Where did this come from?

By on March 4, 2012 in Content Marketing

In between mentions of Clint’s Chrysler spot and the “Shit Girls Say” meme, Content Marketing is getting a lot of ink. How did we get here? Can marketers really turn their backs on the content they’ve historically funded to create their own media properties? Yes they can. And here’s why: 1. Media’s doing it. Rogers [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Take the meeting. It’s good karma.

By on February 10, 2012 in Just in case

Whether we’re 20 or 90, we all ask for advice. Should we take the job? Should we wear this jacket with these pants? Should we use WordPress or Tumblr? Usually, it’s with those close to us, but when our indecision extends to the workplace or our career, we usually have to look beyond our Friends [...]

Read full story • Comments { 5 }

Canadian Advertising Community’s 2012 Resolutions.

By on January 4, 2012 in Advertising, Just in case

We all make them. We all break them. And the Canadian advertising industry is no different. Here they are. In 2012, the Canadian advertising community resolves to… 1. Close the blinds on Antoine. I don’t watch a lot of live TV because when I do, I’m forced to sit through the forced enthusiasm and badly scripted [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Is Liberty Village the next Madison Avenue?

By on December 14, 2011 in Advertising, Just in case

Word on the street is that two large Canadian agencies will be making their new homes in the west end’s Liberty Village. I don’t think they’ll be here until the spring but I hear that Cossette and Draft FCB will be moving in next door. As they should. King West certainly is the current Ad-Central [...]

Read full story • Comments { 5 }

The intrigue! The drama! The rumours!

By on October 19, 2011 in Advertising, Personal Branding

Around this time last year, I was beginning to feel like I wasn’t loving life. Or my job. I was Vice President and Executive Creative Director at the Toronto office of a well respected international network, Euro RSCG. What was not to like? It was, and remains, a great gig. I absolutely loved my bosses, [...]

Read full story • Comments { 5 }

Who’s guilty? Advertising, Paris Hilton or me?

By on October 13, 2011 in Advertising, Just in case

In yesterday’s post about Dr. Pepper Ten, I explored the need to rise above calling for the removal of sexist ads and instead, vote with our wallets. Today, I watched a trailer for the documentary “Miss Representation” which, I think, further proves the need to do this. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, this [...]

Read full story • Comments { 1 }

This Dr. Pepper campaign isn’t sexist. It’s bad.

By on October 12, 2011 in Advertising, Branding, Just in case

Hello, ladies. Look at this ad. Now back to me. Now back at this ad. Sadly, we’re all a little bit sexist, aren’t we? Dr. Pepper launched a new drink targeting guys called Dr. Pepper Ten. The spot is below. While good brands massage their tone and messaging to appeal to a specific target, this [...]

Read full story • Comments { 3 }

Stay hungry. Stay foolish.

By on October 6, 2011 in Advertising, Branding, Creativity, Innovation, Just in case

I was working away tonight and had turned off all distractions when I got a text from my girlfriend. “Did you hear Steve Jobs died?” I didn’t know him. Never met him. I didn’t even have the opportunity to actually ever see him in person. He wasn’t Canadian. He didn’t attend my university. He didn’t [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }

Do you hear what I hear? Listen closely, brands.

By on October 5, 2011 in Customer Service, Social Media

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Vancouver after delivering a keynote to a great group from RBC. I’m no BC resident but I’m there enough to know what a Japa Dog is, when to avoid post-game hockey demonstrations and most importantly, where to stay. Normally, I stay at [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Warning!!! These ads will shock you.

By on September 5, 2011 in Branding, Social Media

Challenged with a cluttered marketplace, bad marketers (like the ones behind this ad for Fluid Hair Salon in Edmonton), shamefully take a marketing short cut by just shocking consumers to achieve breakthrough. Am I offended? Absolutely. But I’m offended as a marketer. First of all, I totally can appreciate that this ad offends some people. [...]

Read full story • Comments { 6 }