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What would president Obama do? That's my new motto / measuring stick. Watched his interview with Letterman on Netflix last week and was struck again by the patience and just quite simply grace in how he talks, and treats people and topics. I was like, Damn, I'm going to start to try embodying that consciously. Fucked up client request?- OK, breathe and cool off, is it really THAT bad? What would a calm, collected, professional do? Annoying junior with pesky 21 questions? Let's see how I can help and mentor. Shitty person in subway? Hmm, I wonder what crap they have to deal with in their life. In other words, use your judgement but do give back. Most people are trying really hard to do well, let's uplift each other and not feel alone.
Depends on who they are and how busy I am when I get the message. I got a message from someone who went to the same school as me and I happily met up with her for lunch and to talk about the industry. I learned as much from her than she did from me. Young people know things we don’t
I remember this phase of my career. Most people were kind and generous with their time but the douches were the douchiest douches that ever douched.
If you have time for an informational interview it will help her/him immensely and she/he could be a valuable connection for you down the road.
I usually ask them to write 3-5 specific questions they’d like me to answer as a start. That way it’s not just a rambling discussion of the job and they can get directly to the information they want to know. If they are engaging questions and seem genuinely interested in chatting more after that I will
I moved to the west coast, looked up a list of every agency in town and began cold-calling. I tried to find the CDs to see if they’d meet with me. There was this one guy who worked at a shop that later went out of business, when he finally picked up the phone he was ready to let me have it. In my naive, fresh out of school way, I asked him if he’d meet with me at which point he told me firmly “I would NEVER do that.” and he hung up on me.
If there is a genuine connection- college is usually one I consider responding to, or mutual acquaintance- chances of success are higher. I also credit good writing. Notes that are very 'gimme' show a lack of awareness. Pull folks in in your notes, forge a connection. Without that it is just spam
Besides, this kid you meet with today could be hiring years down the road
It would depend on how busy I am. I’ve had coffee or gotten on the phone with interested parties. It’s tough out there and if I can help out someone who seems to have a good head on their shoulders, why not. I believe in karma and being a good person in general.
It was kind of funny, one time I responded and said I am available X times and the girl goes okay, you can call me then. Here’s my number...really?
Try to help them with an eye toward protecting the realities and value of your time. As in give them 30 solid minutes for coffee or over the phone if you’re swamped and then they can follow up with email. AD1 has it right — focus the convo for them. Recently a former acquaintance reached out about info on agency life. I told her I can do it in March after I get some big work deliverables out the door, and she understood. We’re both managing our expectations, realities and time.
AD1: YES. I TRY to live by the motto of “everyone’s fighting a battle you know nothing about.” It REALLY helps to come from a place of compassion.
It was really hard for me to write those cold requests and I should have done more. Because of that, I assume it was hard for them too. I always help. If they were like me, it’s obvious and the connection is always worth it in some way. If they were spamming, it’s also obvious and the connection goes nowhere.
Helping someone else is gratifying. Do it