We’ve all been there. You present a brilliant campaign concept, only to be met with a lukewarm response and a comment that makes you want to tear your hair out. Adweek recently polled industry veterans about the most annoying clichés they hear on a daily basis, and the results are hilariously relatable.
Here are a few of the top offenders:
- “Can you ‘think outside the box’?” This one’s a classic. While creative problem-solving is essential, this phrase has become so overused it’s lost all meaning.
- “Let’s just ‘run it up the flagpole’ and see what sticks.” This vague directive offers no real guidance and leaves creatives frustrated. Be specific about what you’re looking for!
- “It needs a bit more ‘pop’.” This unhelpful critique tells the creator nothing about what’s missing or how to improve it.
These are just a few examples, but the list goes on. What are some of the cliché comments that drive you crazy? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s commiserate together.
But hey, it’s not all bad! Sometimes these clichés can be a source of humor and camaraderie amongst agency folk. So next time you hear a head-scratcher, take a deep breath, share a laugh with your colleagues, and get back to crafting that killer campaign.