The Wizard of Ads: Turning Words Into Magic and Dreamers Into Millionaires

by Roy H. Williams

Book Overview

Forget Madison Avenue! Learn the unvarnished truth about what works, what doesn't and why from the most fascinating storyteller since Paul Harvey. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1885167296
• ISBN13: 9781885167293
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Bard Press (TX)
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.2" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

A piece of art

There are two things I really like about this book:1. Each chapter is small on length and long on meaning2. Not only does it talk about the power of words, every page is an example of how to do it RIGHT!Use this book to get the juices flowing when you feel you are stuck in a rut, or need some inspiration for that next campaign.

A Wizard of Words Defies Classification

As I read this book I had to remind myself it is classified as a book about advertising. Yes, he spends one of the four sections about many specific advertising concepts and measurements but the rest of the 101 short chapters cover so much more.He combines quotes form eclectic sources, and stories that belong in human interest and motivational historical biographies. He digs deep into explanations of the human mind and neurology just to understand how to best impact it.His observations are challenging to common beliefs and stimulating to new ideas. I would not limit my recommendation of this book to just business, marketing and advertising interests.I would recommend it to writers looking for effective tips and improvement of their craft. I would recommend it to clergy who will find endless inspiring stories for sermons. I would recommend it to teachers for interesting and unique perspectives on historical and cultural figures and events. I would emphatically recommend it to business people who spend so much time looking for answers and so little time pursuing the questions. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to stimulate his or her thinking. It would help break through writer's block and stimulate a new flow of creativity. It is a creative reference masterpiece.If the title leads you to expect a bunch of advertising how to's and what to do's, you may feel a bit disappointed; it is a lot more about why. It is a book for those who cherish ideas and thinking. I love this book.

Truely Magical

"Magical Worlds of the Wizard of Ads" is truely a fantastic book. The Wizard describes in plain English how the brain responds to input. And how to bypass the security guard at the entrance to the brain.The book is a nice compilation of interesting and mind-baffling texts. Ir really got me thinking about my own persuading skills. And more importantly how I live my life.As a little bonus the book is wonderfully crafted. With coffee stains and hand written notes and everything. Definately a must.

A magical, enlightening, and thought provoking book!

An enlightening thought provoking approach to advertising is found between the covers of this spell-book. It's creative and insightful throughout, and reaches beyond the "hard numbers" that often seem to dominate media buying, advertising and marketing campaigns, and news headlines. Roy pushes aside statistics and realizes that there are people just like you and me behind the numbers. An advertising campaign is a link in a chain, only one part of the sales process. This book focuses both on creating a successful advertising campaign, as well as the other links in the chain including the creation of a pleasurable shopping experience that delivers the goods or services advertised. The Wizard presents lots of anecdotal tales and advice that relate to people and real world experiences. Chances are you will be able to personally relate to many of those contained within the book. Some attention is given to advertising strategies in print, radio and television, and in what context and for what purpose they should be used. Much of "The Wizard of Ads" is a collection of feel good stories, however within each, is advice and insight into the world of sales, advertising, and people. As the author states, the reader will either love or hate the book. Ten steps to successful selling or advertising this is not, chock full of common sense approaches to reaching out and connecting with people who may become your customers it is.If you like this book, and the manner in which it is written, another fantastic, related book (written in the form of an ancient parable) focusing on the sales process, sales strategies, and types of sales people is "Selling the Wheel" by Jeff Cox.

A fun book to read... and you'll learn something, too!

All those in advertising and in business can benefit from the kind of inspiration Roy Williams delivers in "Secret Formulas". The advertising media is so often held hostage for instant success for the ad dollars spent, as if ten magic words all spoken together will instantly remove a business from bankruptcy. Williams gives the reader a real-world view of what businesses should expect from their advertising, and gives several blueprints for success. Be prepared, however; there's no magic potion, no 'eye of newt' that, when added, will turn your business around. It's hard work to create good marketing and advertising, but Williams takes on the complexities of advertising in a way that offers a bounty of food for thought. Those in media sales, especially Radio, ought to have this stuff down cold if they truly want to jet-propel their careers-- and help their clients succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Our Radio clients will all receive a copy of this book for Christmas. (P.S. I've had the privelege of meeting and talking at length with the author. He's as genuine as they come.)