Allow me to introduce a new series Haiku Help. These posts will have a slew of Haikus focused on a topic or area of marketing. Each haiku has a story behind it from a marketing mistake someone made (and that's often me.)
What could be missing?
It's the client signature!
Am I on the hook?
Note to media planners: Don't place the ad with a publication without a client signature. It creates a really big, unneeded stress in your life.
Sweet Full Color Ad
Exact Same Ad on Next Page -
Try not to lose job!
Note to media planners: If you're working with another agency, try to coordinate placement of the ad so that the same ad doesn't appear back to back in the same newspaper. Pay attention to the details!
Oh rows and columns
Full of ideas and data
And human error
Note to media planners: Never fully trust the information on a spreadsheet. Especially a shared one. Make sure you're aware of all elements of media plans and double check to make sure the information is accurate.
Invoice on my desk
Oh crap- was not billed correct
Accounting hates me
Note to media planners: Putting off invoice checking today will haunt you tomorrow. Be aware of deadlines.
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah
Buy an ad from me.
Note to media planners: When an advertising sales rep has earned your trust, don't tune out. Try to listen to at least some of the blahs. Don't let a few bad ones ruin it for the good ones.
You send me e-mails
And leave many voice mails too
Restraining order.
Note to media planners: Remember that advertising sales reps are just doing their job, but that it's OK to tell them "no" or that YOU will call THEM when you need them.
Here is what I need
Directions simple and clear
Sesame Street style
Note to media planners: When managing buying agencies, remember to make sure you give them clear direction. 9 times out of 10 you're going to receive what you need right before you have to present it to your boss. If it's incorrect you're going to be the one making changes until 2 a.m.
Halloween party.
At work. One piece of advice:
Don't dress like Charo.
Note to media planners: You may think a really outrageous costume at an ad agency Halloween party is cool. Think twice about the image of you and how that image can haunt you later in life.
Special thanks to Jennifer Kneeland for collaboration on this series. She's a smart, funny ex-colleague who lives in the Bay area and when she's not collaborating on haikus she's seeking her next career opportunity.