Advice from our members…
Last month, we asked members to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received in their careers. The idea came from a lively discussion our MVP group had around that very question, and we thought it would be fun—and helpful—for all of us to join the conversation.
We received a couple of great responses, and here’s where it gets interesting: each month, we’ll be featuring two new pieces of advice in this space. Even better, the folks whose advice is featured will then nominate someone else to share their words of wisdom next month. That way, we’ll keep the chain going—and over time we’ll gather an amazing collection of insights, tips, and lessons learned from across our membership.
This month, we’re kicking things off with two gems worth remembering:
One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my advertising career was to under-promise and over-deliver. This approach has guided me ever since. For example, if I tell a client they will have a proof by Wednesday but deliver it on Tuesday, it builds confidence and shows that I am reliable and proactive. On the other hand, if I promise Wednesday but deliver on Thursday, the client sees me as late and less dependable. Clients value consistency and follow-through. Many people make promises they cannot keep, which leads to disappointment. By managing expectations carefully and exceeding them when possible, you strengthen trust and credibility with every interaction.
During the time one of my sons was applying for scholarships, we came across one offered by Herb Kohl. The application was complex and in-depth, and I realized it would take longer than most applications to complete. I asked my husband, who was a teacher, whether we should encourage our son to apply since the odds were small that he would be the one student sent on from our school to the area CESA- and then, actually be chosen for the scholarship. Seemed like pretty big odds and a lot of time. He said, " Trying is the only option because to not try is a sure loss." So, section by section, my son completed the application. Win #1- As he completed each section, he realized that because it was complex and covered so many areas of interest, the individual sections could be used for other scholarships as well, saving lots of time completing other applications. And, Win#2, he was chosen for the scholarship! Big lesson learned! If you don't try- you can't succeed.
We love the wisdom Sue and Julia have shared, and next month we’ll hear from the people they’ve nominated to keep the advice flowing.
Stay tuned—it’s going to be fun to see the lessons that have shaped our members’ careers, one story at a time.
“Simple lessons. Big impact. From our members, for our members.”
Last month, we asked members to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received in their careers. The idea came from a lively discussion our MVP group had around that very question, and we thought it would be fun—and helpful—for all of us to join the conversation.
We received a couple of great responses, and here’s where it gets interesting: each month, we’ll be featuring two new pieces of advice in this space. Even better, the folks whose advice is featured will then nominate someone else to share their words of wisdom next month. That way, we’ll keep the chain going—and over time we’ll gather an amazing collection of insights, tips, and lessons learned from across our membership.
This month, we’re kicking things off with two gems worth remembering:
- From Julia Thompson: Under-promise and over-deliver. Julia explains how this simple approach has been the cornerstone of her advertising career, building client trust and credibility with every interaction.
One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my advertising career was to under-promise and over-deliver. This approach has guided me ever since. For example, if I tell a client they will have a proof by Wednesday but deliver it on Tuesday, it builds confidence and shows that I am reliable and proactive. On the other hand, if I promise Wednesday but deliver on Thursday, the client sees me as late and less dependable. Clients value consistency and follow-through. Many people make promises they cannot keep, which leads to disappointment. By managing expectations carefully and exceeding them when possible, you strengthen trust and credibility with every interaction.
- From Sue Pilla: Trying is the only option because to not try is a sure loss. Sue shared how her son’s experience applying for scholarships proved this out—and how sometimes the act of trying not only creates unexpected wins but also opens doors you didn’t even know were there.
During the time one of my sons was applying for scholarships, we came across one offered by Herb Kohl. The application was complex and in-depth, and I realized it would take longer than most applications to complete. I asked my husband, who was a teacher, whether we should encourage our son to apply since the odds were small that he would be the one student sent on from our school to the area CESA- and then, actually be chosen for the scholarship. Seemed like pretty big odds and a lot of time. He said, " Trying is the only option because to not try is a sure loss." So, section by section, my son completed the application. Win #1- As he completed each section, he realized that because it was complex and covered so many areas of interest, the individual sections could be used for other scholarships as well, saving lots of time completing other applications. And, Win#2, he was chosen for the scholarship! Big lesson learned! If you don't try- you can't succeed.
We love the wisdom Sue and Julia have shared, and next month we’ll hear from the people they’ve nominated to keep the advice flowing.
Stay tuned—it’s going to be fun to see the lessons that have shaped our members’ careers, one story at a time.
“Simple lessons. Big impact. From our members, for our members.”