The Wizard of Ads: Turning Words into Magic and Dreamers into Millionaires (The Wizard of Ads Series, Volume 1)

I have read this book a few times over the past 20 odd years, borrowing it from a friend. I like it so well that I finally purchased my own copy. Let me start by stating that this book is NOT a "step-by-step how-to" advertising manual. It is a collection of short essays, some of which don't immediately appear to be related to advertising at all. This is perhaps the basis for some of the negative reviews it has received. Some readers may be looking for a "monkey-see, monkey-do" short cut to increased sales. If that's what you're expecting, keep looking, because this ain't it! Rather than focusing on the nuts and bolts of advertising strategies, Mr. Williams provides insight into something that is, in my opinion, much more valuable: understanding what motivates people to make purchases and the importance of building relationships with customers. Advertising trends come and go, and there are plenty of books out there to address the latest fads, but human nature hasn't changed in thousands of years. This book is aimed at thoughtful people who desire to deepen their understanding of human behavior and translate that knowledge into effective advertising. The format of this book is such that it need not be read in a linear fashion. You could literally open it to any essay and glean some useful information. With lots of interesting trivia and history sprinkled in, you just may learn something unexpected as well. Highly recommended!

Sometimes the stuff written "in the olden days" is full of WISDOM that can be extrapolated for today's marketing plan. That's what I found in these three books and now I have my own copies, no more borrowing from others!

Prior to reading this first of three books I wondered does Roy H. Williams really know what he's talking about? (I guess when you become a Read-o-holic and you've read more than a few thousand books you began to wonder is this all a game? A game of money for books or what.) My second thought was has this man compiled some great stories illustrating some pre-used concepts on Marketing? You know something I've heard before. (Because if you're like me you don't need to buy another book that would have been better to convert into firewood or toilet paper). My third thought was...So what is this magic that Roy means by "The Wizard Of Ads"? It's really quite easy for you to get into the mindset that you've been attracted by another great title worth $16.95 but where's the book? Well The Wizard of Ads really is quite refreshing even after five years it hasn't lost it's Useful life (depreciated in value) or it's Shelf life by growing stale. I bought this book on January 9, 2002 and it's still helping me convert my thought life over into an amazing master of Marketing. I'm not going to tell you about the book as much as I am going to tell you why I feel it works for me and if you're lucky and you like what I share it just may be a good book for you to get too. You see Roy H. Williams really has done something fresh. This book is filled with 100 concepts that every good ad-woman or ad-man should know. And if you're really not into Advertising or Marketing concepts maybe you'll find it in you to tell your mind to "Shut UP!" for a moment so you can see how easily these concepts apply to Selling, Customer Service, Management or becoming a dangerously articulate entreprenuer business person like Roy. The first of 100 illustrations or stories opens with an interesting conversational tone that pulls you into the dialogue and from there you really never quite feel like Roys talking to anyone but you. That's what grasped my attention. Next although this book is paper back it is well constructed. Words printed on egg shell white paper and wonderful nostalgic imagery from the past but don't let that fool you. (The stories are quite universal and can be used in various industries). He talks about Mouse Traps, Sharks and Pigs, Nine Secret Words and a Peep behind the curtain (from the Wizard of Oz). These unusual titles run from the beginning to the end of the book and every story is full of zeal and freshness you can use in your concepts. He helps you formulate a Marketing mindset, an approach and a wise way to tap into your audiences attention without being corny, trite or confusing. I've waited till now to right this review as it has taken me years to test these ideas again and again. What's nice is they all are effective and cheaper than hiring Roy yourself. But a man with ideas like this is worth hiring. Get the book...It works! And yes Roy H. Williams really knows what he's talking about. Is there anything I can do for you? Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE

A wise, common-sense approach to customer relations and service. This book should be on the reading list of every business owner. - Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Award-Winning Novelist

For every point, tell a story. And for every story, have a point. This book did that brilliantly. Very enjoyable, short reads.

Brilliant! This book covers topics ranging from broad issues like strategy and product presentation, to the more "nuts and bolts" aspects of marketing. Roy Williams' makes a point simply and directly, and generally does a good job proving his points as makes them. I give this book very high marks for the information it contains, but I am also impressed by its "read-ability". Williams uses allogory and illustration with great skill, and often provides practical examples which make the information very easy to digest and retain. I also loved the 100 mini-chapter approach. I not only learned a great deal, but also had fun reading this book. After reading Wizard of Ads, I will most likely read anything Roy Williams writes in the future.

I read this book over ten years ago and it changed the way I thought of marketing and advertising, but also how I thought about life. Since then I have re-read it many times, and recently purchased the Kindle version to re-read it again. Roy Williams has a light way of explaining complex issues. Over and over it becomes clear that what we are trained to think about effective advertising is simply a waste of money for most people and businesses. Being able to think outside of the box I was able to increase sales 300% shortly after 9/11 when our competitors were going out of business. I am not saying this book will magically change your income or business, but if you read it with an open mind and wipe the slate of what you THINK you know, you can't help but benefit from it.

If you're looking for advice on achieving the perspective of a marketer, or if you're looking to learn some "how-to" about being a successful marketer, do NOT buy this book.... But if you're not a serious student of marketing, or your desire to learn about marketing is secondary to wanting a good dose of self-help (yes, self-help!) then buy it. I am not totally disappointed, but I did purchase this book because it was recommended by an internet marketing guru I am studying. There is good life advice in it, good business sense, and some entertaining stories (selected from the lives of men like Abraham Lincoln), BUT this is not a book about marketing, in my opinion. The highlights are some inspirational quotes and the fact it is a very quick read.