The goal of advertising is to market and sell a product or service by informing, reminding, and persuading consumers of a particular company's product or service. An Advertising agency business manager develops, implements and then manages an advertising campaign. They are responsible for preparing a strategy that benefits the client and the agency alike. They are also responsible for negotiating with sales representatives and managing this group so that effective sales materials and media kits can be developed.
To become an Advertising Agency Business Manager it would be important to have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or advertising. Having experience and a strong portfolio would be beneficial. There are many entry level positions available in the advertising business that could make for a great start on the road toward becoming a business manager. Many advertising agencies and firms will even have training to help accelerate advancement in this career. There are also many courses available at local colleges and universities and even online that can help individuals gain specific skills needed to prepare for a career as an advertising agency business manager. Some key courses for this position are consumer behavior, marketing, sales, market research, visual arts, and technology and communication methods.
While a bachelor’s degree is required and a college degree in advertising can better prepare individuals for the creative and visual aspects of selling and presenting a product and service, there are some personality traits that can make for a successful career in advertising. Business managers should be creative individuals who are self-motivated, able to negotiate, and willing to lead. Being motivated and competitive are important traits for this field but should never get in the way of establishing and maintaining great personal relationships with the advertising team, sales representatives, and the client. Those pursuing a career in advertising should also be adaptable, decisive, and able to handle stress. The average salary for an advertising manager is $71,000 but this can vary depending on the agency employing the individual and the individual’s credentials and experience.
