Episode 5: Client changes are coming. Are you ready?

Building a relationship with clients is key to success in advertising. Heck in anything. Building relationships and truly caring about the clients...no, better yet, the people, is one of the most important things you'll do as an account person. Behind every great person though, there is a fierce client who has a fond idea of what their product or service should be. Why shouldn't they? It's their baby.

As a creative this can be problematic. I've read about reactions toward client changes in a slew of books. But understand those changes are not personal.

Vent.

Let it out.

Then get back to creating the best d*#m piece you've ever created. Changes are coming, just be ready to wow them.

As an account person, your job is taking care of the client while also taking care of your creative. It may seem like a tight rope to walk, but the great ones do it with ease.

How is your rope walking skills?

Find true value in working with your client: Do they like tennis? Do they like Grey's Anatomy? Find out, then make a note of it. Try to build your client relationships and the value of what you do will surely rise.

More to come as I learn it.

Episode 4: A Storm’s a Brewin’

The winds of client change are coming. Are you prepared?

As an account coordinator I’ve witnessed the power of client driven, creative changes and I can promise you it’s not fun or pretty. But coordinating these changes with your creative team doesn’t require pulling teeth. Be an advocate for the agencies, and then be an advocate for your client. Sit down and understand what these changes mean. How can they help our project for the best? How can I communicate these changes effectively to the creative team? Are there changes we can take advantage of (i.e. a new creative approach)?

Not all changes are unwarranted and not all changes are a direct attack on your team. Take what the client gives you and look for positives. Give your creative team time to vent, then put your heads together and create the perfect brand campaign.

More to come as I learn it.