So often I have a great agency seeking great creative talent.

I find them that amazing art director, or copy director that they desire and set up a phone interview. They chat. They fall in love.

All the stars align – their work and experience lines up perfectly. Everyone likes everyone and we are moving towards an in-person meeting.

Suddenly, the momentum is halted because the insecurity monster attacks.

He lives in each of us. The agency becomes very aware that they are located in Delaware and cannot believe that my art director from New York City would want to move there and work with them.

“But I sent you candidates from Kansas City and Midland, TX and you weren’t interested.”

What to do?

So from here we schedule two more unnecessary phone calls for the sole purpose of soothing the scars of insecurity. My wonderful art director must convince the powers that be that he’s a small town boy at heart and wants nothing more than a new career at their agency. All the while he becomes insecure because the whole process has taken a turn towards something that has nothing to do with his creative talent. Now there is a lack of confidence on both sides and even with all the enthusiasm, fervor and compliments we can feed them, the deal fades into nothingness. Please people- if you are talented, own it. Don’t be a jackass and think you’re better than anyone else and ask for a new car and private jet with your offer. If you are an ad agency with hiring needs, you’re doing better than most out there. Be proud of your status in the industry and sell yourself on the points where you excel. Don’t make excuses and don’t let your fear of big city talent keep you from a great creative.

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