I read a post on LinkedIn recently that said: “Your boss isn’t a friend. Work isn’t a family. Remember that a job is just a job”. Really? I couldn’t disagree more. This shallow statement reflects a mindset rooted in self-preservation, boundaries, and skepticism toward the modern workplace. While there may be valid reasons for such...
When we think of the world’s most iconic brands – Tide, Apple, Nike, Coca-Cola, Proctor & Gamble, Google, Facebook, TikTok – they all possess a unique combination of staying power, global reach, and cultural significance. Recently, I was asked by a group of college students what I considered the most compelling branding story in history....
As another year winds down, we at 78Madison are pausing to reflect on what it means to be truly thankful. Thanksgiving, both the holiday and the sentiment, serves as a reminder to focus on the good in our lives—the big wins, the small joys, and even the challenges that helped us grow. 2024 brought its...
78Madison’s CEO Joe Bouch has been plowing away in the same industry – advertising agencies – for over 45 years. When I began my career on Madison Avenue in 1978, the advertising world was a bustling, high-stakes arena, and the agency industry was the beating heart of it all. Over the decades, the industry has...
In an industry where buzzwords and generalizations often cloud the conversation, it’s crucial to peel back the layers and focus on the essence of what businesses truly seek in an advertising agency partner. Despite all the rhetoric about innovation, disruption, and creativity, my 45 years of experience with businesses of all sizes have allowed me...
In the rapidly evolving world of advertising, businesses continue to look at marketing return on investment (ROI) as their number one priority. No doubt, with the ever-evolving media landscape, determining what media will deliver the biggest bang for the buck is the holy grail. Each planning cycle, ROI remains the number one goal which of...
Over the past 25 years, the advertising agency industry has undergone a profound transformation. From the explosion of digital media to the rise of data-driven marketing and automation, advertising agencies have had to adapt to new tools, platforms, and consumer behaviors. Despite this whirlwind of change, one thing has remained constant: the need for great...
In a world saturated with information and content, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that great creative work can have on all of us. Whether it’s a captivating piece of art, an inspiring story, or a powerful message, the essence of creativity lies in its ability to capture our attention, challenge our thinking, and...
As I am approaching 46 years in the advertising agency business – from Madison Avenue to Orlando and everything in between – I am often asked what advice I would give to build a winning local advertising agency. Of course I could write a book on such a subject, but ultimately my readers digest answer...
I had a young business owner ask me recently if there was an art to taking a client to lunch, or do you just dine at any place close? My response was that taking a client out to lunch (or dinner for that matter) was more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to build...