It’s with great pleasure that I introduce this month’s guest writer, Jef Tan.
Jef is a dear friend of mine. Not only that, he was my colleague when we worked in Pounds and Jordan. On top of that, he has been my boss. After he left P&J to start his own agency, he invited me [...]

Popularity: 10% [?]

Those who know me would know that I believe in building wealth through smart marketing with limited budget. Even if you say you don’t have a single cent in your marketing war chest, I will still say you can market, advertise and promote yourself, your product and your services. Email marketing, viral marketing, referral [...]

Popularity: 5% [?]

This is the final part of the “Rush Fees” series … …
Part 1 highlighted that some agencies actually don’t charge rush fees as they believe that when they support a client in need, they will strengthen the relationship.
Part 2 suggested that agencies can offer creative payment terms if they do need to charge a rush [...]

Popularity: 6% [?]

In part 1, supporting clients who have urgent jobs at the usual price - especially when there is no financial loss - is suggested.
In part 2, offering creative payment terms were recommended.
Here, in part 3, let’s talk about when and if an ad agency should seriously consider dropping a rush job if it [...]

Popularity: 8% [?]

In part 1 of this 4-part series, I have suggested that agencies should consider accepting rush jobs and charge the usual price, especially under these circumstances:

This is a long standing client who has been really nice and supportive all these years.
This is an isolated incident.
There is no financial loss.
This is [...]

Popularity: 7% [?]

I believe that proper strategizing and planning will yield a better result compared to a hastily put together rush job. Racing against time, going without sleep, working non-stop under immense pressure, bashing with internal and external folks to get things done are stressful and nerve wrecking. I much prefer to plan ahead, get things organised [...]

Popularity: 7% [?]

I enjoy having guest writers to share their experience and view points here. Today, I have Calvin Warr disclosing why he prefers to hire an advertising agency compare to getting a freelancer.
Calvin has been in marketing for many years. From running his own studio to working in huge marketing teams and of course, have worked [...]

Popularity: 8% [?]

One of the problems faced by many agencies must surely be telling clients why they have to “pay more”. Premiums are never easy for clients to accept. Some examples of premiums are:

Urgent, overnight film production
Placement loading (right-hand page, back page…)
Color proofing

I am sure you can think of many more instances. But nowhere is it more [...]

Popularity: 6% [?]