Chris Campbell

Hellooooo, naming nerds! I find name creation one of the most powerful (and neglected) elements of building a powerful brand. For your Saturday entertainment, here are the origins of all the world’s leading car names. Not surprisingly, many of the names were the founders’ names. Ahhhh, simpler times. A few of them were abbreviations - definitely worth remembering the long form of Alfa, Fiat and BMW for your next cocktail conversation. The best ones, from a pure name nerd perspective? Jaguar - obvious name for a slick race-inspired car. Not so obvious… the company’s name was originally SS Cars, which was, ahem, unfortunate in the late 1930’s, as the UK was entering into war with the Nazis. Jeep - the US answer to Germany’s Kubelwagen - the VW vehicle affectionately dubbed the ‘Thing’ car today. Jeep’s named is shrouded in mystery, but is believed to be a slurred version of GP, or general purpose vehicle. Enjoy. And if you’re at a juncture with your name, drop me a line. It’s my jam. #namingstrategy #brandname #brandstrategy #brandsinvestorslove

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There has been a lot of really thoughtful commentary on the state of the creative business in Detroit, by Lianne and adam j. wilson and others. I stayed up last night, thinking about all of this and here are a couple of extra thoughts: 1) It's not just the marketing community that's hit, it's everyone in the region. These are middle class and upper middle class jobs. These are the jobs that restaurants in Birmingham, Royal Oak and Grosse Pointe count on. These are the jobs that prop up the real estate economy in Pleasant Ridge, Farmington Hills, and Plymouth. These are the jobs held by the shoppers in Troy or at the new stores downtown. This is a good chunk of Detroit's economy. So, if you're here in town and you feel the stress levels rising, be kind, be generous, be patient. 2) A Detroit Auto Agency isn't what most people think it is, it certainly isn't what I thought it was when I moved here from Brooklyn. Some folks are from Detroit, some of them are from Brazil, London, New Jersey, and San Francisco. No matter where they are from, they were hired because they have skills, some of them have mad skills and all the Effies, Lions, and Addys. The marriage of global creative strength and institutional knowledge about how to sell cars has created a unique regional expertise. This is the reason car accounts generally come back to Detroit. 3) This market has been so disrupted over the past fifteen years by everything from bankruptcies to agency roster changes, that by now, to a great degree, the wheat has been separated from the chaff. If you're working in an agency in Detroit right now, odds are you're pretty damn good. Which means you can and should approach the market with confidence. 4) It's a tough and anxious time. I wish Lafayette American was a monstrously big agency and we could pull everyone on board. But then I have to remind myself that this has never been our model. We've always wanted to grow slow, flexing and rolling with freelancers and partners. So, that said, if you're interested in freelancing with us, please reach out at hello@lafayetteamerican.com. We will also work to alert people through the @gigalert alert. So, stay alert :) 5) In the words of one of my heroes, Yvon Chouinard, "It's not an adventure til something goes wrong." Amid all the stress, stay open to new paths and new opportunities, keep flexing your muscles, make ads, be creative, express yourself, stay connected to those you respect, and, above all, stay positive with those you love. Onward.

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The death throes of Detroit's creative industry are but a microcosm of the grand farce playing out across our economic landscape. From the crumbling soundstages of Hollywood to the emptying cubicles of Motor City, we see the same grotesque pantomime: The masses scramble for scraps while the puppet masters gorge themselves on golden parachutes. The IATSE strike looms, threatening to strangle an already gasping entertainment industry while the media titans quibble over crumbs. The chairman of Warner/Discovery amasses a fortune that would make Croesus blush - $500 million over four years - while entire industries teeter on the brink of oblivion. In California, the promised land of creativity, 40% of the nation's homeless huddle in the shadows of gleaming studio lots. The same state that produces dreams for global consumption can't house its dreamers. This is not a bug in the system but its defining feature. The very apparatus meant to fuel consumption devours its own children. But let us not delude ourselves. Advertising was never meant to solve the riddle of the vanishing middle class. That’s not why it exists. It exists as a tool of distraction, a glittering lure meant to alert consumers of products they should buy. The cruel irony today is that those who craft these messages are, for the first time, finding themselves unable to partake in the very lifestyle they peddle. What then, is the solution? Certainly not more advertising. Nor a glossy campaign extolling the virtues of consumerism. Those days have passed. Perhaps it's time to turn our creative energies towards dismantling the very system that has brought us to this precipice. Perhaps it’s time for the people who make the ads to wield it in the service of themselves instead of for a system that discards them at will. Perhaps it’s time to use our powers of persuasion to advocate for genuine change? In the end, the fate of the middle class will not be decided by clever slogans or viral campaigns, but by a fundamental reimagining of our economic priorities. This is something that advertising CAN help do. But until then, the people who work in it will remain trapped in a cycle of their own making. Selling dreams they can no longer afford to buy. In the words of Howard Luck Gossage: “I yearn for the day advertising will become a business for a grown man.” Or woman. Let’s make today that day. Click the link in the comments to see the post that triggered this #advertising #marketing #creative #digital

