George Tannenbaum: Be USEFUL, Be DIFFERENT, or Be Forgotten

George Tannenbaum has spent decades in advertising, from writing catalog copy at Montgomery Ward to shaping campaigns for IBM and American Express. In this episode, he breaks down what the industry has lost — and what still works. From the power of simplicity and humanity in copy to the danger of sameness in portfolios and agencies, George shares blunt, timeless lessons on how to stand out and stay relevant.He also dives into personal branding, how to actually get noticed, and why the best creatives start by asking: “What does it do?” Whether you're a copywriter, founder, or just trying to get chosen in a noisy world, this one’s packed with insight, candor, and zero fluff.