P.T. BARNUM – THE SHAKESPEARE OF ADVERTISING

Master showman, entrepreneur, successful salesman, the William Shakespeare of advertising, the king of promoting events...all encompassed in one man...P.T Barnum.

Even though Phineas Taylor Barnum became famous amongst the general public because of his association with ‘freaks’ and clowns he exhibited in the Barnum & Bailey Circus which he founded, he was the greatest and most influential marketer in the 1900’s. Even today his views are by many considered to be the alpha and the omega of marketing. Allthough his advertisements and books were published over 125 years ago, they contain lessons that are still relevant today.
Barnum had various points of view which should be taken into consideration by every potential entrepreneur in the advertising world.

He put enormous emphasis on value. He said, “A man who is known to be strictly honest, may be ever so poor, but he has the purses of all the community at his disposal,for all know that if he promises to return what he borrows, he will never disappoint them.”

Barnum understood that part of providing an unforgettable experience for his customers was to treat them courteously and with respect. He knew that a happy customer was a returning customer.