Gotta love Batman. Amazing skills. Cool tools. Resolute commitment. Nice. But, what good would all that be were there no Riddler, Joker, or, more recently, no Bane.

It doesn’t take a hero to make a villain. Quite the contrary. Heroes rise in their conquest of a villain. This good-vs-evil juju makes for great direct response ads.Continue Reading

When events confound me, I’ve learned to ask: under what circumstances would those events make sense?

It’s a good question to ask when a competitor does something you’re tempted to dismiss as crazy. Or, when something you thought perfectly absurd becomes wildly successful.

When change confounds your view of the world, it’s a good time to reexamine your view.Continue Reading

There’s no business like home show business. While they’re not for everyone, my Wizard of Ads Partners and I have clients across the country, Canada and Australia who have learned how to make effective use of trade shows.

I’ve gathered the shared experiences of Jane Fraser, Tim Miles, Sarah Ripley, Steven Sorenson, Dave Young, and myself to help make your next show more productive. From planning and design to staffing and strategy, there’s bound to be something you can use. Have more ideas? Add them in the comments area below. We’re all in this together!Continue Reading