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Creative Circle, a leading marketing and creative services company, announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client and Talent 5 Year Diamond Awards for providing superior service to their clients and candidates for five consecutive years. ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients and candidates.

Creative Circle received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 70.2% of their clients and 78.3% of their placed job candidates, significantly higher than the industry averages of 45% and 30%. On average, clients of winning agencies are more than 1.5 times as likely to be completely satisfied, and candidates who have been placed by winning agencies are 1.6 times as likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided, compared to those working with non-winning agencies.

“Our guiding principle is to deliver a uniquely outstanding experience for our clients and candidates,” said Creative Circle President Matt Riley. “That’s what drives us every day — whether we’re designing a flexible solution for a client’s unique marketing and creative needs, or guiding a jobseeker through a stressful job search to help them land an assignment that’s right for them. I’m so proud to see the consistent efforts of our salespeople, recruiters, and support staff recognized in these Diamond Awards.”

Here’s what just a few hiring managers and jobseekers had to say about their experience working with Creative Circle in 2024:

“I can always rely on them to deliver the talent we need, exactly when we need it — they truly make my life so much easier!” — Dana G., Head of Marketing & Communications at a manufacturing firm

“Highly responsive service and always good candidate options to review; they took the time to understand our business and invest in learning about each open role to then curate suitable candidates… In all, they make recruiting easy and seamless, and their digital portal makes management and communication simple.” — Phil S., Managing Director at a creative agency

“I have had a great experience with Creative Circle. You get amazing opportunities, communicate quickly, and get interviews set up fast, as well as payment when approved for projects — you just make the entire process easy, which is so much less stress and hassle than many other recruitment agencies.” — Sophie B., communications writer

“I have always had a great experience with Created Circle and love working with them. Decent assignments and fair compensation, shepherded by good people. What more could you want?” — David M., 3D artist

“I am pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Best of Staffing awards,” said ClearlyRated’s CEO, Baker Nanduru. “Creative Circle has set itself apart for exceptional service and client experiences. Congratulations on your remarkable accomplishments. Winning these awards once is an accomplishment, but five times is a milestone.”

About Creative Circle

Creative Circle is a marketing and creative services company. Our strength comes from our talent community, and our power lies in leveraging this network to provide flexible solutions for our clients — from Fortune 500 companies to boutique agencies and budding startups. Creative Circle is part of ASGN Incorporated (NYSE: ASGN). To learn more, visit creativecircle.com.

About ClearlyRated

ClearlyRated helps B2B service firms gain actionable insights to stop client issues from becoming lost revenue, expand their business with existing clients, and attract new ones to grow their business. Learn more at https://www.clearlyrated.com/solutions/.

About Best of Staffing®

ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.

In a way, live shopping — a host on screen, holding up products during a limited time only sale — seems reminiscent of an analog past, when drowsy shoppers would lounge on the couch, flicking between QVC and HSN.

But now, thanks in part to influencers who have forged an intimate connection with their fanbase, live shopping has become big business. In China, it’s “transformed the way people buy and sell.” Yet, in the West, adoption has been slower—until now. With live shopping app Whatnot reaching a staggering $5 billion valuation and major players like TikTok, Amazon, and Walmart investing heavily in the space, it’s clear that live shopping isn’t just a trend—it’s a retail transformation. Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia and marketing expert, has predicted that live shopping on social media has the potential to disrupt multiple industries.

How Is Live Shopping Different Than Targeted Advertising?

Live shopping rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, often with influencers taking advantage of the moment to improvise and sell their own lines or hosting DIY sales from their own closets or homes. The trend took off in China at that time, as brands partnered with influencers for high-tech, fully staged live shopping shows. Today, brands are becoming a trusted partner and producer in live shopping events, turning these moments into a key part of the marketing funnel.

Unlike a static shopping interface, live shopping blends entertainment, real-time engagement, and e-commerce into a single experience. Instead of browsing static product pages on their own time, consumers can engage in live shopping, which allows for:

Real-time interaction – Shoppers can ask questions, get live demonstrations, and see products in action before making a purchase.

Entertainment value – Engaging hosts, dynamic content, flash sales and gamification, such as quizzes or flash deals based on a certain behavior, are all ways to keep consumers hooked.

AI-driven personalization – Platforms like Shein and Temu use AI to tailor recommendations, offering a highly personalized shopping experience.

