5 tips I wish I knew
Had fun giving a talk to a marketing class at the College of Charleston Business School this morning.
My long-winded title was “So, You Wanna Get a Job. 5 Tips on How to Build a Sustainable Career in Advertising."
Tip #1 Get comfortable with change
There are lots more types of jobs in advertising now than when I started. And the industry is changing even faster. So, start playing with web3 and A.I. because you’ll probably have a job that doesn’t exist yet.
I also told the class that they have an entire ad agency in their pocket. So, don’t just make fake ads for your portfolio; why not launch your own brand?
You don’t have to be an “influencer.” Just experiment.
Tip # 2 Sell your work. Not your soul.
There are three parts to every job: Process – People – Product.
So… do something you enjoy – with a team you like – for something you believe in.
But remember, it’s just a job. Not who you are. So, settling for two out of three is ok for a while if you must. But you need all three to be fulfilled over the long-term.
Tip # 3 Earn more than you spend.
A budget is the key to freedom. But approach the world with an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset. And get paid what you're worth.
Tip # 4 People will judge you on the internet
So, you might as well build your personal brand. At a minimum, please do these:
- RESUME: Buy a well-designed temple and put your full name in the file name please. (I hired an Art Director last year and when the job was posted, more than half the applicants uploaded a file titled “Resume.pdf.” How many of those people do you think got an interview?)
- CUSTOM URL: Have a dedicated site. Own your turf.
- MATCHING EMAIL: Use that url to set up an email address with your real name. (No one is gonna hire “partyboi22@gmail.com”)
You can do better than this…
Tip #5 Forge your own path
You don’t have to wait for a job offer or anyone’s permission to start doing what you want.
Don’t just send resumes into the void online. Build and nurture your network. Make one simple ask and make it easy to say yes. Ask for help. Offer to help. As you climb, pull others up.
Because your reputation is your greatest currency.
The caliber of your work + The quality of your relationships + The clarity of your expectations = Your reputation
And always send a thank you note.
