Porsche – The sound says it all
There's almost no copy in this. But it still speaks directly to the heart of their tribe.
Selling to Walter Mitty: People Buy Who They Want to Be
How do I see myself, and how can I announce it to the world?
How to Ruin a Campaign in 30 Seconds or Less
The greatest lessons are forged in failure. So let's fight through some real follies.
Why People Buy: The Emotional Triggers Behind Every Sale
I can't put the need in your heart, but I can speak to the need.
Marketing, Marriage, And The Trust Equation
What rebuilding my marriage taught me about winning customers.
Brain Scans EXPOSE Samsung’s Brand Weakness
"The only evidence that Samsung users showed was reverse empathy for Apple."
7 Laws of Advertising: Why Storytelling, Emotion, and Clarity Still Win
Differentiate yourself. And don't worry about who approves.
The Risk of Insult is the Price of Clarity
If you say what people expect you to say, you're boring and your ads will never work.
Unmistakable: A Tale of Two Boots and Branding Done Right
If we invest in a status symbol, we want it recognized by others.
Marketing is about People
I know that doesn’t sound very revelatory, but hear me out. Great marketing makes people feel seen and heard.
Identity-Based Branding
Brands that powerfully appeal to identity can not only charge more, they can make it a point of pride.
The Power of Context: Why Some Ads Hit Harder
How owners evaluate ads differs from how buyers actually encounter them.
Flattery Through Storytelling
Story-based ads, when done well, can flatter the audience in a way that overcomes suspicion.
Combining Sales Activation and Long-term Branding
Get the split right, and you’ll escape the treadmill and grow year after year.
3 Techniques That Work on Highly Skeptical Audiences
Ads that flattered the customer outperformed others by 50%!