In Your Shoes - Andrew Johnson

Appointments Galore

I spent Monday across the bridge in the Capital (awesome weather, by the way). I had three clients to see, one existing and two prospective. First was in the Financial Sector. The regulatory compliance here is incredibly important, and our clients that work in this sector have given us an understanding of what is required from a Comms perspective and how it can be delivered. The Telecoms Industry also requires such strong regulation given its history.

Second was the Legal Sector. I really enjoy working for businesses in this sector. Diligence is correctly applied, and working for a company like HighNet, proudly sporting the FCS Mark of Excellence award, allows me to stand up to the scrutiny with a smile and a nod.

Third was Health & Safety. This client had interesting challenges with the location of one of their branches in the borders, but thanks to our relentless innovation and determination to stay at the fore we are not held back by the lack of investment in the UK’s infrastructure. I like finding out about what my clients do, so that I can deliver positive impact, and my eyes were opened certainly to this niche section of H&S. A good day!

Pro-active Partnerships

Off to HighNet’s offices in Glasgow. I had a strategic partner review with one of my close partners in our boardroom. The goalposts are ever changing, and it’s important both parties are aware of the other’s visions in the short and long term. We agreed on a plan for the next quarter, which has huge potential. We have regular reviews to make sure our approach is the right one.

Primarily, it is my job to work closely with a small group of chosen trusted technology businesses across Scotland to provide their valued clients cutting edge Internet, Telephony and Mobile packages specifically designed for their requirements. Being able to match the quality of service they offer to their clients, and sticking to our respective industries, is a real privilege. The line between IT & Telecoms is becoming more blurred, however they could not be further apart. Our partnerships help us navigate this paradoxical environment so we can take a masterful approach, rather than a jack-of-all-trades one.

Personal Development

Back in Glasgow again for a 1-2-1 with the boss. We reviewed all my partnerships and bounced ideas back and forth. This is a very useful exercise as having another perspective can inspire a new approach that otherwise wouldn’t have been considered. A big part of our 1-2-1s is personal development. This is crucial as working harder at doing the wrong thing won’t change the outcome. We get guidance, tips and asked questions that allows us to come up with the answer, rather than being dictated to or being told something is right or wrong. I really enjoy it! I can be as creative as I want (as long as it works!). I had to leave early as my lungs gave in with the amount of talking I did so was in bed by dinner time…that was especially annoying as I enjoy taking Amber to ballet after work, once she’s finished we grab a babyccino from Forgans in the Ferry. The old man had to step in instead.

Catching Up

Finally, a day without any meetings or travelling! Days like this are very valuable indeed. I caught up with all the non-urgent account management, admin tasks and finalised client proposals and took some time to reflect on the week so far. I was physically exhausted by this point. Usually I relish getting out and about, but truth be told I was glad I didn’t have any appointments lined up. I kept phone calls to a minimum as well, nobody wants to hear coughing and spluttering! So a quiet one with my slippers, dressing gown, 6 Music and endless cups of tea!

Positive End to a Tiring Week

Final prospective client meeting of the week, through in East Kilbride this time. A small but really established, long standing outfit whose customers spoke very highly of them. Regarding their comms, the client had heard about the old telephone network being switched off by BT and asked their IT provider (one of my trusted partners) if they could help. They referred me, and I arranged to go and see the lay of the land. I will never recommend or design a solution without visiting the client first.

As it happened, after understanding their business plan for 2019 and beyond, I was able to help them with their internet, their telephony and their mobiles. I would never have been able to do so had I not sat down and listened to their business needs. Using that information (not related to Telecoms at all) I was able to help them achieve their goal quicker, and more efficiently than if they’d kept the status quo. That’s the part of the job I enjoy most of all.

That was a tough, tiring week, but one I enjoyed. Still getting back up to full health with a target of mid-March to be getting back to the gym, climbing Munros, playing the drums and going on crazy adventures across Scotland with Amber, my 6 year old daughter. Bring it on! Thanks for reading.