Every advertisement should be thought of as a contribution to the complex symbol which is the brand image.
- David Ogilvy

A brand is the image in the minds of the people that has been built over a period of time supplemented with symbolism, colors, and emotions. and it’s among the most valuable intangible assets an organization can hold.

Make sure that when you put out messaging, whether it’s for an organization you’re working with or it’s for yourself - take a moment to see if it’s in line with the reputation you want to build.

The photo is the Washington Monument. My wife and I wanted to take a trip up to the top, however they close at 5pm. We had arrived at around 6. It made for a good picture though.

Response is one of the five keys of successful direct marketing. And if you have that, the other four don’t matter.
- Dean Rieck

On Memorial Day, my wife and I went to Great Fall National Park and caught a glimpse of this lizard being the attraction of several photographers. During the time I was at the look out watching the great falls, there was someone taking a picture of our scaly friend here.

Lesson:
When you’re directly engaging people either to means of advertising or PR, be different from what’s already there. Be outstanding in your presentation. You’ll know you were successful if you got the viewers to respond (take action as a result).

The Mass Audience is made up of individuals, and good Advertising is written always from one person to another. When it is aimed at millions it rarely moves anyone.

- Fairfax Cone, of Foote Cone & Belding, quoted in John O’Toole, The Trouble with Advertising – 1981

If writing from one person to another is great ad copy-writing, then real one-on-one engagement is great PR. The best social media campaigns are built on real one-on-one engagement.

Being platform agnostic, how many people have you taken the time out to speak with directly?

The above photo was taken when I went on my journey to Mecca for the Hajj in December of 2006. In the crowd of all the people worshiping, I found this man in his own moment of engagement with his Creator.

Yes, I sell people things they don’t need. I can’t, however, sell them something they don’t want. Even with advertising. Even if I were of a mind to.
- John O’Toole

Just like in life, there are things within your domain of control and things outside of your control. Focus your efforts on areas you have control.

You can sell, so take action and sell. If they don’t buy, don’t get discouraged. You’re one person closer to close to someone who wants what you have to offer.

This photo is from my trip to India back in December of 2001. Little boy saw me fascinated with the chicken that was walking around, so he picks it up and tells me to take a picture of it.

Advertising is a tax for having an unremarkable product. -Robert Stephens, Founder of the Geek Squad

This photo was taken in fall of 2010 at the Masker Orchid where my wife, sisters and I went apple picking.