Joining the Hoolet roost: our marketing manager Colin

“Colin, it would be great if you could write a blog to introduce yourself, as our new marketing manager with Hoolet.”  

It was the first task posed to me by founder Joanna Fraser (who I should mention is no relation).  

Spending the last few years in marketing, writing about other people, brands, food, events – no problem. But myself? Bleuch!  

After an endless series of typing and deleting to give The Fast and the Furious franchise a run for its money, I grabbed the running trainers and snazzy lime green waterproof jacket to clock up some miles in a bid to clear our good friend writer’s block. 

As I paced through the drizzle and mist casting over Aberdeen beach – it came to me. This feeling of not having anything to say is exactly what we banish at Hoolet, working with businesses to find what makes them tick when they have the same thoughts as me when asked to write this blog. 

Putting our practice to work, I’ve reversed roles and taken a step outside myself to tell my story up until now.  

My marketing journey

Growing up in the small town of Huntly I was the arty kid with lots of imagination. Set me a short story task and a 12-page front and back spread would return – sorry, teachers. 

Always interested in hearing stories, learning new things and asking questions from an early age, it seems obvious now that a career in communications was my path.

Shortly after graduating from Robert Gordon University with a degree in events management I landed a job in the events team at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce – where I met Joanna (see, no relation).  

Planning and running over 120 events a year, it was a busy job where I learned a lot not only about events but the power of brand messaging in the promotion of a packed events calendar. It was here I got my taste for the world of marketing and communications. 

I immersed myself within the world of influencer marketing to attract holiday makers to the North-east while at VisitAberdeenshire. Planning trips for content creators from across the UK and Europe to discover the best of the region, I leveraged their persuasive voice to place a spotlight on the destination to attract target markets. 

After a few years a new challenge presented itself at independent school Robert Gordon’s College where I put my nose for sniffing out a story to good use. Here, I worked closely with teachers to write website news, blogs and social content to engage audiences with the goings on behind the school gates. 

The things that make me tick

Outside the office, I’m a sucker for a beach walk, trash reality TV and any disaster movie. 

One thing I really enjoy is running and walking my very large but loveable rescue dog Ramsay.  

And when I’m not out getting fresh air, you can be certain to spot me hovering over a table of food, snapping pictures with one hand and fork in the other.  

Whether it’s demolishing plates at lightning speed or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I’m never far away from food which brings me to my food marketing alias, The Food Hoover.  

Bringing together blogs, social media, podcast and video, I’m forever plugging food.  

My core aim is to amplify the outstanding products and stories of local food brands here in the North-east of Scotland.  

My food-fuelled platform has provided invaluable learnings, experiences and it has opened doors that I could have never expected. It’s my passion project outside of the office that continues to bring me great joy. 

Taking things to a close

The truth is there’s always something to talk about. Look at the whole picture and see what makes you – well – you.

This is my story and how I choose to tell it. What’s your story and how do you want to share yours? Get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. 

Hoolet is a strategic communications consultancy. Come say hello on Twitter at @hoolet_hoots, or follow us on LinkedIn. You can read more blogs here.