Setting goals and keeping motivated is key to achieving personal and professional growth. Digital Marketing guru Ryan Khong (Class of 2010) is a living example of the strides you can make through drive and dedication. Av�԰� Spirit caught up with Ryan after he was crowned ‘Supernova of the Year’ at the 2020 Av�԰�aign Brief WA Awards in April.

‘I’m super stoked to have won,’ Ryan said. ‘Ever since graduating from Av�԰� Christi College in 2010 I have been continuously striving to create new businesses and projects which push me out of my comfort zone and have allowed my career to grow.’

Ryan’s first taste of the industry was during his time at Murdoch University, where he studied a Bachelor of Interactive Digital Design. He started events promotion company Majesty Inc in the back half of his degree, with fellow Class of 2010 alum Stephen Murgia and Joshua Van Vugt. After graduation he commenced at WebSmart Design as a Web Designer/Digital Account Manager, however, landing a day job didn’t stop Ryan from pursuing other opportunities. He created food truck brand Pauly K’s Kitchen with his father, and also initiated Perth Food Adventures, collaborating with major brands in the hospitality industry.

The next step became clearer in 2016. ‘Whilst working at the WebSmart Design position, I managed clientele and learned how to take the initiative in this digital industry,’ Ryan explained. ‘I launched my “side-hustle” Word of Mouth Agency, specialising in Web Design, Branding, Social Media Management, Content Creation & Digital Marketing (SEO, Google AdWords). Some major projects and brands I’ve personally worked with since its launch date are LJ Hooker, Salon Express, IGA, Dome & Snap Fitness.’

Even a casual role at Swan Yacht Club when his WebSmart Design role moved to part-time in 2017 led to accolades in innovation and promotions. Ryan led the club to back-to-back wins for marketing at the Clubs WA Industry Awards of Excellence in 2018 and 2019.

Seeing an opportunity to shore up their market position and advance their enterprise further, Ryan and his agency business partner Adam Perich (Class of 2010) bought the goodwill and existing clients of the WebSmart Design business from his former employer in March 2019. They settled both businesses into an office space in Applecross and focused on setting achievable goals in leadership and growth, expanding their team by hiring three staff.

‘At this present moment, I am aiming to grow Word of Mouth Agency as my core business in the digital media industry of Perth by continuing to spread the word, take on bigger clients, expand our internal team and work with like-minded people to make a confident mark as an upcoming agency.’

He has encouraging and reassuring words for current students contemplating their career goals. ‘If you don’t know what you want to pursue after graduating – don’t stress! If you do, that’s great. But don’t rush it! You have all the time in the world to figure out what you’re passionate about. Don’t compare your life to others. Everyone is moving at their own pace.’

For more information on Word of Mouth Agency, visit