Introduction

From breast milk ice cream to Times Square billboards, these 5 marketing stories show how bold ideas grab attention fast.

What's the problem it solves?

Marketers today struggle with crowded channels, AI hype, and audiences that scroll past polished ads. These stories show how to win attention by ignoring noise, leaning into limits, and sounding more human.

Quick Summary

Tom Orbach highlights five marketing trends shaping conversations this week. First, while everyone hypes GPT-5, real users see little difference - the lesson is to stop chasing shiny launches and focus on mastering existing tools.

Second, TD Bank hacked trademark law with ads that cut holes framing famous logos, proving that creative ideas often come from restrictions, not resources.

Third, Frida launched breast milk–flavored ice cream (without real milk) and sparked outrage and free press. It shows how controversy drives attention far more than safe campaigns.

Fourth, Cluely’s messy Times Square billboard (“hi I’m roy… pls buy my thing”) went viral because it felt human and unpolished, standing out in an AI-polished world.

Finally, Orbach himself turned a comedy roast into a growth hack, letting comedians tear him apart while slipping in his brand name - gaining free viral reach by showing up in unconventional spaces.

Key Takeaways from the article

• Don’t get blinded by AI hype - use existing tools better.
• Constraints force creativity and originality.
• Shock value can earn massive free PR.
• Human, messy copy often outperforms polished AI writing.
• Unusual stages (like comedy roasts) can be powerful marketing channels.

What to do

• Focus less on new AI releases, more on your own execution.
• Treat legal, budget, or format limits as sparks for creative campaigns.
• Don’t fear controversy - sometimes hate is better than silence.
• Write like a human, not a robot. Imperfections can make you relatable.
• Look beyond ads: stages, events, and community spots may hide your best distribution channels.

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