Biz Musings

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I hired my first ad agency for a new business launch when I was about 30.  The whole experience was a bit puzzling.  They had all of these creative ideas, they all cost a lot of money, there was no guarantee that they would work, and they made the same money win or lose.

But, I was told that's the way the advertising business works.  Trust us.  We are the experts.  So I did.  My bad.

I got a bunch of overpriced brochures, trade show booth, etc.  Thank God there was no website to build.  All of their great aggregated marketing wisdom was met with a collective yawn by the marketplace and I was expected to pay the agency bills in full... of course.

You've Got To Be Kidding

Now here's the maddening part.  They designed a logo, which was explained to me in its full artistic splendor and I of course was paying extra to get a "high-end, custom" logo.  Well, a few months later I get a letter from an attorney at Gillette, Inc., the razor people.  Turns out my logo is an exact copy, I mean a freakin' exact copy of theirs.  I called the agency and asked if the designer happened to get his "unique" idea for me while he was shaving that morning.

I got a bunch of mumbling like I was talking to Popeye and then I actually had to ask them what they were going to do about it.  They didn't even offer to make it right until I pushed it.

No Free Rides

So over the years I've looked for a better model. It's not a popular model among other agencies, because we actually tie our future fortunes to yours.  We get paid for delivering revenues, not for delivering ideas. 

I like it.  I like having my interests directly tied to the best interests of my clients.  I think you'll like it too.