Publicly, of course, they all say that they have the best clients
in the world, but we all know that privately, agency staff can't stand
the people that pay their salaries. But what exactly is it that they
hate the most?
Beijing:
Ridiculous deadlines are the most common complaint among China's
advertising folk. "Some clients lack far-sighted planning," we were
told. We're surprised they only think some of them do.
Singapore:
Contempt for the consumer particularly irks the industry in the Lion
City.
All together now: "The consumer is not an idiot ..."
Kuala Lumpur:
Creative decisions made by committee are the bane of the Malaysian ad
exec's life, particularly when they're made by people with very little
experience of or interest in advertising or marketing. Apparently
decision-making groups as large as 25 are not uncommon - gulp.
Manila:
Filipino ad people can't stand the lack of mavericks in the marketing
industry and the prevailing conservatism that has developed over the
past decade.
Like their Malaysian counterparts, they don't like decisions being made
by big groups, in particular when they include marketing bosses who
think that they're creative directors, and people who want nothing more
than to appease those marketing bosses who think that they're creative
directors.
Hong Kong:
"Erm, well, erm, I'm not sure ... maybe it's the ... no, wait, it could
be ... but then again, well ... hmmm ... possibly the ... no, that's not
right ... or is it? Well, maybe it's just the indecision."
Enough said.
