I've been fortunate to have worked with a legion of folks smarter than me. Here are some nuggets I've stolen learned along the way.

We’re lucky. To spend a career surrounded by smart and funny people, solving problems in order to deliver persuasive entertainment. Beats filling potholes.

Metrics + Magic. Creative doesn't exist to pad portfolios. We have measurable problems to solve, measurable results to generate. Clicks and commerce are the metrics. The magic is in the brand building that carries long term meaning. Sprinkle some of each liberally on everything, and enjoy. (directly stolen from Tim Roan)

Clients are allies. They know their business better than we agency folk ever will. Quality work doesn't come despite their input, but because of it.

Account people are creatives. Ideas are the product of the whole agency, and can come from anywhere. Your account manager owns the business and knows it backwards. Use that.

Creatives are account people. Great client service means everyone owns the business problems that need solving, and everyone cares. Respect is two-way street. Don't expect it if you don't offer it.

Your presentation is the best meeting your client will have all day. Sharing creative work is fun, dynamic, challenging and interesting. They make TV shows about it. A morning of Zooms about budget shortfalls and sales forecasts can't compete. Go into presentations with that in mind. Bye-bye butterflies.

Dumb questions are essential. Their answers reveal more and are easier to assimilate than the deepest of research decks. Don't be afraid to ask them — you'll probably come off as smart.

If you don’t care, they won’t care. Apathy comes through loud and clear. Hearts, eyes and minds need to be earned, and that's hard work. If the reason why it's important isn't clear to you, look further. In fact, look further anyway.

Would this work on you? If no, keep going. It's a good philosophy to apply to your whole business. Our job is persuasive entertainment. You need both.