For years I wrote six pieces a month for various marketing publications. Come to think of it, I now do more, but they’re on line. Someone once asked how I managed it, and I replied: “Easy. I only have to …
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Good stuff from Harvey Mackay if you want to succeed – and a reader scolds me
I often quote Harvey Mackay’s remark that something you know about your customer may be more important than anything you know about your product. He just sent out something excellent headed “The most valuable card in your wallet” which opened …
Read MoreThe absurd inflation of the meaningless: what are you selling – bricks or hot air?
Today I am off to the Ogilvy offices in Manhattan to meet the man who won a contest to find the world’s greatest salesperson. His task was to sell a brick, and I hope to find out how he did …
Read MoreThere were these two guys in a bar … plus a little music for you
If you’re interested in little details of marketing archeology, you may find this interesting. It’s a three generations and a barmaid picture. I have mentioned the setting before – a bar in Chicago’s South Side. The distinguished gentlemen next to …
Read MoreAre you one in 10,000? I was not a good enough copywriter for Money Week. Maybe you are
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to remember my successes – whilst my failures haunt me for ages. One such occurred about 3 years ago when I was trying to beat Money Week’s control. I just …
Read MoreAnd so it came to pass: why Aviva is in the toilet – a saga of marketing ignorance and hubris
I often wonder what goes on in the heads of the people who run big financial institutions besides rapacious calculations. At the time I commented on the stupidity of taking three famous and respected old brands, sticking them together in …
Read MoreA lunatic invitation – plus an interview you might enjoy
I don’t wish to mock the afflicted, and I am sure it was well-meant, but I was just invited to join a group – I’m quoting here – “where you disconnect from all stress, strain and struggle and connect to …
Read More“I’m putting you on hold … … I’m putting you on hold again… you’re through to the wrong department…’
Being old, I read The Oldie – as I have said before here, and one of its best features is the cartoons – this being an example. But enough levity. Did you know I’m doing a free webinar next Friday …
Read More“So, tell me dear, how did you find being raped? Just explain calmly without getting too excited.”
I’ll get to the bit about rape later, so please be patient – a word which you could say is my theme today. One of my heroes is Dr. Vernon Coleman, who writes his own books – and magnificent advertisements …
Read MoreLocked up in Voice-Mail Jail: Denny Hatch rides again
For years I have suggested to people who run businesses that they try calling themselves some time and see what happens. And for about the same number of years I have passed on something I read to the effect that …
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