Rock, Paper, Scissor, Lizzard, Spock

After posting the interactive video based game of Barack, Paper, Scissors. I recalled a funny bit on CBS's Big Bang Theory where the nerd characters reinvent the game in their own delightfully nerdy way in order to avoid the game's obvious mathematical problems.

Which video did you enjoy more? Which video would you talk about to your friends?

Ingenuity

I'm Sir Martin Sorrell, And I'm Smarter Than You

In an interview with Martin Sorrell in AdRants, I LOL'd at this Q&A.

Question 7: What has been your biggest failure as CEO and what did you learn from it?

Sir Martin: "There are failures every day. The biggest one was probably in the recession of 1990/91, when I over-geared the company following the acquisition of ogilvy. I didn't understand that a convertible preferred stock in a recession was debt not equity.

The lesson — make sure it doesn't happen again."

I wonder what AdRants follow up question would've been. "Yeah,...convertible preferred, stock equity, ratio, market, yen, exchange rates, bonds, oil, er... der.... me no get it."

My guess at what Martin was thinking. "I'm titan of corporate industry, you write a gossip blog. You dare talk to me of failure? How about I give you (and your peon readers) an answer involving M&A and corporate finance that your tiny brains can't comprehend and watch you stare back at me blankly."

Maybe, the "over your head" response is a useful tactic when your the CEO of a conglomerate talking to the press, but I've seen many middling digital marketing exec go for it with colleagues that are less tech savvy. Its self satisfying, and often unchallenged to your face. People fear looking stupid, but ultimately it erodes trust and will bite you in the ass.

Playing Against Type

If a place doesn't have an Applebee's and a golf course I don't want to vacation there. Many a night on business travel, while colleagues explore the city, I order Domino's and watch Sportscenter. I bought a house down the block from my suburban high school. Being "cultured", is NOT an accusation that's flying my way all that often.

That said, I watch the TED talks podcast almost every weekend. Today I watched one from Robert Forbes. This guy travels the world and takes pictures of regular shit and talks about why its interesting from a design standpoint. I was fascinated. Still, I'd rather play 18 in morning, and have a hamburger and Bloody Mary by the pool than go to a city I don't know anything about. Why do I need to go anywhere with cool talks like this coming right to my computer?

Car for Sale

Some might think, its in bad taste to use your blog and the attention you've earned from people by consistently delivering marketing insights and digital infused thinking. Those people would be missing out on a great deal on 1995 Honda Accord with less than 90k mi, running great, with new belts and AC system for under $3,000.

This car has at least 160k miles left in it. That's less than $.02 per mil. Its practically free. I'm practically paying you. Really.

All you city dwellers, you want to shop in a real supermarket BOOM! How about trips up to check out the wineries in Long Island, no railroad, Honda will get you there, WITH MUSIC. I've got a softball game on Randall's Island, how do you get there. I'll tell you, you take the Honda, and bring friends, its going to be awesome.

Life without a car is terrible, all you Manhattan folks say you don't need one, who are you kidding? Do yourself a favor email gregmarch66@yahoo.com and set up an appointment to test drive this beauty.

Musings on Leading A Digital Media Group

When it comes to digital media strategy I feel like I'm repeating myself on this blog. Don't fear bigger ads, blah, blah, blah. If I'm tired of it, then dear readers, you guys must be.

One thing I've learned running a digital media group is that while having sound, well thought out strategy is important, its not the most important aspect of this job. Neither is your ability to come up with creative ideas. Reality is, that if your hiring well, you have many smart people working for you that have their own well thought out ideas. Those ideas might be (gasp) better then their boss's.

When it comes to running a digital media group, like any group, good leadership is the most important thing. It doesn't get your name in the trades, invites to vendor boondoggles, or even as many immediate "attaboys" from agency management.

What it does do is retain talent, inspire your employees to give the most out of themselves, provides more cool heads in a storm and optimism. Hire well and do that and you will have happy customers. Happy customers are the beating heart of any strong business. In time (years my impatient digital friends) attaboys will come in the form of salary increases (and opportunities) when your group consistently makes more money for the agency year after year.

In order to be a good leader here's what I try and focus on:

• Candor - Above all things. When its hard to candid, that's when it matters most.
• Never be content - I expect every employee I have to be the best in the industry at their job. Expect that, and then they will expect it as well.
• Be positive - Balancing this and never be content is tricky but not impossible. Respect their journey, and their effort, pay them when its justified, just keep moving the finish line.
• Cut bait - Give every effort to coach an employee to meet your needs, but if you can't do it, be honest with yourself, and them and cut bait. The difference between a great employee and an OK one is dramatic.
• Know Your Shit - This one IS about craft and strategy. When it comes to marketing strategy and tactics your ideas don't need to always be smarter than your employees. But you absolutely must be smarter some of the time. If not, you're an empty suit and all the leadership traits in the world won't save you. When focusing on being a leader, never lose your craft.
• Integrity - Simplest thing in the world. Do what you say you will do.
  

Those are mine. What are some other keys to your success in your business?

David Cross Has Something to Say TV Marketers

Although its cute to watch David Cross dressed as woman drop the "F Bomb", his analysis is flawed. You fired the same guys that blew it on Arrested Development, they wouldn't have been there to turn a talent show, into the biggest ratings powerhouse of the decade.

Point is, some entertainment is for broadcast TV, some isn't and producer's guild awards are not the litmus test for that. Marketing is one piece that sits along side programming, scheduling, star power, luck, quality, audience and timing. Making a hit is a tricky stew and they don't come around all that often.

I'll buy into actors calling out marketers for failed shows right after I hear them thanking us on stage when they accept them. David Cross should stick to playing pretend in his bra.