Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Earning the job is as important as keeping the job itself

If you’ve landed a job at an agency, you should know you are very lucky.

When I embarked on the job hunt right out of college, I often found a common requirement for agency positions: 5-7 years experience. I would think to myself, “Seven years ago I was getting my driver’s permit!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying my youth, but young often means ‘rookie’ and a lot of agencies aren’t looking for that.

However, you will find a job suitable for you and experience feelings of relief and utter excitement. But remember, there is a difference in getting a job and keeping a job. Just because the agency picked you doesn’t mean you are secure. You have to earn your keep and that is done through performance.

It is often said by those first starting off at an agency that there is not a whole heck of a lot to do. There is a lot of downtime, which seemingly becomes your worst enemy. But there are several things you can do to reduce that time in order to improve your worth and knowledge, as well as establish your place.

Keep in mind that these go for any entry-level agency role.

Read up on all the trades- Ad Age, PR Week, Media Post, Ad Week. Keep up with as many as you’re willing to sacrifice your inbox to. Read them everyday, and leave comments along with your agency’s Web site. This will drive a lot of traffic there and potentially earn new business.

Be a social media dashboard- Set up a Twitter account separate from your personal one so you can track every piece of information that comes out on the company, the local ad industry. Follow all your clients/prospective clients, the trades (once again), and local and national news. You don’t need to advertise the account; just use it for yourself.

Web sites- Familiarize yourself with the agency Web site, as well as all the clients’ sites. Check them regularly and take notes.

Fill the empty coffee pot- and do all the other menial stuff. It’s got to be done, and you can be the one to do it. This includes organizing messed up files, answering phones, running errands, etc., etc., etc. The others will be happy having someone who doesn’t care about the grunt work.

Keep a Positive Attitude- When doing anything, even when doing nothing, keep your head up. You are never too good for the job.

At Home- Dive into some books that will make you more knowledgeable on the business. Here are some, as recommended by industry professionals:

-       Where the Suckers Moon by Randall Rothenberg

-       Hoopla by Warren Burger

-       The Art of Client Services by Robert Solomon

-       Hey Whipple, Squeeze This. by Luke Sullivan

-       Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy

-       Jack: Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch (former CEO of GE)

Sure, entry-level may not seem glamorous. You may even want to scream at times of restlessness. But don’t. You will speak loud and clear through your actions and will earn your keep.