How do you manage your many clients and their individual advertising needs?
You learn quickly how each Client works and try to adapt your style to work with them, while at the same time educate them on how your agency works best. At the end of day, all Clients want the same thing – results.
What has been the most challenging and rewarding ad campaign you’ve worked on?
Most challenging: A sales promotion that wasn’t fully supported by a Client’s sales team.
Most rewarding: A print and direct mail campaign for Estancia Home Furnishings. The Client loved it. The Agency loved it. And the consumers loved it.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Client interaction. I enjoy getting to know each Client on a personal level and building a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an AE?
Always be prepared, be organized and anticipate next steps.
How did you get your start in the advertising industry?
I started working in the traffic department. Looking back, it was a great way to learn how an agency works.
What kind of education should an AE have?
A degree in advertising with a good knowledge of the English language is the most useful. This occupation relies on strong written and verbal communication skills.
What are some common misconceptions people have about AEs?
Many people think that an AE, or anyone who works in advertising, develops the creative product (concepts, writes copy, etc.) or is responsible for sales, i.e., bringing in new business.