How bad research led to the biggest marketing failure in Ford’s history About 50 years ago I bought a book called (I think) Why People Buy written by Louis Cheskin of the Color Research Institute in Chicago. I remember nothing about it …
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Why were the National Health workers dancing? Who else is puzzled?
They saved my life … but almost killed our friend The general feeling in Britain is that the Olympic opening ceremony conveyed the essence of Britain brilliantly. Overseas, though, many were puzzled and confused. This is just fine, because so …
Read MoreSordid sex – and an astounding TV ad
In a moment you can watch a TV ad that teaches a lot. Not just about advertising, but about culture. And sex. It’s also about the weirdest way I ever saw someone advertise mints. Yes, mints. It’s far stranger than you …
Read MoreStupidity, financial folly and theft: why Europe is going nowhere but down
I love Europe, but resent having to subsidise a bunch of corrupt free-loaders running – very badly – a system that makes no economic sense at all. I just took a week off in the Algarve, where I have been …
Read MoreCopy and AdWords – two essentials to make a living
When you emerge from your Olympic daze … You will still need to make a living. And frankly, you will probably need to be a lot better at it. That’s why I’m flying Howie Jacobson, author of AdWords for Dummies …
Read MoreDisappointed in love: sense and nonsense about social media
I got a message today from a one-time publisher of mine that began: Social media has fast become a cornerstone of marketing strategy within business. The question to ask as FaceBook’s results show the cupboard is rather bare is “why?” …
Read MoreThe art of drivel lives on at the Royal Mail …
… But I really appreciated the champagne. Sorry, chaps. Organising a great piss-up to celebrate coming up with a not-new name, plus the odd blinding glimpse of the obvious won’t kill TNT Scented inks for direct mail were introduced about …
Read MoreBut what exactly do you DO?
… In many cases I suspect the answer is “not very much” The bigger the business and the posher the titles the more drones you’ll have hanging about After I sold my business to Ogilvy and Mather the great man …
Read MoreHow are many firms dealing with the recession?
… Nothing seems a popular option. Why not take Sir Francis Bacon’s advice? What are firms doing about the recession? I suspect many are hiding under the bedclothes and hoping it’ll go away. Or maybe they are like this deer. …
Read MoreOn Chinese charm, Ling the Unstoppable …
… and to hell with the internet experts. Is it politically incorrect to say this? I fear so. I prefer women to men, always have. They look nicer, are more entertaining and far more practical. They need to be, to …
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