The Creative Cartel

Don't Move! Ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you were there? There's a name for that. The "Doorway Effect" is a quirk of human memory. When we pass through a doorway, our brain naturally shifts gears, focusing on the new environment, which can push the original thought into the background. This phenomenon may seem like a lapse, but it’s also a testament to how our brain manages memory and context, prioritizing information relevant to where we are at that moment. So, the next time you stand frozen in the middle of a room, staring blankly, wondering what on earth you came in for… remember, it’s not just you, it’s science. Pro tip: Maybe avoid leaving the spot where you first thought of that genius idea. But if you do… just call The Creative Cartel. We’ll get you the ideas you need. Just make sure you don't forget us. #DoorwayEffect #CreativeThinking #TheCreativeCartel #MemoryTips #BrainScience #MarketingMagic

Knock Knock

"In a World of Algorithms, We Hold with Insights." As business races toward automation, AI, and data-driven everything, The Creative Cartel asks a simple question: When did we stop thinking? In our mission to "make your day better and your brand stronger," we believe that real connections aren’t built on algorithms. They’re built on insights — on human stories, emotions, and experiences that can’t be quantified or replicated by a machine. There’s a place for AI, no doubt. But when did advertising become about predicting the next move instead of inspiring it? Our clients don’t come to us for formulas; they come to us for ideas that resonate, that make their audience feel. And that is what ultimately drives action. It's about more than just the data; it's about what the data can’t tell you. It’s about the nuances, the moments, the stories that make us human. That's where we come in. We don't just analyze; we empathize. We don't just strategize; we create. AI doesn't have to worry about financial stability. Algorithms don't have to find a new apartment quickly after being transferred. We’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you balance the need for data with the power of original, insight-driven ideas? Are we losing the art in the name of the algorithm? #InsightOverAI #CreativeThinking #TheCreativeCartel #Advertising #Branding #Marketing  

Work from Home vs. The Office: Here’s the truth -- if you need a specific location to get your work done, maybe the problem isn’t where you’re working… 🤔 What (Where) matters to you?

We only allow people who will never be one of your customers ignore you. https://lnkd.in/g_9MMggA

Every single person who reads this (save for maybe symphony conductors and people who feed baby Pandas) will say "BS ... my job should absolutely be here."

How about a range of budgets? Agencies are often asked to bring a 'range of ideas.' Only then is there a discussion of budget, often in hopes of getting the most for the least. But most agencies (emphasis on most) don't offer small, medium and large ideas. The most effective way for an agency and a business to work is to have a firm and agreed-upon budget at the start of a project. Because most (again, emphasis) agencies are incredibly adept at managing cost through execution and process. The ideas should never be budgeted. It's a partnership. Everyone wants to make money. If the work is great and works ... there's your bonus.

“All Your Brand Are Belong To Us” Yes, social media, websites, influencers and digital platforms reign supreme. But the fundamental truth remains: Your brand is still YOUR responsibility. Mostly. When MTV skyrocketed to success in 1981, a pivotal board meeting was held. John Lack, the visionary founder, posed a simple question to the attendees: Who owns MTV? Guesses flew around the room — Viacom Inc., investors, shareholders. After everyone had spoken, Lack revealed the surprising answer: The kids do. Not you. Not the lawyers. Not the investors. The Kids. This insight was transformative. It was the kids tuning in, sharing videos with friends (word of mouth, the original social media), and fueling the cultural phenomenon that truly owned MTV. This understanding helped MTV maintain its authentic voice, resonating deeply with its audience. Fast forward to today, MTV, now 43 years old, is often joked about for its six glorious years of music videos, overshadowed by an era dominated by reality shows. The shift in ownership from the youth to investors diluted its once-powerful connection with its core audience. Today’s marketing landscape is starkly different. We’re dealing with consumers who have shorter attention spans than goldfish (a fact!). In a world where five seconds feels like an eternity as they await the "skip ad" button, the consumer funnel has radically transformed. Customer reviews trump broadcast commercials, and the brands endorsed by beloved performers, athletes, or influencers hold more sway than ever before. However, this doesn’t mean you can relinquish control of your brand entirely. You must bolster it with a nuanced understanding of today’s consumer. You need to craft the right talking points, create the right vibe, and ensure your strategy resonates from the consumer’s point of view. It’s about selling what they’re buying, not what you’re selling. Consumers now have access to more information — some real, some fake — and possess an uncanny ability to ignore messages that feel forced upon them. The key to cutting through this noise lies in authenticity, insights, understanding, acknowledgment, and courage. This is the recipe for success. The trick is to combine all that with compelling ideas that strike a chord so deeply that the right customers can’t help but let you into their decision-making process. And, through social media, their friends and followers, too. The marketing and advertising landscape may have changed dramatically, but the essence of brand stewardship remains unchanged. It's about guiding your brand with intention and authenticity while embracing the voices of those who truly hold the power — your consumers. “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” -- John Lack Those were the first words broadcast on MTV. When you’re ready for breakthrough branding and ideas, The Creative Cartel is ready to Rock and Roll with you.    

What exactly are you selling? It's easy to get wrapped up in your own product or service. Drinking the Kool-aid, as it were. While it's important to believe in what you offer, it's even more important to not lose sight of the consumer. If you don't, you're just selling what you're selling instead of selling what the consumer is buying. The ability to see things this way -- from the consumer's point of view -- has propelled The Creative Cartel and allowed us to produce work that doesn't just win awards. It wins the hearts of the consumer. A bit more important. Don't sell the bike. Sell the mountain. Sell freedom. Sell exhilaration. Sell the distinct, fresh smell of pine trees. Sell a challenge that makes the legs hurt in that "I can't believe we made it to the top" sort of way. That's how you move your brand from mind to heart to wallet. We'd be happy to help. #CreativeCartel #POV #Consumers #Advertising #Insights #AwardWinningCreative #Ideas

This is one of the first commercials Scott Collin produced when he got into advertising. Considering the heatwave that's currently cooking most of the US, seemed appropriate to post this oldie... #heat #Advertising #airconditioning https://lnkd.in/evae7EFc