As I came to the end of my summer term with Howell Marketing Strategies, I took one big thing away from agency life – it’s fast, hectic and full of pressure. When you are on call for 25 clients for at least 8 hours a day, you never know when you’re going to have to drop what you’re doing and be ready to fulfil your clients’ needs.
I will never forget one mid-morning summer at the office. We were all quiet and minding our own business when my supervisor, Kiersten, stopped what she was doing, stood up and yelled “Southern wants me on the plane in one hour!” One of our clients, a new airline, spontaneously decided that they wanted Kiersten to fly with them to Destin for their grand opening press conference. I had heard of emergency business trips, but never would have I imagined someone to drop what they’re doing and hop on a flight. That was an eye-opening lesson on pleasing your clients however necessary!
When you’re constantly moving, meeting with clients or working on different projects, you better be prepared. On my very first day, Kiersten invited me to a meeting with a big-time client – a commercial real estate agency. I figured I would simply be listening in so I didn’t think much of it. Later that day, we arrived at the office and were welcomed into their meeting room. While the secretary was grabbing water for us, Kiersten reminded me to take notes. I swallowed the lump in my throat, let out an “uh” and said, quietly, “I didn’t bring a notepad… or a pen.” It was an embarrassing start to my internship but luckily Kiersten was understanding and easy on me.
It was a fast-paced and up and down summer! I’m looking forward to the fall with a more organized and professional work ethic.
Follow me on Twitter @tomwillcox
I will never forget one mid-morning summer at the office. We were all quiet and minding our own business when my supervisor, Kiersten, stopped what she was doing, stood up and yelled “Southern wants me on the plane in one hour!” One of our clients, a new airline, spontaneously decided that they wanted Kiersten to fly with them to Destin for their grand opening press conference. I had heard of emergency business trips, but never would have I imagined someone to drop what they’re doing and hop on a flight. That was an eye-opening lesson on pleasing your clients however necessary!
When you’re constantly moving, meeting with clients or working on different projects, you better be prepared. On my very first day, Kiersten invited me to a meeting with a big-time client – a commercial real estate agency. I figured I would simply be listening in so I didn’t think much of it. Later that day, we arrived at the office and were welcomed into their meeting room. While the secretary was grabbing water for us, Kiersten reminded me to take notes. I swallowed the lump in my throat, let out an “uh” and said, quietly, “I didn’t bring a notepad… or a pen.” It was an embarrassing start to my internship but luckily Kiersten was understanding and easy on me.
It was a fast-paced and up and down summer! I’m looking forward to the fall with a more organized and professional work ethic.
Follow me on Twitter @tomwillcox