Industry: Advertising Agency (United States)

I owe most of my creative copywriting skills to some of the most well-grounded mentors in the field of advertising. Not just writers -- but account executives, marketing, research and media mavens at Leo Burnett, BBDO and Campbell-Mithun.

But for the last 20 years or so, I have been a firm believer in "The Copywriter's Handbook," by Bruce Bendinger.

No matter how well you command the creative and presentation skills essential to serving your advertising clients, having the latest edition of Bendinger's frequently updated book within easy reach is like having an extra brain lobe to jump-start your creative engine.

"The Copywriter's Workbook" is commended by many colleges and universities that have made it the backbone of their courses in communications, marketing and creative advertising.

Nuff said.

Even if you do not want to get into auditing, getting a CPA is very good for your knowledge and salary.

Don't under sell yourself. Many companies that us Freelance graphic Designer feel that they can save money by working this way and paying 15.00 to 17.00 an hour for freelance sevices. Wrong!!! If you are a designer that excepts this, then you are a fool. 30.00 to 40.00 and up is what you should charge. Those that don't are only destroying the field for others and lowering the standards of a highly skilled profession. that 15.00 - 17.00 an hour is what you should be getting paid if you where employed by that company plus benifits. Remember freelance does not give you a 40hr work week or a steady pay check. You have to adjust for this by doubling or tripling your hourly rate. That ad agency is charging 75.00 to 150.00 an hour off of your work. for those Newbies Wake Up! or Get Out of the field.

Don't work so hard that you neglect people outside of work! It's best to have a good work-life relationship.

Look outside your comfort zone for other opportunities.

For a massage therapist(LMP) in Seattle, finding a job is more about knowing people than replying to an ad.

The LMP community in Seattle is small and everyone knows everyone else. Having connections will get you the job quicker and easier than anything else.

Always be happy in your life and work. If you become unhappy at work, find a new job.

Find out as much as you can about what you're really worth to your employer and the clients you do work for. Knowing that you're 1/5th of the team of people that work on 3 clients, understanding the value of the work you do and having a good idea of what those clients are being charged is a decent way to figure out what you're value to the company is. Think of yourself as the businessman running your company. Most President's of larger companies ARE NOT CREATIVES, they're BUSINESSMEN. Does it make good sense to pay you a particular amount, is the company better of paying you a little more of hiring a less expensive person to do the same work? Know what you bring to the negotiating table before the table is set.