Real-Life Decision Making
You are an advertising production manager. You have one client who has
been advertising with you for years. The client sells athletic shoes. The
ads usually run in a prime location in the magazine. Prime locations mean
being able to charge more money for the ads. It is especially important to
you to keep a good working relationship with this client.
You have just landed a new account with another client. You're really excited
because it's a big company that also sells athletic shoes.
Now you have two clients that both sell athletic shoes. They both want
their advertisement to have prime placement in your magazine. The front, inside
cover is a great spot for ads. It has traditionally housed the ad of the client
that's been with you for a long time.
The new client has also requested that their ad be placed on the front
inside cover of the magazine. The new client is offering more money to place
their ad in this prime spot.
You feel some loyalty to the client who has been advertising with you for
years. You don't want to strain the relationship. You could lose the account.
However, it is always important to expand your client base. You want to make
your new client happy. Because the two clients are competitors, you are in
a difficult situation.
"Trying to make a win-win situation for both clients is important. You
need to make them feel important," says Ellis. You must decide which client
will take the prime ad space on the front, inside cover of the magazine.
What do you do?