Skip to content

Most agencies run scared, most of the time…

“Most agencies run scared, most of the time. . . .Frightened people are powerless to produce good advertising. . . . If I were aclient, I would do everything in my power to emancipate my agencies from fear, even to the extent of giving them long-term contracts.” quote by David Ogilvy
Download Open image
“Most agencies run scared, most of the time. . . .Frightened people are powerless to produce good advertising. . . . If I were aclient, I would do everything in my power to emancipate my agencies from fear, even to the extent of giving them long-term contracts.”

David Ogilvy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues that fear paralyzes agencies, preventing creativity; long‑term contracts could free them to produce better work.

In simple terms: Fear stops agencies from creating good ads; stable contracts could help.

Key Takeaway

Provide stability to unlock creativity.

Themes

fear creativity business leadership

Mood

critical motivational

Type

strategic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • advertising strategy
  • business negotiations
  • team motivation

Key Concepts

agency dynamics client relationships risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can agencies do without guaranteed contracts?
  • How does fear manifest in your work?
A Different Perspective

Long contracts may reduce flexibility; market changes can render them obsolete.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Ogilvy

Explore all 255 David Ogilvy quotes

More Advertising quotes

Browse all 1,942 Advertising quotes