Here are some names you recognise. Kim Kardashian, Enzio Ferrari, Ben and Jerry, Manolo Blahnick and Anita Roddick… None of these names built their brands using advertising. They did it with PR. For my money – or yours – nothing …
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Please read this carefully before you even think of attending any meeting
51 years ago, as far as I can make out, I became Copy Chief of a London Ad Agency. Many things have changed since then. Now my title would be something fatuous like Chief Executive Creative Officer. And the efforts …
Read More“Always Postpone Meetings with Time-Wasting Morons” — Scott Adams
“If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings’.” ― Dave Barry I look back fondly to the day when I became …
Read More“Sainsbury’s Christmas ad is a dangerous and disrespectful masterpiece” – The Guardian
“This above all: to thine own self be true” – Polonius’ advice to Laertes in Hamlet. Unless what you say is true to what you are, you’re onto a loser. Over 50-odd years in this business I have noticed two …
Read MoreTawdry half-truths from Virgin. Pull the other one, it’s got bells on it
“You’ve been specially selected for this exclusive offer (not available to the general public)” Is this tosh good for your brand? “Don’t miss out” it says in a little red flash on the big envelope from Virgin media that pops through …
Read MoreWhy research so often fails: sound advice from beyond the grave
What people say they think or will do often has no bearing on what actually happens As you may be aware, dear reader, nearly all new product launches fail. Last time I looked it was over 80%. My first employer …
Read MoreA little treat from Australia
Fondly dedicated to everyone who scratches their head and wonders about the way things are in business There are a few people whose emails I look forward to with pleasure. Ryan Wallman from Melbourne is one. Yesterday he sent me …
Read MoreHow procurement zombies strangle creativity …
… And why what seems perfectly logical kills initiative, destroys morale and is fatal to long term profits My first job, 58 years ago, was as Assistant Editor of a magazine called “Cotton”. Every week one firm ran an advertisement that read: …
Read More“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics” – and you’ll find plenty in your in-box
Why I don’t believe for a split second that this man was telling the truth – and nor should you If you haven’t received a few emails like this. I’ll be amazed. It is headed “Web Listing” – which didn’t …
Read MoreThe gentle art of corporate masturbation with free advice on what not to do in your emails
Why are email open rates down to as low as 3% on average? This sort of guff gives you a clue. I am sitting in a hotel room in Vancouver – an excellent city – going through my emails when …
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