The TikTok Effect: Bridging East and West

While live shopping in the US has yet to reach China’s scale, TikTok has played a pivotal role in its growing adoption. The platform has helped introduce live shopping to Western audiences, though the trending format is expanding beyond social media-exclusive spaces. Retailers and brands are integrating live shopping into their own ecosystems, leveraging influencers, interactive features, and exclusive drops on their owned and operated platforms to drive sales.

Live Shopping Success Stories

1. Walmart Live

Walmart has pioneered shoppable livestreams across TikTok, YouTube, and its own app. By focusing on niche audiences—beauty enthusiasts, tech lovers, and fashion shoppers—the retail giant has driven targeted engagement and increased conversions. Not only does Walmart Live partner with trusted influencers, but they also collaborate with legendary talent, like Dolly Parton, for marquee shopping events.

2. Amazon Live

Amazon has seamlessly integrated live shopping into its ecosystem, particularly around major events like Prime Day. By using trusted creators and brand ambassadors, including A-listers like Jennifer Hudson and Martha Stewart to demo products in real time, Amazon has turned shopping into a tune-in event.

3. L’Oréal

L’Oréal has found success with tutorial-based live shopping, using AR try-ons and interactive demos to educate and convert consumers. For example, L’Oreal surpassed $1 million in sales on TikTok Shop’s Super Brand Day in the UK, surpassing expectations, and has also rolled out live shopping experiences throughout the globe. Hyper focusing on local markets can also be key for brands to optimize engagement, capitalize on cultural touchstones or moments, and utilize influencers with a large regional following.

Considerations for Brands Exploring Live Shopping

Brands looking to enter the live shopping space can consider the following strategies:

Find the right platform: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Live offer built-in audiences, while brands can also host events on their own platforms. High-touch, immersive content is great for industries like beauty, fashion, cookware, and home goods, where demos and try-ons can help consumers fully understand the item.

Create event-driven moments: Limited-time deals, exclusive drops, and flash sales create urgency and drive immediate purchases.

Maximize interactivity: Live Q&As, polls, and real-time reactions turn passive viewers into active participants.

Leverage influencers: Partnering with trusted creators adds credibility and boosts conversion rates, particularly with micro-influencers who have highly engaged audiences and who excel at playing host and brand ambassador.

Repurpose live content: Brands can save and repackage livestreams for on-demand viewing, social media cuts, and subscriber content to extend reach and engagement beyond the live event.

The Future of Live Shopping

As AI and e-commerce technology continue to evolve, live shopping is poised to become a core component of the retail experience. The brands that embrace this shift—combining real-time engagement with interactive, high-quality content—will be the ones that not only stay relevant but thrive in the new era of digital commerce.

Creative Circle helps brands navigate this shift, connecting them with top-tier talent to build immersive commerce experiences or consult on the appropriate strategy. From social media optimization and video production to interactive content design and platform efficiencies, Creative Circle’s network of creative professionals ensures brands have the expertise to stay ahead in an evolving e-commerce landscape.

Looking for the talent who can help you execute a live shopping strategy? Businesses diving into live shopping opportunities are incorporating these roles to power their project teams:

Producer: Manages the technical aspects of the live stream, including camera work, lighting, and sound, ensuring a smooth and professional broadcast.
Content Creator: Develops the script, talking points, and visual content for the live event, ensuring the presentation is engaging and informative.
Social Media Manager: Promotes the live shopping event across various social media platforms, engages with the audience before, during, and after the event, and monitors feedback.
E-commerce Manager: Oversees the integration of the live shopping platform with the brand’s e-commerce site, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for viewers.
Marketing and Data Analyst: Tracks and analyzes metrics from the live shopping event to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
Marketing Strategist: Develops and implements marketing strategies to maximize reach and engagement for the live shopping event

Creative Circle has a network of over 1 million creative and marketing experts who can help operationalize online retail shopping experiences for your brand. Let’s get started.

About the Author: Anna Davies is a Creative Circle freelancer who specializes in personal finance, investing, fintech, and startups. She has worked with WeWork, Happy Money, and Haven Life —plus Fortune 500 companies such as Goldman Sachs, American Express, Citi, and Chase. Davies has also collaborated and ghostwritten for multiple New York Times bestsellers.

Why should they hire me?
Because they need my help, and I need their money.
But I can’t say that. Not if I want the job.
So, what the heck am I supposed to say?

