They lurk in the quiet corners of most offices, maintaining a low profile, performing their normal jobs quietly and efficiently. It’s a carefully practiced deception designed to divert attention from their true identities. They are the Grammar Nazis. When asked to review a document, a proposal, a brochure, or a report, they feign reluctance before … Read more
Ask me for a metaphor for the biggest single misconception about advertising and marketing, and I’ll point you toward the average American’s obsession with weight loss and the strategies employed in the pursuit of that goal. Every few months, a new diet appears. Suddenly, all sorts of people are binging on grapefruits, drinking 24 glasses … Read more
Long after the last Burma-Shave sign came down, outdoor billboards continue to provide an excellent opportunity to connect with people on the go. Remembering seven simple realties of outdoor advertising can make your outdoor boards far more effective, so your investment in them provides a higher return. 1. Choose the right place. Location is one … Read more
We’ve all heard it thousands of times: what we need is some out-of-the-box thinking. We could solve this problem if only we could step out of the box. Golly, J.P., that’s a really out-of-the-box idea! It seems that we can accomplish anything if we’re brave enough to step out of that bad, bad box, and … Read more
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “elephant in the room.” In the unlikely event you’re not, it refers to a difficult topic about which everyone is painfully aware, but that is so uncomfortable that nobody is willing to mention it publicly. It’s like the flask Aunt Sadie carries in her purse — everyone has seen … Read more
As GenXers begin to follow the Baby Boomers on their journey from milk to Metamucil, companies are making all sorts of changes to accommodate the needs of changing bodies. From lumbar supports in car seats to cushioned handles on kitchen utensils, manufacturers and service providers recognize the potential profit in catering to the comfort of … Read more
Humans love to laugh. Whether it’s a favorite sitcom, the latest wacky movie, the joke making the rounds of the office, or the meme we’re reposting on our social, we all appreciate things that make us smile and giggle. So it’s no surprise that when we’re developing advertising and other communications materials for our businesses, … Read more
Technology has been a great workplace equalizer, allowing everyone to perform tasks that once required specialized skills, and flattening organizational charts as companies reduce headcount. But added responsibility doesn’t automatically equate knowledge or expertise. I mention that because a side effect of that change is a growing misconception that anyone capable of forming an opinion … Read more
Nobody likes to deliver bad news, but it can be just as challenging to share something good … when you have to do it in writing. To understand what makes it difficult, you have to consider the role that your written words will play. They essentially take your place when you can’t deliver the message … Read more
As I brace myself for this year’s national election debates, I have empathy for the debate moderators, because their role is very similar to what those of us who write copy for a living do every day. (Another reason I can empathize is that I’ve moderated election forums before, and I know it’s not an … Read more