Hi, I’m Sim.
Well, my name is Simran Aniekar Manjunath, but I prefer Sim – it just avoids awkward conversations involving incorrect pronunciations.
I’m an Account Executive at Moreish.
So why am I writing a blog? Well because Moreish decided that I’m an interesting person (possibly because I’m quite chatty) and I should share my thoughts on all things advertising through an Account Exec’s eyes.
Not that I’m an expert, but that’s mostly the point – each month, I’ll explore new ideas I come across as I set off on my career. I’ll discuss campaigns I like, show off work that I’m proud of, and explain fascinating or weird aspects from the world of finance or marketing.
But before I begin this journey and introduce you to my life as an Account Exec (and accidentally leak information I’m not supposed to), I want to tell you a bit more about me.
To the United Kingdom!
I was born and grew up in a city called Bangalore, India. I lived in the same house for 21 years (I’m 23 now, my parents still live there).
And then I moved 8,030 miles across continents to this little place called the UK.
It was a massive change for me, moving from a protective house to having complete independence, let alone the difference in culture, but it was exactly what I wanted. As a grumpy teenager always says ‘I want to do what I want, when I want and how I want’ – that was me from ages 14 to 21 (and still me today to be honest).
Here are some snippets from a video about Bangalore (officially called Bengaluru!). For context, ‘Guru’ means mate and ‘Uru’ means city.
I came to the UK to study for my Masters in Advertising Practice in Bath where I lived for about a year. I met some lovely people and learned quite a few interesting things, like:
– The Queen loves corgis and owns/has owned over 30 of them!
– British people celebrate the death of an assassin who almost killed their King through bonfires/fireworks in early November
– Marmite: I’ve tried it, and for the record, I’m not a fan
– When there’s a bit of sun, GO OUT, don’t take it for granted – I definitely learned that the hard way
Plus, I actually learned a few things about advertising, which was good.
And then I moved to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk for the summer, enjoying and relaxing in the countryside, whilst also panicking about getting a corporate job that would let me stay in the UK.
That’s right about the time when Moreish came into my life. September 2019, my first job as an Account Executive in London.
Why Advertising?
Many people (mostly my confused relatives in India) ask me ‘Why’d you pick advertising? You’re clever enough to be a doctor or an engineer or a lawyer!’ Well, because my father always said follow your passion, and that’s what I did – advertising is my passion.
I’m lying. I’m in advertising also because of Mad Men (isn’t everyone?!). I fell in love with Jon Hamm and wanted to be him – well not his overly dramatic, sexist self, but someone who’s good with words, good with people.
Someone who knows the strings of advertising and can pull them in just the right way to create the perfect ensemble of brand, copy and design.
I’ve also been writing since I was 12 years old. And after a series of songs written about high school boys and broken hearts, a few short stories and emotional rants for Instagram (check out @insideanintrovert), and half a fantasy novel involving dragons, I started to write professionally as a content writer/creative/social media manager for companies in India before I came to the UK.
So, a career in a creative industry was always on the cards for me.
Why an Account Exec?
By now, you might be thinking: why did you choose to start out as an Account Exec at Moreish?
That’s a very good question, my friend.
Here are a few reasons why:
– All-rounders have more fun: Moreish is a small (but mighty) agency, and as an Account Exec I get involved in all sorts of work. Recently I’ve been creating visual mood-boards for a pitch; working out costs for a campaign we’ve just finished; writing copy for a brochure; chatting to the client about new work, and coming up with ideas for the agency social channels. I feel like I’m really learning all aspects of the industry, from the ground up.
– Finance is a really important industry – pretty much everyone uses at least one financial brand to pay for their Deliveroo (me), send money to friends and family abroad (still me) or even save and invest (I wish this were me). From a marketing perspective, this means the opportunities are endless – you’re talking to the biggest possible audience!
– The art of account management is super interesting – being Jon Hamm is fantastic, but being Roger Sterling or Bertram Cooper is just as important (if you don’t get this, you need to watch Mad Men).
In conclusion
This is me. Well, all of me I could fit into 800 words.
I hope you imagine a positive ray of sunshine dodging every obstacle in her way when you read my upcoming blogs about my agency adventures.
Until then, catch up on Mad Men. Read about Bangalore. Or get in touch with me so I can personally send you my half a novel – I’m actually quite proud of it.
Most of all, make sure to stay safe, and stay inside!
Sim 😊