You Should Be Passionate About It: Client Servicing Manager

What skill sets are required to become a client servicing manager?
In order to become a client servicing manager, one needs to have a business bent of mind, limited not only to servicing a client but also having the ability to think on his behalf. A client servicing manager is the face of the advertising agency and the voice of the client when s/he interacts with the creative team. His or her goal is two-pronged — increase client’s business and sell the advertising agency’s award winning creatives to the client so that it brings in business. A client servicing person, therefore, needs to be a strategic thinker. He must remember that his salary is coming from the client. He or she needs to strike the right balance — it’s a very sensitive job to be in.
 
How did you get into client servicing?
I got into advertising purely by accident. I always wished to be close to the brand. Sales was something that I did not want to get into — so I decided to get into advertising. My first job was with TBWA as an intern management trainee. The basic skill sets one requires include basic business sense, ability to evaluate creatives from the consumer’s point of view, communicate the client’s vision to the creative team and the ability to sell the idea, after it has been made by the creative, to the client.
 
Your advice to youngsters wanting to take up client servicing?
If you’re looking for money don’t think of client servicing. Think of this option only if you have the passion for it. It’s important to know that you may reach the CEO level but the general public may still not know you. If you’re looking for fame, it is the creative side that you should consider joining and not client servicing.