-Here is the internal memo sent round to all employees of O&M after they bombed out on TWO major pitches in the same week. It’s a classic! My comments are in italics.
As you all have heard by now, we didn't bring home the Wal-Mart business this week. The final decision does not take place until later today, officially, but we wanted to at least connect with everyone about Wal-Mart before the week was out. The short story is that we didn't win it. Mmm, think we grasped that! The longer story is that the Wal-Mart client was relentless in their praise of our people, our thinking, our pride and of the overall caliber of the agency. So, why the fuck did they hire those wankers at Draft/FCB… Oh, that’s right, they were cheaper! The real story is that a truly amazing group of people work at Ogilvy, and that group turned out an idea and a pitch that was as good or better than anybody could ever hope to deliver. OK… Could you clarify that… Was it “as good” or “better?” And either way, why didn’t it win the account? Oh. That’s right, Draft/FCB was cheaper! We have never been prouder to work at Ogilvy than on the day we pitched that business. And "Ogilvy" means everybody, all disciplines, all departments...everybody. Wal-Mart went with Draft/FCB (Never willingly undersold) based on their perception of where their business was headed. To a trailer park in in Mississippi So be it. We wish them well. You lying bastards… You hate their fucking guts! We are a great agency. We were a great agency last week and we're a better one this week. Yeah, but what the fuck happens next week… Layoffs? Our most sincere thanks go to everyone who worked on the pitch. And we do mean everyone. As ever, the New Biz team pulled off miracles on a daily basis, so a special thanks to them. Enjoy the weekend. While you still have a job. Be proud. I’d rather be employed. Know there are a lot more fish in the sea. Yeah… But they’re all fucking sardines.
There should be a Lead Lion at Cannes in the category “Really asinine, soporific, brain dead memos.” This fucker would be right up there. Stay tuned… More to come!
The O&M New Biz Team. Pulling off miracles on a daily basis!