So, what is it you do, exactly?

If I had a dollar every time someone asked me this exact question: "So, what is it you do, exactly?" I'd be one rich lady. I don't even think my own family has a good grasp on what it is that I do for a living. My typical "short" and uncomplicated answer is, "I'm in advertising." And then I get responses like, "Do you make TV commercials and stuff?" So in order to clear a few things up, I decided to dedicate a blog post to it. Thanks, Kendall, for already writing about this...I'm stealing a lot from you!

Here's a pic of the building. My "official" title is Account Manager and my role is to work with clients and with the agency's creative department to make sure everything happens on time, on budget and on strategy. Kendall googled the official definition and here it is:

Account Executive (def) the link between the agency and its clients. They sell the agency's services to the client. They utilize the agency's various departments—including copywriting, design, interactive, and production—to create effective advertising campaigns for their clients. Account services professionals manage the relationship between the agency and the client. They are the first line of contact with the client - and the first line of defense. Essentially, they are the project managers for advertising accounts. Account services people are marketing and communications consultants; they must know as much about the brand as the client, and more about how to advertise it. Working Conditions: Advertising account executives work under a great deal of pressure in a highly competitive environment. They put in long hours and are ultimately responsible for seeing that artists and copywriters meet their schedules.

And yep, that's pretty accurate! Although it didn't mention trying to keep everyone happy all the time. I spend a lot of time doing that as well! My specific clients are Embassy Suites Hotels and other Hilton Family brands and departments. We do a lot of "internal communications" and less traditional advertising. And while it definitely can be stressful at times in a world of impossible deadlines, it's also part of the charm. I never dread coming into the office and most days even look forward to it and here are just some of the top reasons I love what I do...

1. My co-workers are practically like family. Of course like with any family, we have some tense moments, especially when things get crazy, but we have a good time together.
2. I work with some of the most talented people in the world (the people who actually write and design those "TV commercials." There's nothing more rewarding than presenting a concept to a client that is absolutely brilliant and having them praise your efforts afterward. Or pitching for new business and receiving the good news that they selected you.
   
3. I am blessed to not only have great co-workers, but also great clients who are also like family in many ways.
4. The environment at the agency is great. We "let loose" as often as we can. I mean what other office environment includes a basketball goal, foosball table, shuffleboard, cable TV and parties for every occasion imaginable?

Speaking of the office environment, here's a little tidbit about it.

Hanging on the walls throughout our building are large canvas images. Each employee here submitted something that gives them inspiration. The art directors then depicted that in a way of their choosing, made a canvas out of it, and they are now hanging on the walls throughout the entire agency.


Some show a certain destination: a sunset on the beach, the Grand Canyon. Some are things: a blank canvas, oil paints, freshly cut green grass. Some are activities: running, traveling, basketball. Others include everything from funny quotes, a Norman Rockwell scene, the moon... to Jane Fonda and Disney. ALL of these things mean something to a fellow co-worker.

Mine is on the bottom left of the photo above. It's a suitcase.My inspiration is specifically, travel or a packed suitcase. This is not to be confused with business travel...leisure travel ONLY! I think I mentioned in an earlier post that James and I love to travel together and would take as many trips around the world as we could if time and money allowed. So, what inspires you?

So, there you have it...my job in a nutshell and some info on the place that I spend my days. Hope this cleared up some of the confusion out there.