First Taste of Independence

I have had some incredible experiences as partner and later, sole owner, of two small advertising agencies that grew quickly.

I hope to relate those experiences in later posts. For now, here is how it all started.

My interest in independence was sparked by a dear friend in the media business in 1990 (he died a few years back; hard work and dedication to the job took their toll). I was copy writer, creative coordinator, media buyer and client services executive, all rolled into one, at that time, in a regional advertising agency’s local office. Today that agency is the biggest communications network in the Middle East. I worked for them from 1989 up to 1995.

Back to 1990. My friend, who was familiar with my capabilities, requested me to pitch as freelancer for the advertising account of a local distribution company. The company controlled the advertising budget of three top world brands.

I was clocking 80-hour work weeks at that point, but was happy to take the challenge over weekends. My friend and I pitched (he presented media and I creative). We secured the business instantly, against a large advertising agency that had already been signed-up by the client. Thanks to the client’s marketing manager who was convinced our freelance team was better and took immediate decisions. Note: we were not cheaper.

That business started off my independent streak. We did well freelancing for two years, until the business grew too big to handle over weekends and early workday mornings. So we talked the client into transferring the entire account to the advertising agency where I worked. First mistake?