Lies that hurt our profession, part 3

With all the consumer information available today, it’s amazing that companies continue to be Clintonesque in the way they they talk to the public. Unsurprisingly, car dealers seem to be the leaders in abusing truth and clarity.

Does it connect?

The words of David Kennedy, co-founder of Wieden & Kennedy: We’re really not in the business of making ads. Our job is to make a connection.

Sometimes you can tell if ads or other marketing efforts connect just by looking.

More often, all you can tell is the quality of the design and writing. Yet well-written, well-designed work often misses the mark. 

So for each sample here, I’ve given some context.

To view the work, click the images above or the links on the left.

Marketing a small business

I find fewer things as exciting and inspiring as someone diving into a new small business.

Who’s doing a great job of marketing to you personally?

A raving fan

As marketers, we’re well aware of the big brands that do a great job in branding and marketing: Nike, BMW, Apple, Southwest, etc, etc. I find it more interesting to take a look at lesser-known companies who do a great job of marketing to me, personally, and see what lessons I can learn.

Addy Awards: Did you get yours?

The American Advertising Federation Awards for the Northwest were just announced. 48 gold and 216 silver awards were distributed amongst 560 entrants, a winning rate of 47%. Just a little more effort, and they could have sent everyone home a winner.

The “vision thing”: part II

Last year I wrote about how to create a more useful vision statement (here). But vision means different things to different people. So recently, I loved hearing two great presentations that dealt with the importance of vision — they were talking about two completely different ideas. 

Inspiration and creativity still live

My wife just ordered a book through an independent dealer at eBay. A day later, she received a wonderful email… from the book! Here it is:

Focus, focus, focus

One of the great things about my work meeting lots of great marketing directors and generally accomplished business people. This post is about one of them.

McDonald’s coffee: Can a commercial save it?

I just read a commentary from MarketingProfs.com, on a TV spot for McDonald’s coffee. I appreciate all the little tips some of these marketing organizations send me. But it makes you wonder.

Wal-Mart to sell iPhones

The news that Wal-Mart will sell iPhones is a testament to the branding work done by The Martin Agency on Wal-Mart’s behalf.