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Great insight and perspective. We can’t rely on local giants to support us creatively. The world is getting smaller as we get more connected through exponentially growing tech. We have to adapt and find creative solutions to survive and thrive in the creative industry via seeking out new global customer bases, leveraging AI, and integrating education as a means to build the next generation of creatives. It’s a sad thing but we can’t dwell on it and become victims. Be the change. That’s what we are doing at Scrptr Agency. 🙏🏽

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Dear Detroit ad people, While another long-winded LinkedIn post on this subject may not be needed, I’m terrible at keeping my mouth shut. Here's something that you already know, but probably need to hear again. You are not the problem. Massive holding company agencies are the problem. Their bloat, their commoditization of creative, their love of $3000 Eames chairs, expensive real estate, and their servitude to their holding company overlords is the problem. Full stop. I understand this may be of little solace to many of you faced with the real-life challenges this situation presents. A fairly specialized industry gutted, creating an unwelcome level of uncertainty. But it’s true. You are not the problem. In fact, you are fucking brilliant, hardworking and best of all, grounded. I know this, because I grew up here. I cut my teeth at agencies named after dead guys. Mentored by so many of you. I also know this because, either directly or indirectly, I have been fortunate enough to have worked in Chicago, NYC, San Fran, and Toronto. And while I’m sure you’ve heard it before — there’s just something about a creative from Detroit. An uncommon work ethic (I mean, those CCS kids), and endless curiosity. Which reminds me of an Elmore Leonard quip: “Most cities get by on their good looks, Detroit has to work for a living.” We’re just built different. For those of us who have been around a while, we survived a few decades of the big agencies shifting their auto business to their East or West Coast offices to “save the account.” Or bringing in the “big guns” from other markets. It often felt threatening. But in retrospect, the competition presented an opportunity to learn (and laugh). During my days working on Jeep, I saw Chuck McBride brilliantly recast the Jeep brand in ways I had never seen. Notes were taken. I also saw teams from David Lubars’ group present a laughable idea that suggested that pot holes were a good thing (by people who clearly had never driven on Michigan roads). Again, notes taken. Point is, we survived those incursions because — we are not the problem. But, this time is different. And it sucks. For me, this is even greater motivation to grow our sapling of an agency. We are cut from the same cloth as you are, and yet, have managed to attract a major guitar brand, an energy drink brand, international fashion/apparel brands, CPG brands, tech brands, and others. And we’re not alone. Our friends at L|A are crushing it with their impressive ability to diversify. Because, once again, we as Detroit ad/marketing professionals are not the problem. The holding company model is. So perhaps this message isn’t just for the Detroit ad community - it’s also for brand leaders looking for hardworking, dedicated, wildly creative, massively strategic independent shops without the bullshit. They are here in this city. We are here in this city. We survive and thrive, no matter what is thrown at us. Because we are not the problem.

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The beauty of out-of-home does indeed lie in its proximity. Recent studies from our team at OAAA and The Harris Poll reveal that 76% of digital out-of-home (DOOH) viewers take action after seeing an ad. This includes watching a video (38%), visiting a restaurant (36%), and making in-store purchases (30%). Given that 83.7% of US retail spending occurs in physical stores, these actions are incredibly impactful. With 73% of US consumers viewing DOOH ads favorably, DOOH presents a prime investment opportunity for advertisers. Our forecast indicates that US DOOH ad spending will grow by 11.2% to $3.20 billion this year. #DOOH #Advertising #ConsumerBehavior

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Brand loyalty in automotive isn't what it used to be. In this bonus content from my chat with Mike Vogel on the Fixed Ops UX, we discuss the implications of defection. The sign on the door isn't enough to keep consumers coming back. We've got to create a compelling experience that speaks to vehicle owners, delivering trust, value and convenience well into their ownership lifecycle. There is so much more at stake than the RO. Catch the full episode at https://lnkd.in/gBYXPwmJ . #fixedopsux #fixedops #dealership #dealerships #customerexperience #coaching #customerinsights #customerloyalty #customerreview #userexperience #employeeengagement #technicians #mechanics #autodealers #autoindustry #culture #organizationalculture #teambuilding #efficiency #innovation  

