Leo Burnett: it’s a name that has carried resonance in the advertising world for nearly 80 years.
To have Leo Burnett as your agency of record is to, quite literally, be harnessing the true-life power of the likes of a Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Pryce (Mad Men’s fictionalized take on the golden age of advertising, drawing heavily on mid-century agents at Leo Burnett, New York). But the truth is much better than the fiction, as you might expect.
In 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, Leo Burnett opened a small advertising agency and put a bowl of fresh apples on the front desk to welcome potential clients. These apples became a symbol of hope for the little guy struggling for success against the odds.
That small business is now one of the largest communication companies in the world and today every Leo Burnett office around the globe has a bowl of fresh apples at their reception.
Little help, here, please.
Now, Leo Burnett Australia is making an irresistible offer to local businesses.
The agency has decided to turn these apples into a cider and use this to help support other small businesses as they struggle, like Leo Burnett did, in today’s tough economic times.
The idea is simple enough: give one new Australian business the chance to win up to $100,000 in strategic and creative advice – otherwise known as a little ‘Help from Leo’.
It could be the start of something big for those wanting to make their business mark, according to Leo Burnett Australia CEO Todd Sampson, well-known for his television roles as a regular panelist on ABC TV’s Gruen franchise and as a co-host on Network Ten’s The Project.
“78 years ago, Leo Burnett had a go and started a small business in the Great Depression. This is our chance to recognise our history and give back in a small way to those who are brave enough today. Everyone can use a helping hand,” Sampson said.
Here’s how it works:
- Other start-ups thirsty for success will have their business name and phone number or website printed on specially commissioned bottles of Leo’s Cider and distributed in select restaurants and bars.
- ‘Help from Leo’ celebrates the chutzpah of those who have braved all to start a business in tough economic times. Australian small businesses that registered for an ABN as at 2 April 2013 can enter the promotion.
Where to start
The contest is open to new businesses that have been in operation for two years or less in Australia. Entries must be received by the close of 3 May 2013.
We can’t urge you to sit around waiting for a Don Draper to fall from the sky at your business, so better start clicking; this opportunity is slipping away fast. Mosey on over to the Help from Leo site for full details and to enter.
