Ian Sohn is a global client lead at WPP. Formerly, Sohn was CEO, Wunderman Thompson (Central Region), and before that Managing Director at SapientRazorfish. He is also one of the advertising professionals who I most want to hear from on Twitter each day. This is the case because I value calm, patient people with an inclusive approach and a well-considered point of view. Sohn is an agency leader who knows. I am …
I Hear Advertising Voices. Do You Hear Them Too?
The waves of change are here. Consequently, people are searching for their sea legs. Ad people are also painting pictures of dark and/or dreamy futures. Here's one picture that is not pleasing to my senses... McKinney CEO Joe Maglio, writing in Ad Age, believes there's a compelling need for trophies, no matter what: Many of the talented creative thinkers in our industry look forward to holding their work …
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Digitally Divided We Fall
There has never been a time when we've relied more on digital tools to enable communications between people and teams. All the hype about how "working from home" is a great new answer is annoying in its shortsightedness. But that's not what concerns me. I am more concerned about who is left out of this digitally-powered world, where commerce, education, and entertainment are all available to those with …
Big Brands Make Creative Adjustments During COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is altering the business landscape in dramatic ways. The retail sector is CLOSED, except for grocery stores, and restaurants that offer takeout or delivery. Airlines and hotels are operating on the thinnest of ice with next to no revenue. Millions of people are now working from home, and so on. Brand advertising too has changed. Let's have a look... Facebook: Where Human Connections …
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Put Your Hand Down, Suitor Man
Bruketa&Zinic&Grey in Zagreb, Croatia has smartly modified existing creative to create a whole new message for today's social distancing-sensitive audience. The agency's client, Karlovačko beer, has adapted its year-old Among Your Own creative for this COVID-19 infested time. First, let's see the adaptation: Now, let's view the original: The TV commercial was directed by a BAFTA Best Film …
Pay to Play, Or Play Around, It’s Up to the Social Media Director
Social media is so great—legions of new customers can find you on The TweetFaceTube and just like that, you are in business! I am sorry. I misled you. The above lede should have read: Wake up—your social media followers are not customers and a great many of them are not your prospects, much less qualified leads. Paid Social Moves Product Jerry Daykin is a client-side marketer. He recently chose to testify on …
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Newsflash: Print Ads Now Guaranteed to Work (Not An April Fool’s Joke)
If you work in media, marketing, or advertising, it's time to innovate and there is no time to waste. That's the message from several directions today, and now we are beginning to see real-world results, as companies adapt to the new constrictions. Sarah Jerde at Adweek reports that The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Group are now offering clients an additional incentive to advertise in their print pages. …
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Two Faces of the CEO: Is He Better Behind A Desk Than He Is In Front of A Camera?
Testify. That's what the CEO long shot is all about. The man in charge addresses the lone camera and reassures and convinces all by uttering his precious words aloud. Just by making his thoughts known they become real. CEOs are the best magicians! Here's the leader of Jersey Mike's thanking his franchise owners, not his employees, because he doesn't see them as his employees. The sandwich makers work for the …
