1. Peter Buchanan
He may not be the most charismatic figure, but the man with his fingers
on the purse-strings at COI - the UK's biggest advertiser - really
should be schmoozed. Chances are, he has to declare every single cup of
tea he enjoys with a contact so it'll be a cheap date, to boot.
2. Everard Mitchell
Those in the know will nod sagely. Those who don't, well, it's just a
sign you're not in the know, really, isn't it? Mitch is the maitre d' at
The Ivy. Ingratiate yourself with him if you're lucky enough to be taken
by someone who's spent their entire career doing just that. Then relax
when he calls you to check whether you'll take your table.
3. Martin Jones
The owner of the AAR shouldn't be ignored. Jones knows everyone in
adland, both on the client and agency sides. His superior knowledge of
the ins and outs of the industry means the editor's now banned him from
entering Campaign's Fantasy Agency League.
4. Sir Martin Sorrell
The boss of WPP would, undoubtedly, be a useful addition to anyone's
little black book, especially if it's time to cash in your start-up and
retire to Marbella. However, cash might be a trifle hard to come by,
even for Sir Martin, after his purchase of Tempus.
5. Martin Sorrell's PAs
Never mind the great man himself - you've first got to get past the
inner sanctum of his coterie of personal assistants. He has at least
three on each side of the Atlantic - it's the only way they can keep up
with the man who doesn't sleep.
6. Jeremy Bullmore
Never has the advice of Campaign's most celebrated columnist been so
appropriate. It's even better if you can call him up for a quick five
minutes of bespoke counselling.
7. Isobel Bird
Be sure to have this recruitment consultancy doyenne's number in your
little black book. You'll know you've made it in the agency world when
she starts ringing you.
8. Robert Saville
Having a referee such as Saville on the end of a CV is likely to impress
more than the revelation that your morris-dancing skills are second to
none.
9. Your landlord
There's never been a better time to own your office building. If you
don't, get in with the landlord pronto. Tip - calling him at 4am with a
flood in the basement is not going to help.
10. Tony Cunningham
The director at Watford College, who lives for advertising and looks
like a "hairy creative", could get you your first job in advertising. So
no student pranks on him then.