Wow, what a great season finale! Amidst a lot of action in the character’s personal lives were four key business rules that all professionals – creative or not – should know and follow.
#1: Rule of Amicable Relations. We all know this one, and we all forget it, even Don Draper. You never know when you’ll work with someone again so it’s best to keep it professional and end all conversations on a neutral note. With the sale of Sterling Cooper and the team’s plan to start their new agency, Don was forced to eat humble pie while Roger happily watched. It went well, but I’m sure Don would’ve rather not done any groveling for Roger.
#2: Rule of Invaluableness. If you want people to do what you ask and follow you anywhere you have to make them know and feel that they are invaluable to you. Don’s first attempt to get Peggy to leave Sterling Cooper with them failed because she didn’t feel that Don needed her. He did, and after he explained this Peggy got on board.
#3: Rule of Clients – Clients Rule. The team starts a new agency to avoid working for a churn-n-burn-type ad shop. These are people who know the business inside and out, people who win and service multi-million dollar accounts. Accordingly, they can afford a certain level of confidence in their new endeavor. But they know that client service still comes first – not fancy new offices or business cards, but making sure clients stay with them through the move and assuring clients that service will not be interrupted. They know that without clients you’ve got nothing, and that you can’t fake success with nice offices while you build your business.
#4: Rule of Internal Knowledge. The team had their ducks in a row when it came to client services, yes. But when it came to knowing how their business operates they were woefully unaware. They didn’t know what files were integral to servicing accounts, where those files were, or how to gather artwork and contacts. Lucky for them they could call on Joan, office manager extraordinaire, who knew exactly what they needed and where to find it. We all should know what we need and where to find it, but if not we need a Joan – someone reliable and trustworthy who does.
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That’s it for Mad Men’s 2009 season. See you here next year!