Name: Eric Teng
Age: 45
Job title: Vice-president, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents
Singapore (4As)
Your greatest work achievement? A single-handed voluntary petition and publicity campaign in 2003 for Audrey Doyle, an 81 year old friend, to convince Robinsons' not to sell their retail business. And we did it! Dream brand to work on and why? Any new brand, poor brand or no brand would be a real challenge so that I can help make it a dream brand.
What would you do if you weren't in marketing? Probably law, possibly teaching.
What was your big break? I am thankful for little mercies so they have been many. But 'big break'? Still praying for that day to come.
Who was your mentor? Lucky to have had three. The late Eugene Fang (my boss at The Ball Partnership ) who believed I'd do well when he gave me my first job. Brian Watson (my boss at McCann Erickson) who challenged my limits with his confidence in me. And, Wee Wei Ling (my client at HPL), who entrusted me with the first account when I started my own agency.
Is there a secret to your success? Some simple ABC - Analyse (always think before execution), Behaviour (the right and positive attitude counts) and Communication (write and speak well in order to sell).
How do you handle difficult clients? Asking them to appreciate the problem or issue from their perspective, eg if a client refuses to pay a deposit, ask if he collects one in his own business.
Advice to the next person in your current job? You make a client happy by being reliable. Not by being a genius.
What are you currently reading? Only have time for magazines such as Time, National Geographic and Media. Their facts make an interesting read and help in my work.
Business person you admire? My mentors (named above). Because all three believe and have faith in people's strength than their weakness.