My name’s Linda and I’m Bark’s director of client services. That’s a fancy title that means I take care of people, their projects and sometimes even their kids. Creative agencies often refer to my position as “account executive.” I love my job, but over the years I’ve found that there’s some confusion about what I do all day. It's a question that once baffled my own parents. They knew I worked in advertising, but my lack of creative skills left them wondering if it was the right fit (apparently, thosecreative talentspeaked when I was eight).
Film and television have told many famous stories set in advertising agencies. The most popular in recent memory was Mad Men, with its male-dominated, three-martini lunches where deals were made. I admit to being old enough to have attended one or two of those types of meetings early in my career.
You may remember the classic soapy drama Melrose Place being set in an advertising agency.Or going back even further, the iconic TV show Bewitched featured Darren Stevens, a suit-clad creative soul and his account executive boss, Mr. Tate.
Advertising agencies have long been a captivating backdrop, yet we all know that TV often romanticizes and sensationalizes reality (spoiler alert: it's not always as dramatic as it seems).
At Bark, my role as Director of Client Services takes on a unique flavor compared to other agencies I've worked in. It's all about service — a skill and a posture that waitressingduring my university years prepared me for.
Taking care of my clients is always my top priority. And prioritizing my clients' needs takes many forms, extending beyond the realm of advertising. It's about being the person on the other end of call who cares and understands that a project’s deadline is approaching but that client is stressed with family matters and needs some extra help. It's the art of listening closely to decipher what a client wants, even when it’s different from what they might need, and then working towards achieving both.
Other duties not assigned in my role include:
- Rushing out to buy a suit for a client's corporate photoshoot that they forgot was happening on that particular day.
- Delivering forgotten materials to a client late into the night for an early morning meeting.
- Texting a client during their meeting to remind them of crucial details they need for that particular conversation.
It's more than a job — it’s building relationships. My clients have become my friends, stepping into my life during tough personaltimes. They also celebrate my triumphs and new ventures. What binds us together is mutual respect.
For those considering this path: it's a rollercoaster, but every twist, turn and loop is worth it when you see your clients succeed. So, to anyone still wondering, "What does Linda do?" It's simple: I build relationships, navigate the maze of client needsand put my heart into every project.
If your company’s looking for exceptional service and deliverables that get results, Bark is here to help.