If your internal dialogue sounds like this from time to time, you’re in good company. 👋

I get tripped up on interview questions, too. Some questions seem like a trap, while others are just bizarrely quizzing me on my knowledge of the animal kingdom. Seriously, why?

6 dreaded interview questions

According to the nearly 3,000 votes on our recent LinkedIn poll, and the buzzing comments section, there are six common questions that trip up interviewees the most:

Tell us about yourself!
Why should we hire you?
What is your greatest weakness?
What are your salary requirements?
Tell us about a time you failed.
If you were an animal, what would you be?

Why hiring managers are asking

Did you know there are over 9,000 job applications per minute on the LinkedIn platform alone? And only about 8% of applicants make it to the interview scheduling stage?

That’s a lot of applicants for one job, and likely a lot of people that can do the basic day-to-day functions of that job. Skills- and competency-based questions aside, these behavioral questions can help hiring managers (in their mind at least) assess things like a candidate’s communication style, how they respond to challenges, and how they’ll fit in with the team.

Tackling the dreaded question

To better understand how to answer these behavioral questions, I leaned on two experts from our Chicago office. Creative Circle recruiters Mary Blackburn and Rose Boyer break down each interview question below — what do hiring managers really mean when they ask these questions? And how should you respond?

“Tell us about yourself.”

This is usually an icebreaker question, right at the start of your interview. It is not the time to share details of your personal life, and your response should be relatively brief. Think of it like an elevator pitch and keep it professional — the hiring manager wants to know a bit about who you are, what you do, and why you’re interested in the position you’re interviewing for.

Rose says, “Some candidates make the mistake of starting off by sharing where they live — that’s not what we’re asking.” She adds, “I’ve had candidates begin by sharing their age. We don’t need to know that either.”

Mary adds to Rose’s sentiment, “Try to avoid the year-by-year play. It’s fine to include where you started but let that be a brief bullet in your overall response. We can see previous employers and duration of employment on your resume, so it’s not necessary to spell that all out for this question.”

“Why should we hire you?”

Interviewers are looking for a specific and personalized response that showcases how you can solve their business needs; be sure to emphasize your most relevant experiences. This is an opportunity to show that you’ve researched this company, that you understand what they need, and that you can deliver.

Rose suggests explaining why you’re a great fit for the role you’re interviewing for specifically, and to refer back to some of the discussions you’ve had throughout the interview. You might say, “You mentioned earlier that time management is essential to this role — time management is one of my biggest strengths. I use a project management tool to stay on top of deadlines, prioritize, and plan my tasks and it works tremendously. It helps keep my manager in the loop on project status, too.”

Mary says, “Make yourself stand out from the crowd. What skills and experience do you have that might separate you from the other applicants?”

“What is your greatest weakness?”

If a hiring manager asks you this question, they’re probably checking to see how self-aware you are. They want you to expand on your weaknesses with a couple details on how you’re managing them. Saying that you’re a “perfectionist” isn’t going to cut it — be sincere, not cliché.

Rose and Mary both agree that they personally hate this question and prefer not to ask it in interviews. However, to save yourself from any unnecessary surprises, they do suggest having an answer prepped just in case.

Mary says, “Be mindful of which weakness you decide to share. If the job description says you need to learn a new CRM, don’t share that you struggle learning new CRMs.”

As an example, Rose shares what a response to this question might look like for her: “Sometimes, I have a hard time processing information that I hear. I combat this by asking for an email communication instead, or I’ll follow up via email so I can have things in writing.”

“What are your salary requirements? “

Thanks to the pay transparency laws developing in several states now, the salary requirements conversation has become more transparent. If you know the range an employer is willing to pay for a job, then you know how much you can expect to earn.

If you’re interviewing for a job with the pay range listed, Mary advises against requiring the top of the range from the jump. “It could jeopardize your opportunity for a role, especially if there are other candidates interviewing with similar experience to yours and a salary expectation closer to the middle or middle-upper end of the range,” Mary says.

Pay transparency or not, Rose says, “Candidates should never be dead set on a specific number. Always let the hiring manager know that you’re targeting between two numbers. This shows that you’re open to negotiation.”

Mary lives by the rule of 5s. If you’re sharing expectations for an hourly rate, keep the range within $5. If it’s a salaried position, try to stick to a range at or close to $5k. In her experience, increments of 5 provide a fair opportunity for both the candidate and the client to meet somewhere in the middle.

“Tell us about a time you failed.”

