David Ogilvy’s best advice for business

Years after his death, David Ogilvy is still educating the business community. We will link to this terrific article from our website.

Ron D
http://www.start-a-business-faq.com

David Ogilvy’s advertising book is a classic that is a must read for anyone wanting a career in marketing. Great post of some of his key business advice.

He was indeed a class act, and built the foundation upon which the post-war advertising industry was built. He believed strongly in the USP, and that’s why we remember all those Dove TV spots. A quick note to our friend from Vancouver – if you take a look back to the campaign that began in 1957, or even earlier, it was 1/4 cleansing cream. And his work not only recognized women’s buying power, it spoke to them without talking down, as much of the work throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s did. Thanks for sharing this, Patricia. I’m going to reference this on the Smith On Branding blog.

My marketing instructor once said something to the effect of, “In a world where everyone tells the truth, the liars and the cheaters win.” Actually, they only win in the short term – take Madoff as an example.

good, good, good!

I worked in Research at O&M Chicago from 1979-1981 and often quoted his thought re: “the consumer is no moron…she’s your wife.” Admittedly, given the times (“women’s liberation” was at its height), I privately scolded him for the sexism inherent in the thought–as in, aren’t we advising female O&M’ers too?), but had to forgive him nevertheless because the simplicity of the message was so brilliant—and obviously has withstood the test of time! Spent some of the most formative years of my career under his tutelage.

The GFC certainly tested his advice to firstly cut the compensation of executives before firing people.

Whilst we have seen some examples, Ogilvy was uniquely focused on the consumer and touching their hearts and minds.

Thanks – a great story!

Love this piece. I added my two cents and linked back to it from my blog at life-sizedbusiness.com

Especially interesting that Ogilvy was already clear on the purchasing power of women!

I was lucky enough to meet David Ogilvy as a new employee at O&M back in the 80’s. He stopped me in a hallway and said he didn’t know me, was I new? We had a nice chat, then he asked me what he considered the most important question one could ask an employee – was I having fun? The man was a class act, and the most humble of legends.

The old coot must have been delirious. Jefferson did in fact speak the famous quote, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Great piece. Just one note: Dove is marketed as 1/4 MOISTURIZING cream, not “cleansing” cream.

My mom always bought Dove for exactly that reason. Ogilvy knew what would appeal to Dove customers!

Excellent, Pattie! Thank you for sharing this very special story.

Thanks for sharing the note.

Do you believe Ogilvy (and Lincoln) would favor indictments of the bankers, regulators and rating agents who created the current fraud?

To the anonymous and confused readers of this magnificant piece: Lincoln used this phrase many times during his public life giving honor to the Founding Fathers. Among those times; his debate with Douglas and the Dred Scott decision in Springfield. Insight as true today as 10 years ago.

You were blessed to have encountered this very generous man who was willing to share the wisdom he had acquired in his journey. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Ogilvy’s perspective and intelligence are sorely missed.

Jeez, the dude was 80 y.o.a. when he scribled his note. Maybe he he was confused about who said what a hundrd years ago; he obviously admired Lincoln. His point is profit should not be the focus. At some point, greed corrupts. His note is 100% spot on.

10 years after his death eye tracking proves David Ogilvy (still) rocks!
http://thinkeyetracking.com/Blog/?p=199

I didn’t know Lincoln helped write the Declaration of Independence. He must have lived a long life.

I thought it was Thomas Jefferson who spoke of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Splendid write up and amaing insights of a man, a legend and a genius of a storytelling marketer.

Be WEll

TD

http://techdivine.com.tdblog