SalesHQ

With a very strong background in advertising and marketing and my multiple ventures as an entrepreneur, the legal issues mentioned here have been of great concern to me on many occasions throughout the years. While I do not profess to be an expert by any means, it is amazing to me how little knowledge most advertising sales reps possess in regards to the legal issues that directly affect their clients and potentially themselves. As an advertising rep, or AE, it is your job to guide your client in a successful marketing program. If you “sell” to your client and are in search of the quick buck, you will eventually get burned (and probably black balled). Just remember how fast bad news travels. However, if you take a little time to educate yourself about your clients business and their needs, you will be much more successful in helping them to achieve expressed goals. In addition, it is not possible for you to know every legal detail about all industries; however, the basics are a necessity. Remind your client about the laws, share your knowledge, and ask them if they are aware of any laws that require compliance within the marketing plan. If they do not know, offer to do some research for them. Your status as a sales rep will immediately be elevated to a marketing professional and in the event of a violation; you can demonstrate you did your due diligence to comply with the law.