Christopher Renz
Shortly after graduation I boldly decided to move to Miami, quite sure that an amazing advertising gig would soon follow. I mean, I studied Advertising, surely getting a job wouldn’t be too difficult. I signed a lease and began my search.
After a brief (although painful) 6-months of waiting tables, my youthful ignorance paid off. Crispin Porter + Bogusky hired me as an Assistant Media Planner.
Having no idea what that was, I quickly began to prep as fast as I could. CP+B had a reputation for throwing newbies into the deep end and seeing if they can swim. After a few mis-strokes, I swam pretty well I have to say.
I will expand on the missteps rather than the triumphs, as there is more ‘value in the valley,’ if you will.
Working on the Virgin Atlantic account was an advertiser’s dream. No stale :30 spots here. For CP+B and VAA, it was all about creating sexy content. First was a magazine created and printed by us called Jetrosexual. Then there was the Virgin Atlantic (soft-core) porn we produced and distributed to weary travelers in hotels in key markets. CP+B won awards, the client was happy and all was well.
In the process, one of my responsibilities was planning and buying the print media supporting the message. Added value was a huge portion of this buy. I quickly learned that reps can be your friends — and sometimes they can get you.
Well, I got got.
An incredible added value opportunity was offered for a certain frequency buy. I notified by team who notified the client. The client was ecstatic. When the program launched a few months later, this amazing added value opportunity vanished. The rep claimed that it was never a part of the package and I, the newbie that I was, did not have the email back-up or any paperwork backing the claim of what was promised.
This was the first lesson I learned in the biz. Cover your ass. Get written back-up and confirmation of EVERYTHING.
I carry this lesson with me today as I run my own agency and impart this wisdom on everyone who works here.
Triple check your confirmations, kids — you can never have too much back-up.
Funny aside — at the launch of the program I found myself in a penthouse hotel room with Alex Bogusky (and a few others) awkwardly watching the Virgin Altantic soft-core porn.
What a first impression of the business!
Share:
- by AWSC
- posted at 6:10 pm
- February 18, 2011
