Efforts to overcome recent criticisms of corporate aviation just got a welcome and hilarious boost from an unexpected source: Dilbert. Cartoonist Scott Adams says it all in one simple strip.
Cartoon from Dilbert.com.
Want to learn more about this most-serious issue? NBAA and GAMA are hosting the first of a three-part webinar starting this Friday, Feb. 27.
Do you see your advertising agency in these TV shows?
Have you been tuning into the latest new show about the glamorous work of advertising: TNT’s Trust Me? If you haven’t, check it out on Monday nights at 9 (CDT).
Creative director Mason (actor Eric McCormack) scrambles to retain talent while battling competition both outside and inside the agency, while ad copywriter Conner (Tom Cavanagh) charms his way through client meetings and life in general. They think fast and talk even faster. The show grows on you.
Plus AMC’s critically acclaimed Mad Men series doesn’t return till July.
Can’t Wait Till the Smoke Clears
The third season (still on Sunday nights at 9 CT) will keep us Maddicts intrigued. Will Don Draper rise to the top of Sterling Cooper or strike out on his own? Will Betty forgive and forget? Will Peggy continue her rise to creative power? Will Joan Holloway…well…Joan doesn’t have to do anything but sashay into a room.
These shows share something in common with that other TV program that we grew up watching (at least in endless reruns): Bewitched (1964-1972). It, too, had advertising at its core. (We’ve had multiple ad execs confess their career choice traces back to Darrin Stevens.) But it, too, was always more about the personal drama. The interaction between people trying to solve a problem with a brilliant idea. One that would move a product. Or win an account. And would for sure dazzle the client (and the boss).
As the Account Turns
Along the way to riches, success and one-upmanship – there are many pitfalls. Budgets and timelines that are too tight. Clients that don’t trust bold ideas. Meddling mothers-in-law just waiting to turn you into the monkey she thinks you are.
At GG, We Talk Less and Do More
Trust Me does a fairly good job of conveying life in a big agency. But while we may laugh at Conner’s shenanigans and feel Mason’s creative angst, we’re glad our firm has a corporate culture that’s low on drama and high on output. Which we think positions us pretty well in this down economy. And as far as being Mad, well, that comes with the territory.
Since Congress spanked the Big 3 automakers for making the trip to D.C. in corporate jets, our firm has been warily watching the news and hoping to see more support forthcoming for private aviation.
We were glad to see William Garvey’s op-ed in the Sunday New York Times. We hope you read it. He presents a sound, reasoned rebuttal.
From the Land of Learjet, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Boeing and Spirit
Our hometown is the Aviation Capital of the World, so, no, we’re not an unbiased source. But we are a knowledgeable one. For much of the past 20 years, we’ve conducted countless interviews with aircraft owners, pilots, directors of flight departments and aircraft mechanics. Attended airshows. Toured completion centers. Art directed photoshoots. Whether creating a feature on the world’s largest flight department (Walmart) or interviewing the CEOs of such global institutions as AIG and E*Trade, our agency has developed an understanding of this unique industry.
Do there need to be safeguards in place? Absolutely.
Do we need private jet travel to stay competitive in our global economy? Absolutely.
Is this industry – one of the few viable manufacturing segments left in the United States – vital to our national well-being? Absolutely.
Then let’s stop the silliness and put the focus where it belongs – getting this economy moving again. And not just on the ground. In the air.
Keep Building on Our Dreams of Flight
Wichita was once home to 16 aircraft manufacturers, six aircraft engine factories, 11 airports and a dozen flying schools. Our community still builds roughly 40 percent of all business aircraft.
We’re talking about more than regional interests, of course. General aviation contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S economy and employs almost 1.3 million workers nationwide. Whether they’re building and maintaining aircraft or flying and managing them, these men and women create value.
Early this year, a Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) reform bill with anti-business jet language began working its way through Congress. Our governor and Kansas legislators quickly voiced concern along with the National Business Aviation and General Aviation Manufacturers associations. The language – which would have barred any TARP-funded company from owning or leasing aircraft – was removed January 14.
Speaking Up Makes a Difference
We need to support and encourage our world-class aviation industry. We cannot stand by and let the naysayers and scapegoaters take down one of the last, best American industries. It’s time to make our collective voices heard. And when you hear someone dissing companies that use private aircraft, help them see the light. Politely, of course. They obviously just don’t know better.
Tell Your Congressperson
To remind Congress of the value of corporate aviation, check out the following link where you can send a personalized letter to your elected representatives. Click here to contact your Congressperson.
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to test drive the new White House website, I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and be ready to be impressed.
From the clean, crisp design, to the stately color palette, this site has personality. The designer chose a friendly yet dignified font, and the typography is kerned and finessed with an expert eye. Everything about it is presidential, from the carefully chosen navigation headings, to the warm, colorful photography. The details are meticulously executed. The flag frames the photos while the bookshelves provide a background suggesting substance and intellect. The vibrant and positive group of people surrounding the president is staged with masterful art direction. The light is warm and raking.
This site personifies how savvy the new administration is with social media and communications. So I urge you to watch the weekly video address, read the blog and meet Lily Ledbetter. Interact with fun facts about the White House and check out the past presidents slide show. Sign up for the RSS feed and email updates. If you happen to speak Spanish, no worries. The site is bilingual.
This administration truly understands two-way communication and the importance of not just speaking – but listening. Which the White House clearly is.