Unsolicited Marketing Advice

Here are 12 tips for becoming a great AE, drawn and adapted from the archives of PRSIG:

1. Learn to listen & take good notes
2. Keep a to‑do list that works
3. Learn to date your work: memos, reports, notes, etc.
4. Learn to delegate
5. Be enthusiastic, positive & loyal (to your agency & to your client)
6. Share ideas (Don't be a yes person)
7. Tune into as many media as can find time for
8. Learn to use technology, adding new skills and applications regularly
9. Make time for professional development
10. Build a network of knowledgeable pros, adding one per week
11. Develop an outside interest which will add dimension to your professional growth, perhaps providing community visibility
12. Pick up a hobby or vocation to take your mind of the biz

Plus, here are some practical pointers for the account exec that are often overlooked:

• Keep your time sheet current
• Always let the receptionist know when you will return
• Don't rely on the artroom or production people to keep track of deadlines
• When you make a mistake ADMIT IT PROMPTLY and get to work on salvaging it right away
• Always promise a little less than you intend to deliver. Better to have a client pleasantly surprised than slightly disappointed.
• If you're responsible for initiating the billing process, do it right away. Your employer can't afford to wait another week before billing every client.

Now it’s your turn: add your thoughts about what makes a great AE by using the comment link below.

Additional Links
SYSOP Ron Solberg Remembers PRSIG (cached link)
Shel Holtz on late PRSIG member Bill Lutholtz

Technorati Tags: Marketing, Public Relations

Labels: Advertising Agencies

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© 2009 Warren Allan Johnson
Posted by Warren Allan Johnson @ 8:00 AM | Permalink | |

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