Everyone experiences failure at one time or another — this question isn’t really about the failure itself, it’s about how you worked through it. “We’re trying to understand your process,” says Rose. With this response, you have the opportunity to show a hiring manager how you take feedback and how you grow.

Consider sharing these details with the interviewer:

How did you identify your failure and how did you react to it?
What steps did you take to rectify the situation?
Did you communicate your mistakes appropriately?
And what are you doing to avoid it in the future?

Mary suggests keeping a response to this question in your back pocket. “Talking about failure isn’t easy. Think through your scenario in advance and rehearse it so you’re not stumbling through the details mid-interview.”

“If you were an animal, what animal would you be?”

This is just an awkward way of seeing if you’ll be a good cultural fit for the company. Rose and Mary both agree that this question is silly and advise not to get too caught up on which animal you select. “If you can connect a few of your key personality traits to an animal that you have some knowledge about, that’s all you need.” says Rose.

It’s worth noting that this question could be an opportunity to stand out as memorable and creative, if you want to. You could choose an interesting animal; instead of a dog, you could try a dolphin, eagle, or honeybee. Just make sure you can connect some of their standout traits back to your personal interests and qualities.

As with all the other questions, keep this one in your back pocket too. Interviews are stressful enough as they are, so no need to add another layer of uncertainty with an animal kingdom pop quiz.

If you’re looking for more advice from our recruiters, check out our Creative Circle Career Resources page and follow us on Instagram. If you’re feeling ready for your next interview, apply to the open roles on our website! We add new jobs to our site every day, in locations across the U.S. and Toronto, plus remote roles.

About the Author.
Kayleigh is a Creative Circle freelancer — when she’s not chasing around her two young boys or laughing at Corporate Natalie videos, she spends her time creating content for us! She specializes in sharing advice for our talent community, so if you’re a creative with an appetite for blogs on market trends, job search guidance, and freelance life, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to ensure you never miss the latest.

Running a business’ social media account is easy, right? Take some pictures, reshare relatable memes, post links to your products — simple!

Not quite.

I’m a freelance content creator for Creative Circle; I write blogs, manage our candidate newsletter, and own our Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. To me, creating content is equal parts exciting and complicated, especially when it comes to social media.

I get to share job search advice and tips, feature interviews with experts in the marketing and creative space, highlight exciting new job openings, spotlight our talented candidates, and I even get to sprinkle in the occasional Taylor Swift meme. It’s exciting and rewarding — especially when someone finds my content useful.

But sometimes my content doesn’t reach the audience I want to. That’s the complicated part. Maybe I jumped on a trend too late, or posted at the wrong time, or didn’t align my post caption strategically enough with the latest hashtags and keywords. And when a post receives little engagement, that can be deflating.

Social media content creation and management requires careful planning, strategic execution, and skill. Don’t just take it from me; take it from the 800+ voters and dozens of comments from social media creators on my recent LinkedIn Poll. As Kiara F. says, managing socials is like “playing chess, but with memes and hashtags.”

If you’re like me, you’re constantly looking for ways to level-up your social media chess game — to get new followers, to increase engagement, to deliver the content your audience truly cares about. And you know what my favorite source of inspiration is? Other creators.

I’ve partnered with two Creative Circle freelancers to compile a list of five tips to produce quality, engaging social media content.

Jordin Smith has four years of experience managing and creating social media content. She finds it thrilling to curate content that excites her audience and piques their curiosity. She’s currently working with clients in the fashion and beauty space.

Brian Benton has five years of experience as a social media art director. He enjoys how the spontaneity and limitations of tight deadlines and less-than-desirable shooting locations push him to think creatively. His clients are in the technology, entertainment, and ecommerce space.

Here are 5 tips to consider:

Don’t constantly scramble to hop on the latest audio trend. It might not be as impactful as you think.

Trending audio has taken social media by storm. It’s fun, catchy, and very in-the-moment, but it truthfully only impacts engagement for a small percent of the population. It has its time and place, but it doesn’t well-suit the content you want to remain evergreen.

“Sometimes content production timelines can run longer than expected, and the trendy music can really date that edit,” says Brian. “You don’t want your video to feel outdated when someone comes across it on their TikTok Discover or Instagram Explore page for the first time.”

Listen. Listen. Listen.

Yes, we do get paid to scroll. And for good reason. Scrolling, listening, and exploring is where ideas are born as you identify emerging trends, understand your audience’s behavior and preferences, monitor your competitors’ activity, and more.