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It was 1994 and I was receiving a CLIO award in San Francisco for a three-word billboard I wrote for Volvo. What I knew to be true had just been validated: It’s all about the message. Now, years later, our firm (Cohesion) has proved that truth over — and over again. For some of the largest organizations in the world; for the most complex businesses and situations. Without the right message, (and the right message architecture) marketing is ungrounded, and too often fails. (Read the full post, below.) #brand #branding #messaging #Volvo #cohesion

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Pro tip: Use copy that'll get their attention. 😉 #cancelledpartygame #cancelled #chicago #ooh #outofhome #advertising

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One Creator's Opinion Plummets a Company to Near Bankruptcy?! 🤯 Marques Brownlee published a video titled "This is the Worst Car I've Ever Reviewed" which was a detailed review of the Fisker Ocean. True to the title, he didn't recommend the car. The stock was at 75 cents per share on the day he published that video and is currently at 6 cents per share today. Shortly after the video went live, the Fisker team wanted to know how Marques got a hold of the car. They tracked down and called the owner of the vehicle that rented Marques the car for the review. They asked him a variety of questions and showed a lot of concern. Little did the Fisker team know the owner was recording the whole conversation and, shortly after, published it on TikTok. The TikTok went viral, and it has racked up 6+ million views so far. The video is definitely worth a watch: https://lnkd.in/gFmcWpJx MKBHD gave them another fair shot because they stated they've resolved many of the issues with an update. The video just went live and already has wracked up 990k views so far: https://lnkd.in/gNhtT__H Kudos to Marques for giving them a second shot. The real question is, did Marques really cause Fisker to lose that much value? No. Fisker has been losing value since their IP back in 2020. Do I think this is the perfect case study of the power of creators in the press? Absolutely. If you plan to offer a product or service to the public, be prepared for genuine reviews. Be prepared for consumers and creators to share their opinions about your company. Ensure that your product or service is truly valuable to the general public. If it is, this will build up your brand in the marketplace. If it isn't valuable, it will hurt you.

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Ad Agency Strategists Need to Crack the Code on EVs Americans' interest in buying EVs is in decline according to Pew. Ford's CEO Jim Farley recently made it clear that Ford will not survive if it can't sell EVs. Lots of work to do here. Farley's recent op-ed- where he thinks the EV driving experience is the thing to focus on- not the eco story. https://lnkd.in/e7aFbtM4 Pew data https://lnkd.in/ee48wiWj IPSOS Research finds the biggest barriers to purchase are costs and charging logistics https://lnkd.in/eFgBd3eP).

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Last week, as part of Tesla's layoffs, the 40-person growth marketing team in the US was cut for what Elon Musk labeled as "generic" advertising. "The ads were far too generic – could've been any car." The move is a friendly reminder that understanding the market landscape and translating your brand's differentiators into unique messaging will save your campaigns and make you indispensable, regardless of company size. https://lnkd.in/g-CQVs3N #marketing #growthmarketing #advertising #brandstrategy

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This is brilliant! WOW. I do this without even realizing it—subconsciously adding my water bottle to my routine. YETI does it again 💯 #brand #brandstrategy #marketing #marketingstrategy

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This week, I'll be sharing my latest thoughts on the market, current roles, advice for those hiring, and planners and strategists searching for opportunities. For recent connections, here's a brief intro: I'm Lisa! I’m a treasure hunter for rare and exceptional strategy talent, helping agencies and brands transform through people-focused solutions. Planners and Strategists in London trust me with their career moves and shaping teams. I'm a 'go-to' for three main reasons: 😃 My established network - Uncovering the finest thinkers since 2014. 😃 Deep knowledge of the nuances of the discipline - A fascination for the craft and skill. 😃 Passion for people - Supporting individuals through highs and lows. The talent acquisition space is renowned for its commoditising of people, a transactional 'KPI' approach I'm driven by EI 'emotional intelligence' . I'm not about ‘bums on seats,’ but about aligning the rarest minds with the right opportunities. My dedication lies in solving recruitment challenges. My deep sense of empathy ensures I recognise and value each person's distinct journey, irrespective of whether they're hiring or seeking opportunities. Stay updated 🛎 with my daily insights on strategy and planning recruitment. I share monthly updates on market trends. If you're interested, please sign up for my newsletter. I've got fresh observations coming up in the next few days. And if you're on the hunt for a talented strategist or planner, or pondering your next career step, let's have a chat. #mondayintro #strategyplanning #rarestrategytalent

