Born of a simple yet fantastic question during one of its events, The Creative Social has published a book which brings all the great pieces of advice together in one place.
The premise of the book is explained in its introduction by Creative Social founders Mark Chalmers, a partner in Perfect Fools, and Daniele Fiandaca, head of innovation at Cheil UK. They write: “We were deep in the Marias, huddled around the legendary Jim Haynes, who’s been holding dinner parties at his modest Parisien atelier for the past 35 years. This man is wise. Wise when it comes to people, he’s hosted over 100,000 guests over the years. People he didn’t know. The dinner parties are open to everyone.
"When asked ‘What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?’ Jim responded, “If you do something for someone forget it immediately. If someone does something nice for you, never forget it.”
With Haynes advice in mind The Creative Social collected all the best advice from all those Socials (a collective of the world’s most pioneering, interactive creative directors and business owners) in Paris and brought them to life in the book through a series of illustrations from Bernstein and Andriulli, with thanks to the vision of Louisa St. Pierre.
Here The Drum shares ‘The Best Piece of Advice Ever’ with our readers, including some selected illustrations from the book.
Only boring people get bored – Laura Jordan Bambach, Dare, as said to her by secondary teacher, Mr Sophocles - Designed by Andrew Rae Better to be wrong and interesting than right and boring – Daniele Fiandaca, Creative Social and Digital Fauna, as said by Dave Trott via his blog I don’t think you are good enough to work for the German Railway – Flo Heiss, Dare, as said to him by his dad, Wolfgang Heiss Do your job everyday like you don’t care about being fired – Pete Petrella, TwentySix, London, as said by Patrick Collister Stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what people need – Ale Lariu. McCann NY, as said to her at her first job.
Never marry a man who rides a unicycle – Beth Ryan, BBH NY, as said to her by her dad - Designed by 12 Foot 6Don’t judge someone until you have spoken to them – Viv Rosendahl, Goldrun, as said to her by her mother Don’t suffer fools gladly – David Pugh Jones, Microsoft, as said by unknown
Don’t be so hard on yourself – Erik Holmdahl, BBH NY, as said to him by his shrink - Designed by Tatiana Arocha If there’s a problem, fix it – Daniela Michelon, BBH London, as said by Fortune cookieIf it was easy it would be easy – James Cooper, JWT, had read it somewhere Briefs with lots of restrictions are the best – that’s where the best creative work comes from – Becky Power, Grand Union, as said by Mark Beeching, CCO, Digitas
Be Yourself – Graham Fink, Ogilvy China, as said by unknown - Designed by Ben WachenjeLove what you do and life will love you – Gemma Butler, LBi Edinburgh, as said to her by her father Travel, sleep with loads of men and take your portfolio with you – Liz Sivell, Start JudgeGill, as said to her by Nick LawRemember that you do what you want to do – Anders Gustafsson, Goodby Silverstein & Partners You decide who offends you – Corinna Falusi, Strawberryfrog, as said to her by her ex-boyfriend
Join a gang, any gang – Mark Earls, Herd Consultancy, as said by Kurt Vonnegut - Designed by Henry Obasi If you can't to 60 beats per minute, do it in 40 – Vincent Jansen, Boondoggle, as said to him by his drum teacher The need or want to rule. When trying to save money ask yourself, do you need it or want it? – Christine Turner, Adam & Eve, as said by unknown when she was a poor student
Don’t let short term greed get in the way of long term greed – Benjamin Palmer, Barbarian Palmer, as said by Paul Lavoie from Taxi - Designed by Rod Hunt Leave your comfort zone – Mauro Cavalletti, Mullen, as said throughout his life Be yourself – Nick Hamilton, Yourmum, as said by Graham Fink Get out there and meet people – Gav Gordon-Rogers, LBi Edinburgh, as said by Mark Denton, CD Coy! Communications
Your job is to amaze me – Patrick Gardner, Perfect Fools, as said by Lord Puttnam (via Daniele Fiandaca) - Designed by Ray SmithTrust your instincts – Mariota Essery, TBWA Chiat, as said by Neil Dawson ECD of DDB London In beginners minds there are many possibilities, in experts’ minds there are few – Mark Chalmers, Creative Social and Perfect Fools, as seen on a scrap of paper in Graham Fink’s office, originated by Zen Buddhist Shunryu Suzuki Inspiration can come from anywhere and usually where you least expect it – Tom Brunner, Microsoft, as said by unknownTake your time to listen more and slow down – Yann Kretz, BBH London, as said by Jordan Bedhoin, Atallah
Always keep an eye on the prize – Fabio Costa, The Martin Agency, as said by a creative partner Designed by Jitesh Patel Half the luggage, twice the money – Simon Waterfall, Fray, as said to him by his dad When you have to eat a turd don’t nibble – Dave Bedwood, Lean Mean Fighting Machine, as said by Luke Sullivan
