Confessions of an Advertising Man: A short summary (and then some…)

Gather your company behind a strong vision and as the leader of your team, startup or company: Lead by inspiration rather than authority.

“Tolerate genius.”

Your decisions should be based upon your vision and the goals/milestones you’ve set up. Dare to aim high.

Don’t be afraid of attention, and do what it takes to get it. Unconventional ways might yield the greatest results.

Know that truffles grow in oak forests.

While keeping your eyes on your goals – do whatever it takes to keep the company going forward. When you have the option to be strategic with your choices, be that. When you don’t – make sure your team has food on their tables.

Listen and communicate with your audience. Understand what they see, who they are and get to know their wishes. Their wishes need not become the law, but knowledge might help you avoid pitfalls in your production.

Quality and profitability before growth.

Only top notch talent will deliver top notch content. Surround yourself with greater people, and make sure that your seniors help the rest of the team to realize their potential.

In the chapter “How to Get Clients” Ogilvy talks about how he’d rather not work with a company who saw advertising as a marginal mix in their marketing. When it comes to publishers – remember that it might be better to be their golden goose rather than just another developer in their portfolio. A large name might not be the best fit for your vision and your goals.

In the chapter “How to Write Potent Copy” Ogilvy states, based on research done, that “on average, five times as many people read the headline as the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.” Remember this when writing press releases, newsletters and other public communication. (Also read this chapter twice – it contains a lot of thoughts on good copy.)