An inside look at Tomahawk.
"After being part of a large, international media agency for more than 10 years, it's refreshing to work in a smaller team again. As, now, a freelancer, you get to work for a variety of companies, including online marketing agencies. Tomahawk was one of my first own clients, and I hope to work with them many more times. I'd like to give you an inside look, because what is it really like on the shop floor?"
Under the banner of Isatis Group
"Tomahawk consists of 11 employees. The team is made up of some experienced people and people who have either just started working in online marketing or have been for a few years. The knowledge is in the areas of content, SEA, UX SEO and design. As an agency they have only been in business for a few years, but under the banner of the Isatis Group they are pretty well seasoned in business. I had already done a few jobs for them, and at the beginning of this year I joined for a period of time as a team member on a weekly basis."
Driven club with balance
"Tomahawk is best characterized as a driven club. They have a nice balance in this drive. One can want to advance a little too quickly and is then nicely complemented by the other, who pays more attention to the details. The latter is well challenged by these innovative people. In the end, they all go for quality. Offering customers something really good and being proud of their work. They look out for each other. Between the regular consultation moments, working in one room, there is plenty of room for sparring. Experiences are shared, advice is given and critical questions are asked."
Something about a wise guy and pride
"I have felt very welcome at this club from day one. I think a team like Tomahawk's could also have handled a wise guy like me differently. Of course, the combination of experience, along with mouthy communication and a critical eye, can be perceived as less pleasant. (Although I think a few people had to get used to me.) What I find strong is that the team is very open to learning; from each other, but also from me, for example. In my experience, many people in this profession would struggle more with their pride. That learning is something that is Tomahawk's own. It's a party that likes to grow, it's employees that like to grow. They help customers, but they also want to learn from customer projects. They are open to feedback and make their point when necessary."
Manager is suddenly a manager
"The first few weeks I wondered what the role of the manager was. He sits on the shop floor and just works on client projects. The team manages itself pretty well. The manager seems mostly one of them. Until a complicated issue came up. Team members were in discussion, but there didn't seem to be an immediate solution. The manager was suddenly a manager; with his characteristic calm, he asked the right questions. He didn't solve it for them, but with his questions they were able to solve it themselves. This is how a club can grow. I would love to keep following Tomahawk. It is fun to work with them, it is especially nice to see them grow bigger and more professional. I hope they keep their individuality and passion and achieve good results for and with their clients."
Pleun de Groot is a freelance content strategist. Want to know more about Pleun? Then check out her website DusDialogical.