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UNO Branding is an independent, minority-owned creative agency based in Minneapolis, MN. We specialize in multicultural and empathy-driven branding work, distinguishing ourselves from average marketing agencies through our strategic approach, originality, and diverse expertise. Our services cater to a wide range of multicultural audiences, offering unique and award-winning design solutions with a cross-cultural impact. Services Provided: Marketing Strategy: We create comprehensive marketing plans tailored to reach and engage multicultural audiences. Ethnic Research and Consulting: Our ethnographic study, Filtros™, helps us understand diverse cultural perspectives, informing our design and branding strategies. Brand Strategy and Positioning: We develop strong brand identities and position them effectively in the market. Brand Development and Rebranding: Our team revitalizes existing brands and creates new ones that resonate with diverse audiences. Messaging: We craft compelling brand messages that connect with target audiences. Print and Packaging: We design visually striking and culturally relevant print and packaging solutions. Environmental Design: Our expertise extends to creating immersive branded environments. Experience: We have successfully partnered with both large and small businesses to grow their brands through strategic, design-driven results that produce connected experiences. Our client list includes renowned names such as: Household Names: 3M, General Mills, MTV, PepsiCo, Target Education Organizations: American Institute of Graphic Arts, Hmong College Prep Academy, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Saint Paul Public Library, Saint Paul Public Schools, Public Broadcasting Service, Twin Cities Public Television, Walker Art Center Governmental Organizations: The City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, National Museum of the American Latino, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, USPS Why Do Business with Us: Diverse Expertise: Our multicultural focus and empathy-driven approach ensure our creative solutions resonate with diverse communities. Proven Track Record: We have a history of delivering award-winning designs and successful campaigns for various clients, including educational institutions and governmental organizations since 1999. Strategic Approach: Our services are backed by thorough ethnic research and consulting, ensuring our strategies are culturally relevant and practical. Certified and Reliable: As a certified minority- and woman-owned business with multiple certifications, we meet high standards of quality and reliability. Innovative Solutions: We use our unique Filtros™ method to create innovative, culturally insightful designs that stand out in the market. Contact Information: Carolina Ornelas: Co-founder & Managing Director, carolina@unobranding.com, + 1 612.874.1920 Ext: 11 Luis Fitch: Co-founder & Creative Director, luis@unobranding.com, +1 612.874.1920 Ext: 10

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Tommy’s Briefs: What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made? Tom McManimon—Founder of StimulusBrand Communications: “One of the best investments I’ve ever made is working on myself becoming a strong creative director. In that role, I get to influence teams of people and be their mentor, help them rise, and deliver their very best. In my career, I have surrounded myself with accomplished creative directors and learned from them. Another investment I’ve made is in public speaking. It’s one thing to present creative campaigns to CEOs or boards of directors which I have done for years, but another thing to be on a stage in front of a bigger audience—in  service to them. So, I enrolled in professional speaker training (again, from some of the very best) and learned a “thing or two.” I am in a career that requires that you know your target audience. The same holds true in speaking. Creating material that is relevant and meaningful is key. It became important to me to try to share messages and emotional stories that go beyond advertising to lift people and help business leaders have one of those lightbulb moments. To accomplish that, you have to learn to write well, rehearse it, and then deliver it as the authentic you. I was wise enough to surround myself with a team of people who were great at that and they help me every day to be compelling, engaging and on point.

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Check out this blast from the past - a national commercial I consulted and acted in (Yes, those are my fabulous hands! LOL). The magic happened at Conductor Productions in Boston, MA, all for Toyota's Last Clearance Marketing Campaign. I remember I had to wear a skin-tight black Under Armor shirt to cover my arms, which made the editing easier for the production team. I also had to come up with a slew of epic "hand wizardry" moves to make graphics dance around, vanish, and transform - all in perfect harmony with Toyota's vision. - - - - - - Topics discussed in this post: #Toyota #advertising #commercials #marketing #digitalmarketing #digitalcampaigns #producer #media #multimedia #production

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National Election Party Poster Review Political party: Alliance of Citizens for Change Pros: No holding back on what they’ll do if put in power. Smiling man. Party logo - a kudu that stands for justice. Cons: Someone told them it’s all about the hashtags - it’s not 2010. Death & smiley man feels weird. Too much going on. Vote icons in case you don’t understand the word vote. Party logo inside the o of vote. Background image indistinguishable so what’s the point? ACC abbreviation doesn’t need full stops. The explanation of ACC shows lack of confidence.

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Speak out on topics that truly matter and authentically align with your brand's values. And do not play the short game of acquiescing to the usual mob of purpose-haters. #SocialJustice #BrandValues #TakeAction

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