Thanks for the memories David

Posted by on July 23rd, 2009 at 11:06pm

It was a sad day 10 years ago when ad legend, even god, David Ogilvy died. The man questioning the status quo and establishing one of the king agencies and a personal reputation to match died 22 July 1999.

His wisdom on advertising and general business acumen is well known.

David Ogilvy’s best business advice:

1. Remember that Abraham Lincoln spoke of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He left out the pursuit of profit.

2. Remember the old Scottish motto: “Be happy while you’re living, for you are a long time dead.”

3. If you have to reduce your company’s payroll, don’t fire your people until you have cut your compensation and the compensation of your big-shots.

4. Define your corporate culture and your principles of management in writing. Don’t delegate this to a committee. Search all the parks in all your cities. You’ll find no statues of committees.

5. Stop cutting the quality of your products in search of bigger margins. The consumer always notices — and punishes you.

6. Never spend money on advertising which does not sell.

7. Bear in mind that the consumer is not a moron. She is your wife. Do not insult her intelligence.

David Ogilvy

Charleston

November 15, 1991

http://postcards.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/07/21/david-ogilvys-best-advice-for-business/

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