Monday, August 10, 2009

7003: When BDA Dinosaurs Attack.


Chicago Sun-Times advertising columnist Lewis Lazare published a fluff piece for the startup shop launched by former Leo Burnett chairman Cheryl Berman. The boutique agency is called Unbundled, and Berman claims to bring a fresh attitude and business model to the industry. The 30-year Burnett veteran boasted her first new business win cost a whopping $84 in presentation fees. “If I had still been at Burnett, it would have cost us thousands of dollars to put together the same thing,” remarked Berman, adding, “I don’t think people should be paying ridiculous prices for things that aren’t about ideas.”

Right.

A BDA lifer suddenly thinks the way she operated for three decades is “ridiculous.” Seems safe to say this woman has generated her fair share of ridiculous expenditures ultimately billed to clients over the years. Plus, her partner-in-crime is—you guessed it—another ex-Leo Burnett executive. Lazare also reported Berman has hired a small staff and employs freelance creative talent. Anybody want to speculate how many of them aren’t from the House of Leo?

The late Leo Burnett once delivered a famous speech titled, “When to take my name off the door.” Wonder if he’d also demand when people should take his name off their résumés.

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