A Big Life in Advertising

Rating:
Summary: BIG - but still a secret from the rest of us!
Review: This is a worthwhile book for anyone interested in business in general, and advertising specifically. Mary Wells Lawrence relates the "facts" of her professional life story well, and even delves a little bit into her personal life. The keys/reminders of how the best business relationships are forged are peppered among tales of how she WON the business, almost LOST clients and then miraculously redeemed the situation, and this adds drama and sometimes makes for compelling reading. She never goes beneath the surface, however, and ultimately this wasn't as satisfying a read as I'd hoped for. She might have revealed some of her worst FLUBS, as well - disasters tend to be even more revealing than successes, and we certainly learn more from failure! She also rarely tells her own emotional "take" on the events of her life - After reading this, I have no doubt that she's had A BIG LIFE - but she's holding back so much, the reader is never "clued in" as to what REALLY matters in this BIG LIFE of hers!?

Rating:
Summary: BIG - but still a secret from the rest of us!
Review: This is a worthwhile book for anyone interested in business in general, and advertising specifically. Mary Wells Lawrence relates the "facts" of her professional life story well, and even delves a little bit into her personal life. The keys/reminders of how the best business relationships are forged are peppered among tales of how she WON the business, almost LOST clients and then miraculously redeemed the situation, and this adds drama and sometimes makes for compelling reading. She never goes beneath the surface, however, and ultimately this wasn't as satisfying a read as I'd hoped for. She might have revealed some of her worst FLUBS, as well - disasters tend to be even more revealing than successes, and we certainly learn more from failure! She also rarely tells her own emotional "take" on the events of her life - After reading this, I have no doubt that she's had A BIG LIFE - but she's holding back so much, the reader is never "clued in" as to what REALLY matters in this BIG LIFE of hers!?

Rating:
Summary: For old ad guys and gals
Review: This is indeed a poorly written book, but it does share the insight of a great icon of the 70s and 80s ad game. For those who were/are in advertising, the perspective Lawrence gives is fun to remember when people and personalities really made a difference. An easy read, a few insights but really like reminiscing with a colleague about the "good old days." Lots of us would have loved to have just one of those tales to tell. The other reviews I've read on Amazon are pretty accurate. Reader beware.

Rating:
Summary: A must for anyone interested in advertising
Review: This story of Mary's life has inspired me. I went to school for advertising but got out and started looking for a job bartending. It seemed easier and I liked the idea of tips. After reading this book however, I really want to work for an agency, maybe, just maybe my life could turn out somewhat similar to hers. I would reccommend this book to anyone interested at all in advertising, especially those in college looking at advertising as a career path. Then I'd tell those people to go to a portfolio school when they get out with their B.A.s.

Rating:
Summary: Really not that great
Review: Unless you are an advertising industry buff or somehow admire Mary Wells Lawrence this book is just average. There are a few interesting spots but for the most part she is just talking herself up.