Advice for young creatives going to Portfolio Night

The creative partners here at HQvB have been asked to join other leading creative directors and pass our wisdom, experience and knowledge to the next generation of advertising creatives. Since we only have a few minutes with each, I thought I would pass on some advice here:

1. Don't get bitchy when a client turns down you first idea. Some of the biggest awards I've won have been created on the second round after I've been pushed past the first round ideas.
2. If you want a job, nothing stands out lie a really well done, visually interesting long copy campaign. Whether you're a writer or an art director, nothing says you can craft work like a great long copy ad.
3. It's the new digital world and you're supposed to be on the cutting edge of it. I've seen too many books full of visual pun print ads. Why not show the CD you're meeting with that you can think cross-platform with a cool digital ida that uses traditional media to steer people to it.
4. Don't try to be cool Just be yourself. People like you, so don't try to BS.
5. Have a good answer for "what ads out there currently do you like?" Just about every CD asks this question, but rarely do you hear a good answer. It shows you're paying attention to the industry and are a student of the business.
6. If you're a writer, do some radio. Make it funny. Radio is really hard and if you can prove yourself on this, then you'll go places.
7. Don't show any ads with prices, starbursts, or "..." at the end of headline. Just don't, they all suck.
8. Have fun. This is supposed to be fun.
9. Lastly, have you're parents and friends insult you for a couple of weeks. This will toughen your skin up for the criticism you'll get from a good CD. It may not be in the job description, but taking criticism well is something all CDs look for.