After five and a half years of teaching and mentoring young talent at CityVarsity, Sandra joined Ad Talent in 2005.

Sandra is just about the most honest person I know, honest about herself and her abilities and honest when it comes to dealing with her clients and her candidates. Despite her gentle appearance, she is a feisty young lady who knows what she wants and gets it. (I want to see you up and surfing this summer, Sandra).

Her passion and curiosity for life keeps her very busy and after a hectic day at the office, her weekends are even more so as she crams in her family and friends and extra-mural activities. Sandra gets thoroughly immersed in what she does and often slips away into her own world to emerge with fresh ideas and new plans. Sandra has an infectious exuberance and is a ray of sunshine. Ad Talent wouldn't be the same without her.

In our quest of getting to know her, we asked her these questions to find out who the real Sandra Benskin is:

What drives you?

I am eternally curious about just about everything, from how a combustion engine works through to why the sea water on the west coast is warmer in winter than in summer and I'm always trying to learn something new. Travel inspires me, especially exploring different cultures and flavours. It all adds to my memory bank of experience.

Our annual salary survey will be released again in January 2010. This is a very useful tool that helps you compare your salary to industry standards. This year we would like to get your input and broaden the sample used beyond people placed in positions in 2009.

You do not have to fill in a lengthy questionnaire. We only need the following information from you:

1. What is your monthly CTC (Cost to Company) package? If you're not sure what CTC means, visit our website - www.adtalent.co.za.
 
2. What is your job title?

3. Are you ‘Light' (been doing this role/similar roles for 0-2 yrs) OR ‘Medium' (2-5 yrs) or ‘Heavyweight' (5-9 yrs)

Email your information to info@adtalent.co.za with Subject ‘Salary Survey 2010' and be a winner.

Please encourage your colleagues to participate - the bigger the sample, the more accurate. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dylan McLean - Executive Creative Director of Aqua Online

How did you get into the industry?

I studied tourism and worked in the incentive travel industry from 1990 to 1995 before taking the plunge into a career of graphic design in 1996, when the internet was in its infancy. With no real industry-related qualifications aside from an innate ability and determination to succeed, I completed a six-month part-time Diploma in Marketing from AAA (a freebie course in lieu of lecturing some of their students in Photoshop).

What drives you?

I am greatly inspired by the exceptional creative talent that's out there (it doesn't matter what the medium) and adopt a left-field approach to most things I undertake (which generally fosters innovation).
I am driven by the nature of the industry, the work and the variety of challenges faced on any given project. There's always the opportunity to create something from a spark of inspiration.

1. Do NOT chew gum.
Pat was on her 3rd and final interview for a senior position at a leading magazine. She chewed gum. She did not get the job. She said she was aware of it during the interview, but then realised it was too late. Swallow the gum if you have to, we told her.

2. Do NOT have that final drag on that cigarette in your car with closed windows and then sit down to be interviewed with the smell of tobacco exuding from every pore.

3. Do NOT empty the entire contents of the aftershave/perfume bottle on to yourself and cause your interviewer to gag and rush to open the windows. On the other hand, please pay strong attention to body odour - brush your teeth and liberally spray with unperfumed deodorant, especially now that it is summer.

4. Do NOT allow your breasts to jiggle unnecessarily (females only). Lerato had the most impressive cv and the client was so looking forward to meeting with this talented young lady. She did not wear a bra. She didn't get the job. Wear a bra, no matter how proud you are of your assets.

5. Do NOT overdo the make-up and please forego the bling. You are attending an interview and not a night out on the town.

Dear Clients, if you have any more tips to be passed on to job-seekers, please send them to me - brenda@adtalent.co.za

The most anticipated magazine promotion of the year, the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition 2009 hit the shelves on the 19th October 2009 amidst much hype and fanfare.

At an exclusive party held at HQ in Cape Town on Thursday 15th October, former Romanian high jumper, Catrinel Menghia was revealed as the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimwear cover model.

Corne Krige with Sports Illustrated models

Graeme Smith with Catrinel ( cover girl ) and Elbe



"Between the Lines Book Club"
These gorgeous industry gals having fun at their monthly book (hahaha) club meeting.

Candice Truda (Orthopaedic Surgeon)
Front (L2R): Nána Lloyd (Marketing Consultant: Ad Talent), Sara Wibberley (Marketing Director: Kellogg South Africa), Donna-Rae Patricios (Managing Owner: Donacristi Boutique)



If you want the spotlight on you or on other interesting happenings and social events, send me your pics - brenda@adtalent.co.za

OIL to partner Coca Cola with 2010 World Cup campaign
OIL, strategic brand and research specialists, have been appointed as the strategic partner to Coca Cola for the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

ZOOM Advertising to market Cape Town Green Week
The United Nations Environment Programme Financial Initiative (UNEP FI) has appointed ZOOM Advertising to conceive, develop and roll out an advertising and multimedia campaign to support Cape Town Green Week: 19-23 October 2009 at CTICC.

Net#work BBDO gain new accounts
Net#work BBDO will be adding strategic and creative value to two new clients - Road Accident fund and AA Insurance, both R30 million per annum accounts.

Peggy Chauke, the "Mother Theresa" of Leratong.

With Christmas fast approaching, the season of giving, I urge you to think of these little ones who are in dire need of your help.

Remember that anything you donate that cannot be used will be sold and the proceeds will be put to good use. We will collect if you're not able to bring it to us.

If you'd like to donate money, you can deposit directly into their account. See bank details below:

First National Bank, Bramley - 252 105,
Account number - 503 000 125 02.
Their registration certificate number is 002298
(Alexandra Learning Pre-School Centre's bank account)

Click below to read more about Leratong.

http://mnatwork.com/  You must check out the mnatwork - very cool, indeed - you have to draw on the screen to find the interface    
http://www.booneoakley.com/
http://skate.quiksilver.com/thespot/

I would like to thank Mama Naledi for her contribution over the past years.
She is taking a well-earned sabbatical and we wish her well.




Till next time
Brenda

   

"Don't expect great days - make one". Anonymous