What Can Oscar Wilde Teach Marketers?

I recently had the pleasure of reading ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, which brought back gushing memories of literature we consumed as children.?

However, reading it in 2024 as a fully formed adult with more experiences (and mistakes) to my kitty, I see the morals Mr. Wilde taught differently, more profoundly.?

In the 19th century, a young Dorian Gray, a man blessed with fortune, good looks, and a charismatic flair, unknowingly made a Faustian bargain to remain eternally youthful. He became enchanted by his own painting and wished to retain his youth forever, and all his suffering must be cast on the painting.?

Sounds like a good deal right? Spoiler alert: No, it’s far from that.?

We marketers, too, sometimes face this dilemma with our work. Enchanted by its beauty, we're afraid to let the world see our product, ideas, or thoughts because the fear of rejection looms too high.?

Another important character in this book is Lord Henry, who represents the evil in us. What we are afraid to speak out loud, Henry says for us. His company's indulgence is a sin, and that represents crass marketing for me.?

Yes, the facade of hook reels may attract likes and views, but at what cost? Does it satiate your marketing intelligence??

Today, a good marketing strategy is built on the four E: educate, entertain, engage, or empower your audiences. Your community is not a fool but an army that can build or break your brand.?

In the end, everything is purposeful. And evil, after all, is just a temptation.?