The Better Mousetrap: Brand Invention in a Media Democracy
Advertising executives, brand managers and students of marketing and advertising"Gloriously smart. Some of the sharpest thinking I've read for a while; immensely enjoyable." --Faris Yakob, Chief Innovation Officer, MDC Partners "From brands past to present, and with a firm eye on their digital future, Pont takes readers behind the curtain of brand-land. Today's Mad Men will either toast him or hate him for it." --Ashley Mackenzie, Founder & CEO, Base 79 "The Better Mousetrapis an astute and gripping critique on brand and cultural anthropology. Page by page your inner voice will be saying 'fascinating,' and by the end you'll be reminded of why you chose the brand-business in the first place. A truly compelling read." --Christian Johnsen, Communication Strategy Director, Aegis Media "Simon can grab complex ideas by the scruff of the neck and shake them until they explain themselves simply." --John Paul Cadman, Group Strategy Director, MEC "Pont tackles media and advertising themes with pace and passion. The ideas come fast; the thoughts are vivid and accessible.The Better Mousetrapmight just do for brands what Gladwell did for Social Sciences and Levitt did for Economics." --Vicki Connerty, Head of Newcast, ZenithOptimedia "The Better Mousetrapis a scalpel-sharp examination of our relationship towards brands, why we love them, hate them, or possibly feeling nothing at all." --Chris Maples, UK Managing Director & European Sales Director, Spotify "The Better Mousetrapdoes what the best non-fiction is capable of - providing insight into the world around us, and by extension, the feelings inside us. The articulation is impressive." --Craig Wills, Head of Planning, Fallon "Simon has achieved the near impossible, opening up the Ad world's evolving complexity, taking aim at this fast moving target and hitting dead center, with smart, perceptive and holistic observation and comment. A must read!" --Steve Hyde, CEO, 360 Executive Search "With the cunning more akin to a wild cat than a mousetrap, Simon takes on crowd sourcing, sandwich bars and Spotify as he explains why consumers need to be offered more than antiquated promotional messages in the digital age." --Greg Grimmer, Founder, HDMG "Simon has somehow managed to write two books in one: an entertaining page-turner about the inner lives of brands, and a thought-provoking set text for professionals." --Stefan Terry, Founder, Leap of Being, former Managing Partner, Heavenly Group Ltd“It’s easy for modern-day marketers to get distracted by new technologies, fads and fripperies, in this ever-evolving, complex, digital world.The Better Mousetrapis an elegant reminder of the danger of such distractions and that while focus and discipline are key to success, business and brands cannot stand still and must be willing to innovate and do something new to attract the consumer.” --Philip Smith, Head of Content Solutions, Brand Republic Group, Haymarket Business Media“Simon has deconstructed the complex subject of what a brand is in an insightful and entertaining way, bringing his own experience in the advertising business to bear and giving a unique viewpoint on communication challenges in a digital age. A must read.” --Tom George, Chairman UK and Northern Europe, MEC"Pont has much of value to say about brands, branding, marketing and consumers…but the scope and depth of his attention include more, much more." --Robert Morris"The Better Mousetrap: Brand Invention in a Media Democracybelongs in business and media collections alike and considers brand advertising strategies of some leading companies around the world, and how their brands were challenged by the rise of digital media. New ideas on branding, advertising and media development in modern times accompany discussions of changed business structures and goals, includes black and white photos and figures throughout, and considers brand communication models for success. Any business looking to re-assess or re-create its media branding style will find this a useful guide, packed with tips and insights." --Midwest Book Review,California Bookwatch, The Business Shelf"A fabulous new book on inspirational advertising, original thinking, and new perspectives on the modern media." --Blackwell's"Pont’s writing is entertaining and full of thought-provoking case studies. His willingness to share his own successes and failures adds authenticity and a good grounding for the theories he presents. A well-written, self-effacing gallop through brand success, failure and evolution and a useful addition to any marketing manager’s shelf." --Samantha Thomsett, b2bmarketing.net