I saw this little plaque, high up on the outside of a ladies’ lavatory on the Downs in Bristol near me. Three thoughts came immediately to mind. First, how thoughtful and imaginative of whichever body put it there to pay …
Read MoreAuthor: Drayton
How to get the most out of meetings
Why do most meetings produce so little? A simple explanation and some sensible suggestions from Andy Bounds Regular readers will know that I hate meetings. I don’t know anyone any good who likes them, to be honest. Too often they …
Read MoreHow to kill your brand: a quick, easy lesson from Boots
Why the big, thick spectacle cleansing cloth on the left cost a lot less than the small thin one on the right Some years ago I wrote copy for INSEAD’s School of Executive Education. This experience taught me many things, …
Read MoreDiscounting done right – in two ways
Amazon – what a surprise! – teach the online discount firms a lesson After savaging the demented copy Groupon and Living Social run the least I can do is show you how discounting does work. You can see the full …
Read MoreA little fun for the weekend – plus a free flying pig to dodge
My two oldest friends are retired lawyers. One, Jeffrey, sent me this the other day. He is very funny. He used to introduce himself to people as “I’m Jeffrey. I handle all Drayton’s divorces.” He is a very kind man. …
Read MoreLooking for more profit? You won’t find it up there. And stop lying to your customers
When will you get it? We don’t give a hoot what you call yourself. We just want better service. Have a look at this, then ask yourself one or two questions. Such as “Who cares?” “Are you serious?” And “Haven’t you …
Read MoreFree 15 minute video: strategy, tactics – and suicide by copy.
New Daily Deals Post If you came here after seeing my email, you may recall that I promised to analyse some copy I called the business equivalent of AIDS. But if you just read this stuff for a laugh, well, that’s …
Read MoreThe most dangerous word in advertising? I disagree with Mr. Ogilvy – and his brother in law
“Originality is the most dangerous word in the advertiser’s lexicon” – Rosser Reeves, often quoted by David Ogilvy As I mention with boring frequency, because I enjoyed every minute and am quite proud of it, I worked with David Ogilvy for …
Read MoreA tragic waste of money by charities
Do you contribute to charity? Me too. And I resent their ineptitude at marketing. They are squandering our money. Read this and I’ll explain Committed staff members on course to Shine! Three highly committed staff members of the national charity …
Read MoreGood and bad: Lessons you can learn from two ads
Brilliant poster; stupid slogan; and an ad that throws away a good story I apologise for my usual tatty reproduction of these deathless works of art. Actually, I don’t. Your customers do not see them in a pristine condition the …
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