It’s so important to read the room. Now more than ever. I’m sure these fellas are lovely and nobody is doubting the hard work it takes to build a business even if you have their background. Both brands look great and I drink Days all the time (I haven’t tried Surreal). But there’s something off about the humble brag billboards that really grated with the Manifest Group team today. Yes it’s tongue-in-cheek, but it’s sweating with privilege regardless. There was more than an eye-roll, there was an ick. Now, I normally avoid criticising any marketing work directly as I know there are so many variables and, most importantly, there are real humans behind the process. Also, those in glass houses etc. So this criticism isn’t without compassion and nor is it about the creative execution. It’s about the lack of self awareness and what brands can learn from it. Sometimes, when brands get it wrong, highlighting why is as much about values as opinions. And sharing criticism can help open up important discussion. Intrigued what everyone else thought… #opinion #advertising #agencylife #iactuallylovedays
Marc Van Hussen
8mo
Which privilege are you talking about. Starting any business is hardcore, because you start with literaly nothing and have to make it work time after time. The fact that these guys are able to put a business together that can provide products with consistent quality time and time again and even get listed on one of the UK's major retailers is an absolutely massive achievement. I really don't understand the Manifest message next to it in the slightest.
Jon Evans
8mo
Here’s the thing though: regardless of your background, it actually takes balls to do something risky and start a company. It takes smarts and hard work to build up a brand to mainstream success. In contrast, it’s neither smart, brave, nor difficult to go “omg white men” on social media.
Jo Bird ✨
8mo
Can you help me understand how publicly slamming these 2 guys helps anyone at all, privileged or not?
Sue Dorrington
8mo
Their ads are now getting even more free publicity thanks to Manifest and this post - doesn’t that equal great marketing ie provoking a reaction??
Thanks for your opinion on this Alex Myers. Building a successful business is incredibly hard, no matter how privileged you are. However, authenticity is so important and I do see how these guys presenting like they came up through hardship rubbed people the wrong way. I wouldn't have slammed them like this. However, I do think it's okay to tell them why this is a slap in the face to people out there who have everything to lose by starting a business. Oversights like this are why I founded WEIGHT. Films.
Ian Harris
8mo
"I’m sure these fellas are lovely and nobody is doubting the hard work it takes to build a business even if you have their background." Are you sure?
Simon Wright
8mo
Ok, whilst I agree, it’s all unnecessary. You’ve gotta be pretty confident of your moral/social/anthropological compass to call it out
Tom Millbrow
8mo
You’re advertising by putting someone else down, rather than celebrating success and advertising positively. I would love to see everyone celebrating each others success whatever their skin colour, sex or where they went to school.
James Mitchell
8mo
It's all just people climbing over each other for attention. When you get your moment at the top of the heap, sometime you end up looking a bit of a dick. It's easily done.
Founder DesignHawk. We care about your brand converting more sales. We do that by ensuring consumers notice your brand where it matters most. That’s why we specialise in packaging design & shopper marketing.
8moFeels like you are being a tad harsh if I’m honest, a billboard can suck (and it does, don’t get me wrong) without you quoting white male public school privilege as some form of societal rant that creates way more problems than it solves. Just saying ‘your latest social campaign is just a bit bland and egotistical’ might have sufficed in my opinion.