Confessions of an Advertising Man

Great read for all , some really amazing lessons here and philosophies for everyday living and of you into marketing sales advertising or just plain business this is a bible for you

In my opinion Ogilvy managed to write a classic with this one. The book is a good combination of advice about an advertising agency, running a professional services firm, the advertising business overall, as well as a really entertaining read. In terms of the content, some of it has dated (the limited insight on TV advertising, for instance), but most is as fresh and relevant as ever. Everything from how to motivate people in a high intensity, creative and competitive work environment, to some basic tennets of how advertising works (and how it does not) still makes a very useful, and relatively timeless read. The shameless self promotion and the colour of the author himself, which come through quite starkly are perhaps a throwback to the 60s, when the book was first written but they are all the more refreshing and entertaining for that. If you are looking for a good quick guide on some basics of running a professional service firm, and do not quite have the stomach for something like Managing the Professional Service Firm (which I very highly recommend), this is quite a good place to start.

I quite enjoyed this book, but only quite. Personally speaking I felt I perhaps already knew a great deal of his work, so much of it wasn't new to me. The edits over time that have been made in the foreword were appreciated as the book is very indicative of attitudes of that time - i.e. male dominated advertising industry. I think for those who have no idea what to expect in the agency advertising world this is a must read and offers some cultural insights to, in terms of attitudes and styles of thinking-so of which are undoubtedly timeless!

This book will make you creative as an ad man

Who could not love a book that starts: “As a child I lived in Lewis Carroll’s house in Guildford. My father, whom I adored, was a Gaelic-speaking Highlander, a classical scholar and a bigoted agnostic. One day he discovered that I had started going to church secretly. “My dear old son, how can you swallow that mumbo-jumbo? It is all very well for servants but not for educated people. You don’t have to be a Christian to behave like a gentleman! “My mother was a beautiful and eccentric Irishwoman. She disinherited me on the ground that I was likely to acquire more money than was good for me without any help from her. I could not disagree.” Written more than 50 years ago, David Ogilvy’s Confessions of an Advertising Man has two strengths. First, it tells you how to be successful in business. Second, he shows how great brands are created by selling the big idea to as many people as possible. In 1988 Ogilvy added a preface to explain why he wrote the book. First, to attract new clients to his advertising agency. Second, to help sell shares in his company. Third, to make himself better known in the business world. It achieved all three. He also had to make three corrections as the world had changed from 1962 when the book was written. The world has changed even more since 1988 but Ogilvy’s ideas are still fresh and still easy to use. He opens with a chapter on how to manage an advertising agency that can be used for any business. While Ogilvy came from a privileged background, he failed at university and had to work his way as a salesman, as a market researcher and as a chef at the Hotel Majestic in Paris. “There were 37 chefs in our brigade. We worked like dervishes 63 hours a week. From morning to night we sweated and shouted and curses and cooked. Every man jack was inspired by one ambition: to cook better than any chef had cooked before.” Ogilvy describes how Monsieur Pitard, the head chef, inspired his kitchen while ruling with a rod of iron (“we were terrified of him”). Pitard believed in exorbitant standards of service and in keeping his kitchen clean. While all his cooks were badly paid M Pitard lived in a chateau. “Far from concealing his wealth from the rest of us he drove to work in a taxi, carried a cane with a gold head and dressed when off-duty like an international banker. This flaunting of privilege stimulated our ambition to follow in his footsteps.” Pitard, he recalled, worked 77 hours a week and only took one free day a fortnight. Ogilvy shows how his experience in the kitchen shaped his rules for running his business and he provides two lists on who to hire as staff and who to hire as customers. One of the books strengths is its many useful lists that you can apply to solve almost any problem. Oddly for a book selling the idea of investing in his company, Ogilvy consistently complains of how thin his margins are. I am sure this is a salesman’s trick. “Once a salesman, always a salesman,” he says. Ogilvy is always keen to show us the money. This is a strength. “At the end of a concert at Carnegie Hall, Walter Damrosch asked Rachmaninoff what sublime thoughts had passed through his head as he stared out into the audience during the playing of his concerto. “I was counting the house,” said Rachmaninoff.” Ogilvy’s book has sold more than one million copies. It can only inspire you to run your business better. For more see [...].

Actually bought this as it's reference frequently in Mad Men, and it's a really fun and easy read! Really good insights and titbits from the golden age of advertising and perfect for dipping in and out of!

Interesting in parts. Bit too much bombast for my taste. But plenty of useful things to learn from someone who was clearly an expert.

Bought on a whim after hearing it mentioned in 'Mad Men'. I don't work in advertising or business in general but found it a fascinating read nonetheless.

"Confessions of an Advertising Man" von David Ogilvy ist ein echter Augenöffner, wenn du dich für Werbung interessierst. Obwohl das Buch aus den 60ern stammt, sind die Ratschläge immer noch super relevant. Ogilvy teilt in dem Buch seine Erfahrungen – von seinen größten Erfolgen bis zu den Fehlern. Es geht um alles, von der Bedeutung der Forschung bis hin zu Tipps für das Schreiben von Texten und den Einsatz von Bildern. Besonders gut gefällt mir, dass Ogilvy Wert auf ethisches Handeln legt. In einer Zeit, in der alles schnelllebig und digital ist, sind solche Prinzipien wichtiger denn je. Das Buch ist definitiv lesenswert, egal ob du neu in der Branche bist oder schon länger dabei. Es bietet wertvolle Einblicke und praktische Tipps.

David Ogilvy is incredible. Very easy read, with lots of lessons about life, business, and advertising.

Un livre passionnant, qui regorge de conseils. Même si certains sont adaptés à l'époque et au milieu dans lequel Ogilvy évolua, époque et milieu qui ont peut être connu quelques changements, nombre de ses conseils sont intemporels et méritent toute votre attention, ici et maintenant. A lire, donc. Impérativement. Pour vous faire réfléchir.

Nice book. Good quality.

David Ogilvy’s Confessions of an Advertising Man isn’t just a book—it’s a masterclass in creativity, leadership, and business brilliance. Decades after its first publication, its lessons remain razor-sharp, proving that true genius never goes out of style. Ogilvy, the legendary "father of advertising," pulls back the curtain on what makes great campaigns—and great agencies—tick. His insights on crafting compelling ads, winning clients, and building a respected brand are gold, but what truly sets this book apart is its wisdom on leadership. His principles on hiring, office culture ("we detest office politicians, toadies, and pompous asses"), and ethical business practices feel refreshingly relevant in today’s corporate world. Written with wit, candor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Confessions is more than an advertising guide—it’s a manifesto for doing business with integrity and imagination. Whether you’re in marketing, management, or just love sharp thinking, this book belongs on your shelf. A five-star classic that still inspires generations. If you want to learn from the best, start here.