became something we enjoy—and something we are known for doing well. Do what you enjoy Teens often receive this advice about choosing a career. Within marketing (and many other careers), the same holds true—there are many opportunities to specialize and focus on one’s strengths. It’s certainly true at Aker Ink, where our individual talents and interest in media relations, writing, social media, SEO and interactive marketing enable us to offer comprehensive services. Don’t be afraid to try new things This popular advice for teens encouraging them to explore extracurricular activities (or eat something other than pizza) is even more valuable for marketing. The industry has changed considerably over the last 13 years; those willing to learn new skills and employ new strategies and tactics have often been the most successful. Don’t be afraid to fail Much has been written and said about helicopter parents who shield their teens from failure—this particular bit of advice given to teens goes double for marketing. Even when a strategy or tactic doesn’t work, wise companies still view it as an opportunity to learn something about the business or audience—and come back with something better. Have a plan Teens—and a lot of adults—waste a large percentage of their lives worrying about things that will never happen. Advising them to have a plan is good, and advising them to have multiple plans is even better. Anyone in marketing—and especially in events planning—will attest things never go exactly as planned; however, anticipating and preparing for the contingencies ensures you will successfully weather any curveball thrown at you. Surround yourself with good friends Parents implore teens to do this in hopes they will stay out of trouble—in marketing, having mentors and advisory boards accomplishes so much more. Although they certainly can point out hazards to avoid, they also help individuals and companies bring in new business, share best practices and push outside the comfort zone. When you get dumped, be thankful Teens view being dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend as the end of the world—and businesses can be tempted to fall into the same trap. Just as teens should listen to parents and friends telling them they can do better, smart companies see a client or customer leaving as an opportunity to woo a competitor, pursue an adjacent vertical market or make some improvements that strengthen their market position. Don’t jump on the bandwagon Parents usually phrase this as, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?” Their attempt to get their teens to be independent thinkers instead of followers is also great advice for companies. Just because a competitor is doing something doesn’t mean it’s a strategic move for you. Make sure there is a strong business case for going along with the crowd—not just that’s it’s “cool” right now. This same advice is also valuable for making statements about and supporting social causes—do so in a way that makes sense for your company and its mission. Don’t let the naysayers get to you Parents are often a teen’s biggest cheerleader, helping to remove the sting of criticism. Although they’re admittedly biased, this advice is solid for teens and marketing. Unless they’re Wendy’s, companies generally can’t retort with a burn, but they can and should shake it off and respond maturely. Trust your gut Hoping to convince their teens to make better choices, parents admonish them to listen to their inner selves and act on what they know to be the right answer. It’s equally good advice for marketing—too many companies second guess themselves and waste valuable time and energy agonizing over decisions great and small. When it comes to marketing, if you have chosen the right agency, you are in good hands. If your gut tells you that you haven’t, Aker Ink would love the opportunity to discuss your needs. Having been in business for 13 years, we must be doing something right. By Aker Ink | 2025-11-17T15:41:37-07:00 July 13th, 2020 | Culture | Comments Off on Aker Ink Celebrates Turning 13 with Advice for Teens That’s Even Better for Marketing Related Posts Senior Account Executive Malory Knutson Joins Aker Ink to Fuel High-Impact PR Initiatives April 28th, 2026 Senior Content Manager Hannah Pollard Joins UMOM Young Professionals Board April 23rd, 2026 Aker Ink Strengthens Content, Digital & Creative Teams with Three Promotions February 20th, 2026 Aker Ink Elevates Client Services Team: Morgan Lentz Promoted to Account Manager, Sarah Brown Promoted to Senior Account Executive January 13th, 2026 Bri Grifo Promoted to Director of Marketing October 23rd, 2025 Aker Ink Three-Peats as Finalist Among Phoenix Business Journal’s 2025 Best Places to Work October 6th, 2025 Helping growth-oriented businesses break through barriers to achieve more awareness, thought leadership, leads and revenue. Careers Media Resource Center FAQs CONNECT Aker Ink PR & Marketing P.O. 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