Advertising Lesson from a Druglord – The Loudest is the Weakest

During my favourite scene of the Movie American Gangster, Frank Lucas says to his obnoxious cousin:

That’s a clown suit. That’s a costume, with a big sign on it that says “Arrest me”. You understand? You’re too loud; you’re making too much noise. Listen to me, the loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.

Ever watch TV and see an advertisement so obnoxious that your mouth hit the floor? Ever listen to the radio and hear an advertisement so random that you were left dazed and confused? Ever surf your favourite website or read your favourite blog to have a random advertisement interrupt you?

Its happened to all of us.

Advertisers and marketers often fall victim to believing that they can get listeners by yelling at them or being obnoxious. Consumers rarely remember a brand after a outlandish rant or commercial. And if they do remember the Ad – More than likely they remember because they never want to buy their product again.

Interruption advertising isn’t dead yet. But, if advertisers keep on interrupting with loud and annoying advertisements.

Its going to be.

Tone it down a notch and remember – The loudest is the weakest.

Where else can this simple virtue be applied? – Everyday life…

Tagged as: Advertising, American Gangster, Business, Commercials, Frank Lucas, Television, Website