Tips From a New Advertising Pro

Alex Tuthill // April 6, 2011 // Advertising // No Comments

There have been so many outstanding posts about being new in the PR industry on our blog- the New PR Pros Series, as well as tips from PR account coordinators have been great. But what about the advertising side of things? Why haven’t the new pros in advertising been represented on Don’t Drink The Kool Aid? Have no fear folks, the time has finally come. And what better time than with spring graduation on the horizon?

How do you manage being new in a fast-paced advertising industry? I have been at BG for almost one year and want to share a few tips I have found helpful on a daily basis as a new graduate, an intern, and an account coordinator.

1. Do unsavory jobs with a smile and a good attitude.

Whether it’s creating binders, making copies, or bagel fetching for a client meeting – some jobs are not as fun and exciting as others. It’s easy to work hard on the fun stuff, but your character and work ethic really show when you can make the boring stuff fun. Also, if people see that you’re excited for any and every job you’re given, they’re likely to give you better ones.

2. Put your downtime to good use.

When you start out as an intern or entry-level ad pro, not every minute is jam-packed action. If you have time to spare and want to expand your portfolio on your own, become a master of any social media platform. Familiarize yourself with online advertising. Start your own blog. There are dozens of ways to turn your downtime into productivity that will build your skills and your portfolio, while making you a more valuable asset to the company.

3. Keep your brain, your inbox, and your desk organized.

Advertising runs on deadlines, especially at every level – don’t waste your time or anyone else’s shuffling through eight heaps of paper on your desk. Disorganization is a time suck. I have learned that no measure of organization or filing is too extensive.

4. Take notes. Every second.

Anytime someone calls my name, I approach armed with a pen and notebook in hand. Any casual conversation can quickly snowball into a in-depth discussion of a project with infinite details that you will be expected to remember and execute. Patience will run out fast when people have to explain things to you multiple times.

5. Learn the lingo.

Pay attention to the words and abbreviations people use – there are enough abbreviations in advertising to make your head explode. Jot them down, look them up, figure out what they mean and how to use them appropriately in conversation. Before I send out an email that is chock-full of industry jargon, I don’t hesitate  to run it by more experienced colleagues to make sure I’ve used terms or phrases correctly. Someday I won’t have to and I will be able to write the book on Ad Slang, but until then- it’s a good precaution.

6. REPLY ALL.

Everyone will tell you that communication is key in this industry, but what does that really mean? I will tell you what I have learned it means, it is my new mantra- REPLY ALL. Any email or piece of correspondence? REPLY ALL. Any conversation you have? REPLY ALL. Include anyone and everyone who might be involved of what’s going on in a project because it only takes one fumble in a line of communication to drop the ball.

7. Anticipate.

Try to cover all your bases up front. Can you address a client question before they ask it? Can you provide someone with a report, information, or help before they even know they need it? This is what makes you a true superstar. Trying to anticipate what questions or challenges lie ahead in the process can save valuable time along the way. Always err on the side of caution and provide anyone you interact with the maximum amount of information in the simplest way possible to cut down on back and forth questions.

8. Personalize.

Don’t be afraid to show your personality and put your own personal touch on the projects you have. Also, let your personal interests show. What makes you unique? What makes you an interesting person? What sets you apart outside of your work?

These are the things I abide by and turn to on a regular basis that make my day easier and less stressful. What about you other advertising new pros – what are your own helpful tips that make you a superstar in this industry?