“Clients respect talent” is a quote I read recently by Vincent Cullers, Advertising Hall of Fame. I wonder if this is universally true. Personally, I think not.

I think sometimes that’s what we’d like to think. More often than not, I’ve witnessed clients showing “ad agency execs” and/or creative professionals the lack of respect and not thinking anything of it. Now, in my experience not all clients are like this, obviously. But it only takes a few to put a sour taste in your mouth.

These are usually the type who have a greater-than-normal ego and believe they know everything or at least more than the ad guy in the room. Now, by “ad guy,” I’m referring to the expert who really knows his or her profession and has spent more than a year or two practicing the craft. This client loves to do his/her own thing and truly believes his ideas are amazing and should be implemented. That, naturally, is not always the case.

When the ad guy tries to explain to the client why this or that proposed idea may not work or is not appropriate, the client usually just ignores the logistics involved or the expense anticipated with an actual production. Also, depending on the maturity and experience level of the ad guy, the client may not appreciate the advice being given.

Times change, of course, as do people. Society can be very cruel at times as was evidenced decades ago during the fifties and sixties. No matter how smart one was, the color of one’s skin often determined whether or not one would even be invited into the conference room for a presentation.

“In those days, no African-Americans were working in advertising. They not only couldn’t get in the door, they didn’t go beyond the lobby.”

Vincent Cullers

Nowadays the color of one’s skin matters less than it did decades ago but, alas, the respect issue remains in some circles of the industry and society as a whole. Even the best qualified ad guy can tear down years of respect and admiration if he/she comes across as unprofessional, immature or, dare I say, irrespecutful. After all, respect goes two ways. It should always be upheld at both ends.

Hopefully making a ruckus, one blog post at a time!

Be sure to check out my other blog,Joe’s Journey, for selected short stories and personal insights on life and its detours.