Mischief's Greg Hahn on How Young Talent Can Break Through

Don't approach it as 'breaking in'

It’s the day after Labor Day, which means back to school for some. And out of school and into the job market for others.

I have gotten asked about breaking in a lot, or at least more than three times. Below is some advice.

TLDR: Don’t approach it as breaking in, but more as breaking through.

“You don’t get this job by being yourself.”—Americas Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, S1E1.

“The exact opposite of that.”—Me, just now, on how to get a job in advertising.

Our product is your brain. Your unique way of solving problems. The culmination of all your life experiences, lessons learned, all those dots collected waiting for you, and only you, to connect.

This is good news.

Ours is one of the few professions where humanity, individuality, and personal taste can give us an edge.

There’s a lot you can’t control in this job market. But what you can control is the display of your gorgeous, twisted, utterly-you mind. It’s never been easier to get attention these days. The tools are all there for everyone. It’s never been harder to get attention these days. The tools are there for everyone. The ability to break through is worth its weight in Verizon sponsorships.

But I’m not talking about catching lightning in a bottle. That is not a bankable business plan.

As much as I enjoy a one-hit wonder, this gig is all about consistency. The ability to come up with brilliance time and time again. And then a few more times, after that brilliance gets shot down.

Better to build your voice. Showcase your mind. The more times, and ways, you can show your unique thinking, problem-solving, and POV, the better the chance the right people will take notice.

And you’ll be competing with the one edge no one else can bring- you. It’s not a guarantee, but when it comes to landing in a place where you will thrive, I like your odds.

“No one can compete with you at being you.” It’s a mug at Succesories for a reason.