“Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.” – Marie Dressler, Born Nov. 9, 1869. Let me tell you a secret that most copywriters won’t share. There is nothing you or I can create or cleverly state that will be as easily believed as a good testimonial …
When Your Buyers Testify, They Sell For You Easily Read More »
“As a writer, I’m more interested in what people tell themselves happened rather than what actually happened.” – Kazuo Ishiguro, born today, Nov. 8, 1954 Just because something isn’t REAL doesn’t mean it isn’t TRUE. Emotion is not REAL – it isn’t physical. It isn’t detectable by anyone outside of the one experiencing it unless …
Something Doesn’t Have To BE True If It FEELS True Read More »
“Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.” – Tom …
Your Personal Brand Has Never Mattered More (Or Been Easier To Grow) Read More »
“A certain slightly cruel disregard for the feelings of living people is simply part of the package. I think a writer, if he’s any good, is not an entirely benign entity in the world.” – Michael Cunningham, Born today, Nov. 6, 1952. This is another uncomfortable truth. For one, we need to hurt people – …
“Propaganda requires a permanent network of communication so that it can systematically stifle reflection with emotive or utopian slogans. Its pace is usually fast.” – John Berger, Born Nov. 5, 1936. To me, this speaks to the necessity of frequent messages to to one’s audience. And also to the fact that a moment of quiet …
Propaganda Works Because It’s Consistent (Advertising, Too.) Read More »
“Acting is not hiding to me; it’s revealing. We give you license to feel. ‘Hey, she’s crying, so it’s okay if I cry, too.’ That’s the most important thing in the world, because when you stop feeling, that’s when you’re dead.” – Loretta Swit, Born Nov. 4, 1937. We call know that we are supposed …
Don’t Just Write With Emotion – Project It, Like This.. Read More »
“What is the difference between unethical and ethical advertising? Unethical advertising uses falsehoods to deceive the public; ethical advertising uses truth to deceive the public.” – Vilhjalmur Stefansson, Born, Nov. 3 1879. The first thing that we need to get out of the way to have this discussion today is the mistaken notion that “deception” …
“Ethical” Advertising Is Still Deception? (Yes, And That’s Okay.) Read More »
“It is a sign that your reputation is small and sinking, if your own tongue must praise you.” – Matthew Hale, Born Nov.1, 1609. The guy I am quoting above is sort of right, but also sort of wrong. Right when it comes to the details, but open to misinterpretation when it comes to the …
Toot Your Own Horn, But Play Other People’s Songs Read More »
“BLT Prime at Trump National Doral is essential after a long day on the golf course. The popover bread alone is enough to keep me coming back!” – Ivanka Trump, Born Oct. 30, 1981. How to make money: sell your shit. Sell it. No, shut up. Sell it. Don’t have something to sell? Find or …
“Think and grow rich.” – Napoleon Hill, Born Oct. 26, 1883. This guy? Huge phony. A scammer and a liar. It’s true. If I’m the first guy to tell you, I’m sorry. He’s real popular in bizopp self-help entrepreneur-bro circles. Some people swear by his written wisdom, and some successful people at that! So Hill …
