You know how life loves to throw a curveball just when you think you’ve got it all figured out? Well, my journey from the world of field sales into the buzzing digital marketing space is a classic example. It’s a story with a big move, a major “oops” moment, and a fantastic breakthrough that taught me so much.
So, I was pretty keen on diving deep into digital marketing after my time in field sales. And wouldn’t you know it, an amazing opportunity popped up on LinkedIn. I connected with this person who was kicking off a new marketing agency in Pune.
After a few chats, it felt like a perfect match – I was set to join as an SEO specialist, and everything seemed sorted. Pune, here I come, ready to conquer!
Why I Left Sales for a Digital Marketing Career
After years of working in field sales, I found myself drawn to the fast-evolving world of digital marketing. I loved the creativity, the analytics, and the sheer potential to build brands online. I started researching, upskilling, and networking—especially on LinkedIn—in search of my next big opportunity.
Soon, I connected with someone launching a new marketing agency in Pune. We clicked instantly, and it felt like everything was falling into place. I was all set to join as an SEO specialist. A new city, a new job, and a new beginning—what could go wrong?
The Silent Treatment in a New City
I packed my bags, super excited, and landed in Pune, staying with my childhood friend. My grand plan was to start that Monday, bright and early. But, as we all learn, achieving something awesome usually isn’t a walk in the park.
That agency that was so eager to have me? Poof! They went completely silent. My calls went straight to voicemail, messages vanished into the ether. After what felt like endless follow-ups, I had to face the music: they’d ghosted me. My dream job disappeared faster than a free pizza slice at a party, leaving me in a new city with no job. Talk about a deflating moment!
The Hustle: Pounding Pavement, Facing “No”
Suddenly, I was back to square one, job hunting in a new city. It wasn’t easy. I went for interview after interview at different marketing agencies. The consistent feedback? “Great business development experience, but not quite what we’re looking for in a digital marketing role.” Ouch! Rejection became my new best friend for a while.
Three long months crawled by. Living in Pune became tougher, financially and emotionally. Just when things felt a bit bleak, I got an interview with Lodha Builders. And guess what? I got the job! It wasn’t a digital marketing gig yet, but it was a foot in the door, a chance to get back on my feet.
From Pune to Palava: Mumbai’s Big Reveal
My journey with Lodha started in Pune, but before long, I got transferred to Mumbai, specifically to Palava Smart City. And this, my friends, is where things really started to get interesting! Palava was a fresh new township, and my small team and I had a big mission: market it and fill those spaces!
Mumbai turned out to be an absolute goldmine for networking. Seriously, it was incredible. I found myself chatting with top-tier management from massive brands like AkzoNobel, Accenture, Capgemini, and Mastek. Our goal was to promote Lodha’s upcoming commercial and residential spaces. This intense period wasn’t just about selling; it was a crash course in human psychology, on-the-ground marketing, and really digging into the smart strategies of major brands like Lodha.
Plus, through Lodha, I got to meet so many celebrities and influential personalities. It was an exposure I’d never imagined, opening my eyes to a whole new world!
The Digital Lightbulb Moment
After a good while, my managers at Lodha started noticing something about me – my knack for digital marketing. Maybe it was my proactive approach, my old lead generation skills from business development, or just my never-ending passion for the digital world. Whatever it was, they asked me to take charge of lead generation for commercial and residential leases.
Finally, I was doing what I loved most! I dove in headfirst, experimenting with all sorts of strategies, crunching numbers, and constantly trying new things to bring in those valuable potential leads. It was tough, but incredibly rewarding, and I felt right at home in the digital landscape.
I used all the skills I’d acquired—sales, networking, SEO, performance marketing—and launched my own venture: TechSolvent.in, a full-service digital marketing agency built on performance, strategy, and results. I also created The Power Speak, a platform to connect India’s top speakers with corporate and academic institutions across the world.
The Leap of Faith: Beyond the Job Title
While I was rocking it in Mumbai, a new thought kept bubbling up. I tried so many times to make the jump to the US or UK; honestly, that’s where I always wanted to go. But, funnily enough, those opportunities just never materialized.
Then, one day, it hit me: Why was I waiting for a company to hire me to get to another country? I had a great skill set, a ton of experience, and a burning passion.
I should build my own company, one that I could take to another country!
Honestly, it was a tough call, leaving a good salary and a stable job in a place like Mumbai. But a few days later, I made the leap and quit. My gut told me there was so much more waiting after this decision.
Stay tuned, and follow me for the next blog post to find out what happened next!
Ready to Start Your Digital Marketing Journey?
Whether you’re moving from sales, college, or any other field into digital, I’d love to help.
Visit abhishekmudgal.com
Follow me on Instagram: @abhishekmudgal
Explore my agency: TechSolvent.in
Looking for a speaker for your next event? ThePowerSpeak.com.