Jordin says, “Listening is my number one tip. I scroll social media searching for anything that excites me. I listen to what people are saying, what they’re listening to, and what they want more of.” She suggests listening to what your audience sounds like and tailoring your content to that.

Brian warns creators about replicating what their competitors are doing. “Consider finding inspiration one or two degrees away from your direct competitors. For example, if you are creating content for a high-end pet brand, see what high-end fashion is doing.”

Since scrolling for research can quickly turn to “doom scrolling”, consider setting a timer for 30–40 minutes each day and limit yourself to that time. As you scroll, save the content that inspires you or note it down somewhere.

Stand out with a strong brand voice.

In a crowded market, your unique voice can set you apart from your competitors. What personality traits do you want your brand to embody? Is it friendly, authoritative, humorous, or professional? You can shift your voice slightly from channel to channel, too. Remember — your voice doesn’t just shine through in your content and post captions, but also in the way you engage with your followers in the comments.

Jordin says “The demographics from platform to platform are different, so I tweak my voice accordingly. LinkedIn gets the professional voice, TikTok gets the younger, cooler voice, while Instagram gets the voice of the big sister.”

Brian suggests some ways to get creative with your tone. “To stand out, try giving a more casual piece of content a professional feel or vice versa. Consider shooting something that is funnier or more trend-driven with great lighting and a high-end camera. Or use viral TikTok style editing for a more serious piece of content. This can help keep personality in posts while remaining on brand,” Brian says.

Have fun.

Splashing some fun into your content can help humanize your brand and make your page a place where your followers want to hang out. Try being real about your industry and adding tasteful humor; for example, leaning into jokes about the future of AI, or the frustrations graphic designers can experience working with clients.

LinkedIn polls usually reach 3–5x more people than posts without a poll! Try asking your audience a lighthearted question or get their opinion on a topic that means something to your brand. Drop an open-ended question in the post body and encourage your followers to engage. This can be a fun way to create conversation with your audience in a more personal way.

Post when your followers are online.

This is unique to each business and channel — check your channel insights to know when the majority of your followers are online. Identify peak times of engagement and post then. Experiment with posting at different times and days of the week, then track the performance of those posts.

At Creative Circle, our followers (mostly jobseekers) spend some time online in the evenings, so we’ve tested posting during those hours and have seen some success. When in doubt, you can always fall back on these broad guidelines as a starting point, to give your content the best possible chance of success. 

If you’re craving more tips, consider following these three accounts on Instagram. They’re constantly serving digital content tips to my feed:

If you’re currently working in social media content creation and enjoying your work, stick to it — you have one of the most desirable jobs in the world right now! And, according to market.us, the digital content creation market is projected to climb to 90.4 billion by 2033 (from 27.1 billion in 2023).

If you’re looking for work in this industry, sign up for our job alerts and search our open roles. If you’re in need of a social media content creation or consultation for your business, connect with us — we have an impressive pool of talent ready to work for you!

Martech is the buzz among organizations right now, and that’s great news for job-seekers!

Enterprises are looking for marketers with existing platform-specific expertise, and/or candidates with proven ability to quickly upskill and take advantage of emerging technologies. They’re seeking talent that can use martech for functions including content management, analytics, digital advertising, customer relationship management, search engine optimization, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Here are a few of the top digital marketing roles we place at Creative Circle that leverage these skills. If you work in any of these specialties — or want to start —consider leveling up on these skillsets and tools based on job title.

All tips are provided by Greg Kihlström and Voloria Pettiford, marketing consultants and panelists on our August 2024 martech webinar.

Marketing Automation Manager

Overseeing and optimizing automated marketing campaigns

Tip: Organizations are working hard to tailor content and experiences to their audiences; automation, personalization, and orchestration skills in this role are critical for success. Define which program (HubSpot, Marketo, Mailchimp, etc.) you are strongest in, then buckle down and get certified in it. Your platform-specific experience will attract hiring managers.

Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Improve a website’s visibility in search results on Google, Bing, and other search engines using research, writing, and analytical skills

Tip: Contrary to some speculation about AI’s role in the future of the web, SEO is not dead. It is very much alive and well, and these roles are more important than ever. Good content is key, and finding better ways to reach core audiences is still a major focus. Hiring managers are looking for specialists with skills in SEM Rush, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console.

Paid Media/Search Specialist

Plan, execute, and manage digital marketing campaigns that use paid advertising

Tip: An understanding of SEO is essential in this role. Lean into your content writing skills — you may need to write and deploy search engine ads. Hiring managers are looking for specialists with experience in SEM Rush, Google Ads Editor, and SpyFu.

