Creativity vs. Strategy: The Case of Henry Ford

For too long in this business, there has been massive confusion on the definition of a "creative." And with it, a refusal to believe that anyone other than a "creative" could actually be creative.

Thanks to companies like Apple, IDEO, and even as of late - Miracle Whip, we've seen brand and product strategies that are not only creative - they're innovative (which is where creativity meets profitability).

But these aforementioned examples are far from the inventors of innovation. In fact, Seth Godin and other marketing leaders have pointed out (on multiple occasions) that the first brand to stand for something...was actually an 18th century potter.

For the sake of moving closer to cultural relevance, let's give an example that everyone knows - Mr. Henry Ford.

"If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." 

Ford wasn't a glib, wise-talking "Not so Mayo" ad man. He simply had an idea...to change the game.

Not to take a mediocre product and run an uber-clever campaign, with humor and celebrity personalities. No. His product was his marketing. And it's campaign...a revolution.

His idea, and his thinking (with the exception of the assembly line), look very similar to much of the marketing advice you see today. Here are a few quotes to prove it.

In summary, don't blame your agency for not being "creative" enough. Blame yourself. And your not-so-spectacular, "me-too" product. And agencies...stop limiting your ideas to just clever campaigns.

Help your clients change the game.