Jamie Allebach & His Career |
The Actual Work |
Job Information & Advice |
Education Information & Advice |
Industry Trends
JAMIE ALLEBACH AND HIS CAREER
BusinessSchools.com: How did your career unfold?
Jamie Allebach: I've enjoyed art and creative things all my life, so it was just a matter of how to make a
career out of it. Upon the completion of my education at the Art Institute of Philadephia,
I began to gather the experience that I would need to manage an advertising agency. I worked for several ad
agencies, design studios, and corporations.
If you had to define yourself vocationally in one sentence what would it be?
I bring people that want to "sell" stuff together with those who want to "buy" stuff.
What has been your key (or keys) to success?
Perseverence, hard work, treating others as I would want to be treated, and lots of prayer. I love finding creative
solutions to marketing problems.
What was your greatest success and biggest setback?
My greatest success is that I currently manage a business that provides for my family and my employees and their
families. My greatest setback was when I split my partnership, back in 1994. It took me several months to
financially recoup.
Who were the biggest inspirations for your career?
Jesus Christ modeled and exemplified servant leadership and I try to use Him as my role-model in my life and business.
What are some common myths about advertising agency executives?
That they are "slick" sales people, out to deceive and manipulate people. That avertising is all SIZZLE and no STEAK.
THE ACTUAL WORK OF BEING AN AVERTISING AGENCY OWNER
Describe a typical day of work for you.
As a business owner, the majority of my day is spent leading and encouraging my employees and meeting the
needs of our clients. I have to keep my employees motivated and at the same time keep a healthy bottom-line.
How do advertising agencies use computers? What is the most popular software used by them?
Ad agencies use computers for EVERYTHING! For the graphics end of the business, MAC's are by far the most
widely used computers. For account servicing, accounting, research, etc., IBM or PC's are widely used.
What are the different business related specialties within the field of advertising?
Marketing, Public relations, Graphic design, Copy writing, Research, Sales, Web development, and Photography
Is it important to collaborate with colleagues in the field?
It's always important to talk with other people and groups that are doing what you are doing. It helps
expedite the process of fixing things that aren't working.
JOB INFORMATION & ADVICE
Who are three of the most renowned advertising executives in the world right now? How and why did they get
to the top? What are people at the top of this profession paid?
In the advertising industry it's not so much individuals, it's more the ad agency itself that brings the
prestige. Some of the top agencies in the world are:
What is the average salary for your position in the US?
Agency principals and top executives can make anywhere from $80,000 up to millions, depending upon what your
options and incentives are.
What are the hottest advertising specialties for the new decade?
E-commerce is not only impacting the world of advertising, but the business world as a whole. Harnessing the
power and diversity of the Internet and then successfully integrating it into the long-term success of any
business will be a key the future success.
What are the best ways to find and go about getting a job in advertising?
Headhunters, the Internet, and personal contacts are the best ways to find jobs. Then, you have to work your
way up through the ranks, and learn as much as you can about every job in the company. Focus on getting as
much HANDS-ON experience as possible.
Describe your ideal job candidate and your nightmare job candidate.
Ideal: Hard-working, detail-oriented, creative, humble, teachable, ethical, and committed.
Nightmare: Some young young punk that thinks that they are God's gift to the advertising industry.
How is the job market now for the advertising industry? How about in 5 years?
It's great now. If you're sharp, you can be very selective as to where you want to work and get a good salary
and benefits. My opinion is that the job market is going to swing in 2-3 years and the people that are
job-hopping for that 6% increase in salary will most likely be the first ones cut-loose when the market gets tight.
EDUCATION INFORMATION & ADVICE
Tell us about your education.
Personally, I don't have much of an education. I dropped-out of college and went to an accelerated course at
the Philadelphia Art Institute. I was never a very good student - I was most concerned about how I could get
in and out the quickest.
But my education was well worth it because it allowed me to get the basic skills that I needed and then get to
work in the field.
How do prospective advertising students assess their skill and aptitude for this field?
By defining what you're good at and what you like to do.
If someone has a knack for advertising already, should they go to school for it and why?
It highly depends on your perspective and the value that you or your prospective employer has on education.
What advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and career in the business side
of advertising?
Think creative, work hard, and have fun. Try to get practical, applicable skills and information from your
education.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Can you give us a super condensed, 3 paragraph history of advertising?
Advertising was birthed in the early 1900's as the need arose to find companies to advertise in the new medium
of print magazines. Later, when radio and TV were invented, companies quickly saw the value of sponsorships
and advertising. Advertising agencies soured to incredible heights in the sixties and became recognized, as
we know them today to be professional and uniquely creative businesses. Advertising agencies today are known
for driving and developing brand awareness for all companies and products through mediums such as TV, radio,
magazines, newspaper, direct mail, public relations, internet, multi-media, and a host of other avenues.
How has the popularity of the Internet affected your profession?
One of the great positive things is that it has opened-up a whole new medium in which to communicate, do
business, and (of course) advertise. It has lead to a new source of revenue for agencies in the development of
e-commerce strategy and web design and development. It has impacted us in a negative way by creating less of a
need for businesses to have printed material.
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