Chomping at the Bit for Success: The Unlikely Story Behind the Empire
27 years old and bankrupt, Pete had an itch that wouldn't go away. Hear the story of his $100 million side-hustle.
How to Write Your Business Narrative
Use AI if you want your message to sound exactly like everything else published on the internet last week.
Are You The SAFE Choice? Or, How One Weird Trick Boosted Sales by 30%!
The safe, easy choice wins out over the potentially better choice that carries more risk.
How Sun Bum Used Guerilla Marketing to Take Over the Beach
Literally radio stations would be getting calls going, “What is this ape that we keep seeing everywhere?”
10 Magical Words of the Direct Mail Kingdom
Despite the relatively high direct mail cost, the pay-off can be tremendous, and the benefits unrivaled.
Repurpose The Proven
The proven "Mother's Day macaroni" ads were sappy and flowery, but man, did they work. Right up until they didn't.
People Don’t Care About You, They Care About Them — Unless…
As a social species, we’re hardwired to care about each other — so long as you (or your brand) are part of their tribe.
Never Stop Framing & Adapting. Marketing Lessons from G.I. Joe
Hasbro invented the term action figure and was the first to advertise toys on TV.
Time Is The Great Validator
A “measure everything!” mentality eventually means nothing matters beyond making the cash register ring within 30 seconds of transmission.
Journalism and Great Ads
Never write ads like a journalist, write like a poet. The best ads build curiosity and engagement while leaving some things unanswered.
Pro Tip: Talk to Your Customers Like Friends
Most owners get this wrong in their preoccupation with delivering factual information. But buying decisions are almost never rational.
How Hot Wheels Beat Matchbox. When Imitation Becomes Innovation.
Why 10 Hot Wheels are sold every second. They saw what was lacking in the competition.
Beefsteak and T-Bone
Brands can manufacture a nickname or shorthand that sticks through smart placement. But don't approach it like George Costanza.
Brands Are Small Things — And That’s a Good Thing!
If your ads can be ignored, they will be. Which is a good thing. If your ads are high-impact and your competitors' aren’t: you win.
She took a gamble and bet on girls. How Barbie defied expectations and won.
Focus group mothers literally would say, “Is this a gift for my daughter or for my husband?”