Is Imitation Really The Sincerest Form of Flattery?

Every company, especially small businesses, experiences it. You spend hours, days, weeks, months even on launching a new product, developing a new campaign angle, or creating a set of values and a story that reflect the heart of your business, just to see the competition launch its mirror image a few months later with a few tweaks here and there. While at the time, it can and does just feel flat out annoying, take comfort in that fact that you, yes you – the original – got it right. The competition copying your idea is your validation.

So is imitation it really the best form of flattery? KFC sure seem to think so based on their ‘Chicken Town’ ad last year, in which The Colonel drives down the high street and takes a humorous swipe at three letter chicken shops with the line ‘Guys, we’re flattered’. Watch the ad here. Pure marketing brilliance.

Some people would find this insanely frustrating. I however, simply think don’t sweat the small stuff and instead, applaud their good taste! The key is to continue to focus on what you do, do it brilliantly and remember that whilst someone can try to emulate you and your business, to ‘borrow’ your ideas, they will never BE you.

For every good idea, there are copycats. Though in our everyday adult lives, as individuals, it’s rare, as moral obligations and the general sense of politeness tend to stop us from blatantly passing off someone else’s idea as our own, it’s actually a legal start-up business strategy, though an unethical one. All business are looking for the next big thing; a point of difference; or brand positioning – none of which are easy. Once they find a concept they can back, they copy that idea and develop new ways to make it better. It’s what’s known as “eliminating a monopoly.” While your small business may not be a monopoly, this type of competition can only make your company better off in the long-run, ensuring you continue to evolve.

While it’s tempting to spend hours monitoring what your competition are discussing on their blog or what new clients they’re working with, it’s detrimental to your creativity and your authenticity. Focus on your own company’s future. When you run out of concepts or ideas, turn to your customer base and think about the every-day pain points your company is experiencing, then seek to offer solutions that will improve both your service and therefore your business.

At the end of the day that’s exactly what marketing is all about and that’s why this industry is such an exciting one to be part of.

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How To Handle Salary Expectations At An Interview

By Holly Wilkinson • November 12, 2025

Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice

Hand placing wooden block on staircase with upward arrow, rocket, and target.

Dealing With Rejection Constructively

By Holly Wilkinson • November 12, 2025

Why It Matters Rejection hurts and there’s no getting around that. You put time, energy and hope into an opportunity, only to hear “we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.” But in a competitive market, where marketing and digital roles attract hundreds of applications , rejection isn’t a reflection of failure, it’s feedback, redirection and part of the process. The truth? It’s not about how many no’s you get. It’s about how you respond to them because that’s what shapes your next “yes.” How to Handle Rejection and Move Forward Ask for feedback Don’t be afraid to ask why you weren’t selected. Sometimes it’s about fit, team dynamics or timing ,not your ability. Constructive feedback gives you clarity and helps you improve how you present yourself next time. If you’ve worked with us, we’ll always ask on your behalf and be honest about what we hear. Don’t take it personally It’s easy to think, “What did I do wrong?” But remember, recruitment is often about nuances, one candidate might have slightly more experience with a tool, or a particular cultural fit. It’s rarely black and white. Reframe rejection as redirection Every “no” gets you closer to the right opportunity. Think of it as refining your path rather than blocking it. Many of the candidates we’ve placed in career-defining roles started with a rejection or two but each one helped them refine their story, focus their search and prepare better for the next. Keep your momentum The hardest part after rejection is not losing motivation. Take a day to reset, then get back into action. Keep learning, keep applying, keep connecting. Every interview builds experience and confidence and you never know when the right door will open. Zoom out — one role doesn’t define your career Your career is a long game. You’ll have highs, lows and everything in between. What matters is consistency, curiosity and resilience. Marketing and digital are fast-evolving industries, those who stay adaptable and open always bounce back faster. Employer Perspective Hiring managers often make decisions between two or three excellent candidates. Missing out doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it means someone else was a slightly better match for that brief, at that time. And here’s the thing: we’ve seen candidates who were runners-up get called back six months later when the perfect opportunity arises. A “no” today can still be a “not yet.” Final Thought Rejection isn’t the end of your story, it’s just another chapter. The next opportunity might be the one that changes everything. If you’ve had a setback, talk to us. We’ll help you review feedback, strengthen your approach and get you in front of the roles where you’ll genuinely thrive. Talk to us about your next move