ForumsShop Talk

Not all giants inspire. History is filled with giants that the mere mention of will send this forum into a frenzy. You can have a major impact on an industry and be the most reviled and dislike or hated figure there is. There are plenty of business leaders who have succeeded that are well known but not well liked.

This speech is brilliant because it did more than talk about the agency and how great it is, it challenged a group of people to stay true to what they had built, and he had lead. It moves people in and outside the industry. Are there thousands of speeches like this floating around? I don't think so.

No, I haven't written a book. Not every writer wants to write a book or at least I don't. Not now.

Have I been published? I stumble here - the hundreds of ads and tv and radio spots have been seen by millions - but no, I'm not published.

Does that mean I am not a "real" writer? I think not. I love creating advertising. I'm not doing this until I get my big break. I'm doing this because I love it.

Luckiest,

I apologize for snapping.

I concede I may be a little touchy on this subject. I'm at that point where I am having to step back and let others do the creative work while I work on building my agency. I'm struggling to find that balance.

The other thing is I see way too many folks working in advertising that are phoning it in - they are either trying to write the next great novel or a blockbuster movie or a chart topping song or something other than advertising, and it shows in their work. This is not their passion, it is just a paycheck. I had a young one tell me that he didn't believe in advertising, that he only does it because of the money. I told him there are plenty of other ways to make money.

I think I will start teaching before I write a book. There is a real need for teachers. A friend has been trying to convince me to abandon opening an agency, and going the consultant route. He thinks I could do workshops and seminars and really help. I think, after I do this agency thing for a while, I may do that. There is something about creating that just can't be explained.