Extremely eye opening book for the marketing proffesional.
This book was required for work however I am very glad I was supposed to read it. I work for a local radio station and I had an extensive training program in marketing. This book was not a typical textbook for the Ad writing executive; it was eye-opening, provocative, and inspirational.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to make it in radio advertising!
Great Read
This book is great for anyone! A lot of the concepts apply specifically to advertising, but there are great lessons for managers of other industries as well. It's a fast read and a good addition to any collection.
Does Roy H. Williams ( (( Really know )) ) what he's talking about?
Prior to reading this first of three books I wondered does Roy H. Williams really know what he's talking about? (I guess when you become a Read-o-holic and you've read more than a few thousand books you began to wonder is this all a game? A game of money for books or what.)
My second thought was has this man compiled some great stories illustrating some pre-used concepts on Marketing? You know something I've heard before. (Because if you're like me you don't need to buy another book that would have been better to convert into firewood or toilet paper).
My third thought was...So what is this magic that Roy means by "The Wizard Of Ads"? It's really quite easy for you to get into the mindset that you've been attracted by another great title worth $16.95 but where's the book?
Well The Wizard of Ads really is quite refreshing even after five years it hasn't lost it's Useful life (depreciated in value) or it's Shelf life by growing stale. I bought this book on January 9, 2002 and it's still helping me convert my thought life over into an amazing master of Marketing.
I'm not going to tell you about the book as much as I am going to tell you why I feel it works for me and if you're lucky and you like what I share it just may be a good book for you to get too. You see Roy H. Williams really has done something fresh.
This book is filled with 100 concepts that every good ad-woman or ad-man should know. And if you're really not into Advertising or Marketing concepts maybe you'll find it in you to tell your mind to "Shut UP!" for a moment so you can see how easily these concepts apply to Selling, Customer Service, Management or becoming a dangerously articulate entreprenuer business person like Roy.
The first of 100 illustrations or stories opens with an interesting conversational tone that pulls you into the dialogue and from there you really never quite feel like Roys talking to anyone but you. That's what grasped my attention.
Next although this book is paper back it is well constructed. Words printed on egg shell white paper and wonderful nostalgic imagery from the past but don't let that fool you. (The stories are quite universal and can be used in various industries). He talks about Mouse Traps, Sharks and Pigs, Nine Secret Words and a Peep behind the curtain (from the Wizard of Oz).
These unusual titles run from the beginning to the end of the book and every story is full of zeal and freshness you can use in your concepts. He helps you formulate a Marketing mindset, an approach and a wise way to tap into your audiences attention without being corny, trite or confusing.
I've waited till now to right this review as it has taken me years to test these ideas again and again. What's nice is they all are effective and cheaper than hiring Roy yourself. But a man with ideas like this is worth hiring. Get the book...It works! And yes Roy H. Williams really knows what he's talking about.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Your Servant,
Deremiah, *CPE
A Fun Read for Anyone - Guaranteed!
A fun book full of stories and thoughtful views. The first section is more advertising related... but still interesting. The rest of the book is a wonderful read and VERY entertaining. 1-2 page chapters are great for people like me who can't pay attention very long. Read one a day. Read a few at a time. It's great! Highly recommended.
The Uncreative Need Not Read
I agree, the first two-thirds of the book are great, the last third is a little slow. You will find the first third contains the tools to make copywrite magic. The middle third is about "don't blame the advertising guy for customers not coming back because your an inept fool in a business". The last third is about courage to follow your dream.
I have read other marketing books about how to get to the target audience, but none of them discussed the nuts and bolts of what good copy looks like or how to make advertisements that sell. Roy is thought provoking and has great insights. Creativity must be supplied, but the tools of using that creativity are in the book.
Each page is an example of a good advertisement. You become hooked, you become engaged, and you are rewarded by the time you reach the end of the page.
If you are trying to learn how to become a marketer this book also isn't for you, yet. This book works best with someone who already has a foundation in marketing but looking for information on advertising.
(44 reviews)
