I researched and published piece about “Bro Culture” in advertising as part of my work with the 3% Conference a few years ago, and in attempting to keep an impartial distance from the research while I was conducting it (and out of not wanting my own experience to overshadow the experiences of the women who … More My Experience of Bro-Culture Pushed Me Out of the Business
“You take what is flowing down the testosterone train or get left behind” Is advertising agency culture so ‘pro-bro’ that it ends up becoming ‘anti-woman’? In the past few years, more and more women have been appointed to helm departments and agencies, and the ad agency world has been patting itself on the collective … More Bro Culture in Ad Agencies and the Impact on Women
Harley is a commonly-cited example of a great brand, and its many practices have been praised and written about over the decades. There are dozens of ways Harley works hard to create the mystique and experience of the Harley brand— an American icon. Marketing pundits often point to the way the brand creates customer … More Harley Davidson and the Power of Naming
Today, I paid a visit to the newly-opened “Amazon Books” store here in Seattle. For everyone who isn’t familiar with the venture, chances are you weren’t anywhere near the internet the week of November 6th, 2015— because it went bananas over the tech giant’s decision to open a physical store. Initially, I’d regarded the University … More Amazon Books and the Power of Affirmation
As soon as one crosses into South Dakota on I-90— immediately, billboards begin to be strewn along the desolate highway. Some old and some new, these boards are full of charming and disarming phrases, finishing with a promise of miles remaining until the Destination You Didn’t Know You Had: “Wall Drug, only 361 miles.” It’s … More Wall Drug and the Tyranny of Advertising
The Benefit brand is a very “neat” brand— their groomed and polished brand has a distinct look that is all its own, a difficult thing to do in a crowded category like cosmetics. The brand’s aesthetics even shine among other aesthetic powerhouses— as Benefit displays not just prestige like the others, but also a sassy … More In business to Benefit WHOM?
“Let’s get a reaction to that.” How many times have you heard that phrase uttered as the impetus for a research project? But many times when we set out to do this, we are getting just that– a reaction. We ought not confuse a reaction with an insight, but this can be an unfortunate byproduct … More Pitfalls of Poor Research: Stimulus Edition
Perhaps you caught the 2015 Super Bowl ad for Chevy Colorado Trucks? No, not the ad that harkened back to the unfortunate blackout of earlier years. That particular Chevy Colorado Ad was a big success with consumers, because it “trolled everyone” and “disrupted” the big event, according to the trade publications. But what about the … More Super Bowl Ad Disrespects People, Fails Miserably
MONEY DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I think of ‘Lifestyles of … More Synopsis: Money Chat
Cannes: Confessions of a First-Timer “Courtney Love was really funny!” “What could she possibly have talked about?” “Creativity. I mean, the panel was about creativity… so she basically just talked about her music.” This exchange between two festival-goers really summed up the Cannes Lions in the eyes of a first-timer. The annual Festival of Creativity … More Thoughts on Cannes
BRAVERY DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I’d like to have more … More Synopsis: Bravery Chat
Why I Left Advertising ‘Why I left advertising’ blog posts have been popping up around the internet for the last few years. Perhaps tellingly, these posts often get passed around with fervor by people who work in the ad industry. The latest was a brilliant one by Bud Caddell, about disempowered, feckless, and under-resourced clients—if … More Why I Left The Ad Game