Content Manager

Oversee the development, distribution, and strategic efforts of creating messaging to inform and delight audiences

Tip: Strong writers and creatives can excel in this role. If you have video editing experience, lean into that — content managers often cross over to the social media space. To support digital content management, consider upskilling in the tool Optimizely.

Takeaway
If you’re a marketer looking for work, or trying to advance in your career, now is the time to home in on your abilities to support marketing technology initiatives. Our connections at top companies need your assistance.

If you’re craving more on the latest trends in martech, and how to upskill and thrive in this landscape, join our conversation with Greg Kihlström and Voloria Pettiford during our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, August 6!

Whether you’re an individual marketer or leading a team, “martech” is all the buzz right now. What does this term mean? And why are we talking about it? Let’s dive in.

What is Martech?

Martech, short for marketing technology, refers to the variety of tools that companies use to automate, streamline, and market their products and services. Google Ads, Sprout Social, HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce, Asana, WordPress, Drupal, Power BI — it’s all martech.

An individual team’s collection of platforms is known as a “stack.” Martech stacks can range from simple to highly complex — with some enterprises having 20+ tools in their stack, according to our recent LinkedIn poll.

For additional perspective, we asked two martech experts to share how they define the term.

Greg Kihlström, an experienced marketing consultant and creator of The Agile Brand, a marketing technology podcast, says:

“Martech encompasses the platforms and processes that enable marketers to reach audiences using digital means. It serves a broad array of purposes — from collecting data, to displaying and distributing content and experiences, to reporting and acting on the results of the efforts.”

Voloria Pettiford, a Creative Circle freelancer and marketing consultant, says:

“To put it simply, ‘martech’ is the product of marketing tools and technology working happily together. There was a time when ‘digital marketing’ was trending. Martech is very similar — except now, automation, AI, and analytics have been added to the mix.”

Why are we talking about it?

Martech isn’t new; enterprises have been leveraging these tools for years. But in today’s world, leaders are turning a sharp focus to how the tools are used, how they work (or don’t work) together, and the impact it all has on the customer journey — an experience that matters now more than ever.

According to online software marketplace G2, the martech solutions marketplace has grown 27.8 percent year-over-year, increasing from just over 11,000 solutions in 2023 to more than 14,000 in 2024.

Greg says he’s seen a significant demand for martech consultation over the last six months. “Organizations — not just marketing teams — need assistance in understanding which martech tools are right for their company and how to make the best investments.”

For example, Greg explains how many organizations are struggling to meaningfully understand and utilize AI in their stack. He says, “I help them understand where AI-based tools and methods can make the biggest impact and achieve maximum ROI.”

Voloria’s sentiment is similar. She experienced a martech consulting boom in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, and it’s been steady since. “Leaders are reevaluating their platforms and the people on their teams,” says Voloria. “Most companies have martech tools, but they’re not using them properly, or they’re not investing in the right ones. They need help streamlining.”

Why is this significant?

No matter what technology a marketing team has at its disposal, it’s essential to have an experienced team of talent in place to get the most out of it. “If just one marketing operations employee is deploying multiple tools, it’s likely that each tool is not being used effectively, and that employee is probably on target to burn out fast,” says Voloria.

What good is the technology if teams don’t have the bandwidth to leverage it?

When marketing leaders source new talent these days, they’re increasingly looking for specialists with experience in the specific tools they’re using. And the smart hiring managers are looking not just for platform-specific expertise, but for candidates with a proven ability to quickly upskill and learn a variety of technical applications. That’s the best way to prepare for sustained success in our rapidly evolving digital environment.

If you’re a job-seeker, read this: Many digital marketing and creative functions have evolved to either focus on or heavily involve martech. The jobs our clients are looking to fill may not specifically call out “martech” in the job title or description, but you can bet you’ll be asked about your martech skills in the interview process. If you’re interested in learning more about how to position yourself for these trending roles, read this: Martech and Your Job Search: Trending Roles, Areas to Upskill, Tools to Master

Takeaway

Enterprises have their marketing technology under a microscope. They’re focusing on which tools make the most sense for their organization, how the tools work together, and where to make the best investments — including their talent.

If you’re an organization looking to streamline your martech, let us know. Whether you have a specific martech challenge to tackle, need a full team of support, or are just looking to fill one critical role, we’re here to help.

