Funny Business
Moguls, Mobsters, Megastars, And the Mad, Mad World of the Ad Game
By: Allen Rosenshine
Published: Jun 30, 2006
ISBN: 9780825305399
Format: Hardcover, 277 pp
Publisher: Midpoint Trade Books Inc.
Finding career and business advice from Muhammad Ali, Bill Clinton, and the Mob all in one book is rare. Discovering that every story where the sharing of those sage thoughts is hilarious in itself, is a very rare treat. The advertising industry may be one of the largest and most influential in the world, but it is also a barrel of laughs, and operates in its own off kilter style, according to legendary advertising agency CEO Allen Rosenshine. He shares tales of fun and laughter, blended with superb business advice, in his book
Funny Business: Moguls, Mobsters, Megastars, And the Mad, Mad World of the Ad Game.
Peopled with friends and clients ranging from auto industry legend Lee Iacocca, PepsiCo and Michael Jackson's burning hair, Mayor Rudy Guliani and the City of New York, to a somehow deemed to be not funny Bob Newhart, the book is a name dropping all you can eat buffet. At the same time, the anecdotes told are true, and provide insights into an industry that has to be lived to believe it is real. Behind the famous medicine cabinet ads for Gillette, to the possible accidental ordering a beverage from a client's competitor, are some lessons that business people can learn and use in their own careers.
Allen Rosenshine (photo left) is no ordinary ad man. Heading one of the largest and most powerful advertising agencies in the world, and representing corporations populating the Fortune 100, the author played in the business big leagues. In fact, he became a legend. His household name clients and contacts are also fodder for some major league level advice; presented with side splitting hilarity.
Whether dining out with friends and clients, filming ads for television, or presenting awards at an international advertising event, funny things happen over and over again. The author shares those belly laughs with the readers. Members of the Mob even make a cameo appearance in the book, adding to the layers of texture, and demonstrating the concept that humor can be discovered in any situation.
For me, the power of the book is the technique of providing rare insights into the advertising world, and sharing valuable nuggets of wisdom in a humorous wrapper. Ideas and concepts for creating memorable advertisements, avoiding disastrous business miscues, and working with people from all walks of life are served up on a platter of comedic episodes. Captains of industry, sports stars, movie idols, and even mobsters are presented as all too human; with all of the foibles and traits shared by everyone. The author isn't afraid to kick the base from under more than a few pedestals.
I highly recommend Funny Business: Moguls, Mobsters, Megastars, And the Mad, Mad World of the Ad Game by Allen Rosenshine for its humor and its wisdom. After all, laughter is integral to the joy of our humanity, and makes the world turn much more smoothly. Without some chuckles, the world we share would be a much less enjoyable place.
Read Funny Business: Moguls, Mobsters, Megastars, And the Mad, Mad World of the Ad Game by Allen Rosenshine and learn business ideas and wisdom, as you delight in the foibles and laugh at the pratfalls of humanity.
