Top 10 things it takes to succeed in this business

I often have had the chance both as an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota and as a guest lecturer at various universities around the Twin Cities to talk to advertising students. They often ask what it takes to succeed in this business and so I developed the following top ten list:

1) Brains - this is a fast-changing business, you need to digest the constant changes and new information.

2) A creative feel - requires a special sensitivity to the creative process and awareness of trends in entertainment and the arts.

3) An inquiring mind - study the market, what works and what doesn’t--find out why. Be a student of the business

4) A love of ideas - be a creator of ideas. Don’t wait for others -- initiate.

5) Be motivated - if you say you’ll do something, do it.

6) The ability to write well - learn to communicate clearly--in memos, presentations, etc.

7) The ability to persuade - critical to articulate your POV clearly. You have to know how to sell.

8) Commitment - an idea is not an idea until it is sold. Never give up on something if you think it is important.

9) Leadership - ability to get people to work together toward a single goal is a rare but essential quality.

10) Resilience - long stressful hours. Takes stamina to bounce back after disappointments and attack the problem with fresh energy.

What do you think?