If you’re craving more on the latest trends in martech, join our conversation with Greg Kihlström and Voloria Pettiford during our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, August 6!

Let’s face it — the recent release of GPT-4o is a bit anxiety-provoking for many. In our recent poll, 55% of our online community said GPT-4o made them feel “worried and uneasy.” And the comments on OpenAI’s YouTube videos joking about humans being “toast” aren’t comforting to read. The world is going to implode!

Wait.

Pause for a minute. Take a deep breath. And, try to avoid catastrophic thinking.

What is AI anxiety, exactly?

Coined by Day One Agency, AI-nxiety is a term used to describe unease about the overarching ramifications of artificial intelligence on human creativity and ingenuity.

Fear of and resistance to new technological advancements has been common for centuries.

This technology newsletter by Jennifer Walter at Discover Magazine articulates it clearly. She explains how it’s normal to be wary of things we aren’t familiar with. When the bicycle began to rise in popularity in the 1890s, consumers were fearful of the harm the transportation technology might inflict on society. Physicians wrote about “bicycle face,” a condition described as “dark circles under the eyes” in female cyclers — physicians said the activity was dangerous to their health. 133 years later, it’s hard to imagine being so resistant to a bicycle, right?

In the 19th century, photography was an “art world outcast.” People saw it as a thoughtless device for replication, one that lacked the refined feeling and sentiment that we get from paintings. When you fast forward to today, photography is considered fine art, and it can be an incredibly lucrative profession.

How to Cope with AI Technology Advancements

With the rise of generative AI, we are on the cusp of more groundbreaking changes that will alter our reality. Here are five productive ways to digest the changes, leverage what’s available to you, and ease your mind a bit.

Be mindful of media exaggeration.

With rapid AI advancements getting all the buzz lately, it can start to feel like you’re an AI adaptation laggard. You’re not. The media often dramatizes news stories about AI, which can fuel anxiety and misconceptions.

A 2023 Gallup study of nearly 19,000 U.S. employees and leaders discovered that most employees — seven in ten — don’t regularly use AI in their job. Only 1 in 10 employees uses it daily, and within that 10%, most adapters reported using it to carry out routine tasks.

However, like the evolution of AI, these usage rates are expected to change quickly, so now is the time to jump on board.

Educate yourself.

Understanding how AI works, as well as its potential benefits and limitations, can demystify the technology and reduce fear. Reliable sources of information can provide a more balanced landscape and help ease the anxiety coming from the unknown.

Thanks to the AI innovators and early adopters, there are hundreds of how-to videos on YouTube — high-level tutorials for beginners, step-by-step instructions for specific AI tools, guides on using AI to boost your productivity, and more. Consider checking out these four channels recommended by an expert panelist on a recent Creative Circle webinar:

If you work in the creative space, review the summary of this webinar where three experts share how creatives can best position themselves to thrive in era of AI.

Focus on control.

Anxiety is often related to a lack of control. Get a feeling of control back by concentrating on the aspects of AI that you can influence.

Consider staying informed about how AI impacts your field, advocating for and using ethical AI practices, or learning new skills to stay relevant in our changing job market.

Join the conversation.

Talking about our problems and verbalizing our fears has been a source of relief for centuries. Process your anxieties with a friend or a coworker. Perhaps you’ll find that others feel similarly.

Prioritize participating in conversations with AI experts or online communities to gain different perspectives and reduce feelings of isolation. Attending a webinar with an open chat might be a good place to start! If you’re looking for an online community, here’s a list of seven popular AI communities to choose from.

Practice mindfulness and stress reduction techniques.

If the latest news on AI is triggering a tightness in your throat and a knot in your stomach, try stepping away from it and leaning into a mindfulness practice. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation have been proven to help reduce stress for decades. Consider finding a meditation or yoga studio near you, or give this Spotify playlist a listen.

Remember, AI is a tool — a powerful one — but it doesn’t replace the human touch. Embrace its potential, stay informed, and find a balance that allows you to thrive. AI can help humans do some incredible things, but YOU are still the artist behind the masterpiece.

About the Author.
Kailey is a Creative Circle freelancer — when she’s not chasing around her two young boys or laughing at Corporate Natalie videos, she spends her time creating content for us! She specializes in sharing advice for our talent community, so if you’re a creative with an appetite for blogs on market trends, job search guidance, and freelance life, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to ensure you never miss the latest.