I ONCE PLACED A REQUEST UNDER THE WINDSCREEN OF A VERY POPULAR RADIO D.J.
-It got played!

Be smart, be clever, be different!

Instead of trying to get though endless switchboard jams, I took a more direct, hard-hitting approach! This is what you need to succeed because;

YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER A WORLD QUITE UNLIKE ANY OTHER...

You are about to embark upon a journey of discovery, where dreams become reality and the only parameters are those within the four corners of the human mind; enter the fast paced world of advertising!

First things first; To be in with any chance of success, whether it be as a freelancer, running your own corporate concern or as an employee for a company, adversing was never for the faint hearted and you will need tenacity, if you are to have ANY chance of being successful.

FRAME OF MIND IS EVERYTHING;
They talk about positive mental attitude; well within the demanding, dog eat dog world of trying to 'bag' that latest deal and trying to clinch a new contact, self belief and your thought processes are everything! How will you convince someone to believe that your advert is going to revolutionsize their business if you come across as someone who has very little belief in himself?
The answer is simple; you won't! Clients need to be re-assured by you, especially where they are newcomers to your magazine/ newspaper or whatever. Be sure to be assertive and consistent with your support and delivery. And people buy people first!
Don't be afraid to do some self analysis. Where do you excel? Show off your abilities, whether they be in artwork or wording( hopefully at least both!). Work on developing the areas in which you could do with more help. It's not a science but about being open to suggestion and positive
(sometimes negative) criticism. If a client / your boss asks you to re-work something, don't launch into some personal defense campaign but listen to what is being said. There is a reason
they are saying it and we never stop learning.

Always ensure that your personal portfolio is up to date and up to standard. Details like having even a slightly tatty or dog eared presentation pack will form a lasting impression.
Take the time and effort to get it right. If you don't someone else will!

Think laterally about the whole thing. What will make the employer want to have you on his team? Make them NEED you and what you can bring to the company! Remember, if YOU can't sell YOU, You he will think you will not be able to sell his advertising space!

BOX CLEVERLY.
Look for something 'gimmicky' to catch the boss's / clients attention. It is an industry where only the best will win so a winning approach will pay you dividends!

See what others are doing and have done. And if you think you aren't all that good, it's time to get good!

Remember it's a winners game so start queue jumping; You'll soon find yourself at the top!

Learn more about this author, Rachael Webster.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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