Stop Working So Hard

Sarah Leach is an agency media planner and a Media director for COKE in UK. As she explains this job is not easy, but it is also not something someone should drive themselves crazy about either she gives about 5 steps to succeed in the career of a media planner. The first step she explained relates to the title of this blog, “really, honesty, truly, stop working so hard,” Sarah preaches to the audience that if you work too hard and too long it could basically drain you and your best work will be overlooked. She also explains that you are getting paid for thinking more than what you know, so there is no point in wasting all that time. The second step, “Client are human too.” staying up all night is unnecessary for you and your client can communicate with you other ways other than you working to hard and losing sleep, your client will understand. Your client will have to deal with you, and there is no way they would ant to deal with someone with little to no sleep. Sarah gives an example of the sitting on an airplane and who you would want to sit next to. Thirdly, she explains to the audience that the first 15 pages are the most important. The first 15 pages is not something that can be done just in one setting, and it is not something that should be easy, less story telling. Much time should be spent on it, it should perfected. Next she uses the word “myth busting” to explain how the relationship between you and your client should be more understood by both you and the client better. Sarah gives a few points on how to understand clients better: (1) its just different, and more grown-up and professional. (2) Hours are different, and shorter. Days are intense, and lastly (3) no reason for extended hours of work time, work at home. (3) No goofing around, no fun time. Last step, she explains is to not worry about your hair. Basically not to worry about your appearance in the workplace because people will not be interested in that, they are more interested in your intelligence.

“Dumb is better than perfect” – Sarah Leach Coke Media Planner/ Media Director