P.T. Barnum was a legendary American showman born in 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. He started his career selling businesses and exhibiting hoaxes like an elderly former slave woman claimed to be George Washington's nurse. Barnum's circus and freak shows became hugely popular due to his ingenious advertising and branding strategies, which were innovative for his time. His most famous campaign was for Swedish singer Jenny Lind, promoting not just her talent but her character. Barnum was a savvy businessman who pioneered concepts like profitable philanthropy. He left a legacy as the pioneer of modern advertising and a Broadway musical about his life.
1. there is a sucker
born every
minute!
ur
e ne
An repr
t
En
f
By Will Krasnof
2. In 1810 in the town of
bethel, connecticut, A
legend was born
How
c
have ould a
kno nyo
litt wn ne
le P that
Bar hine
num as T
pion wou ay
eer ld b lor
maj of t e th
est he e
one ic c
of t ircu
ent he g s and
re rea
day? prenue tes
t
rs o
f his
3. Barnum started his career as
a showman when he sold his Step right up, See
george
local businesses and started
Washington's
showing off an old slave nurse, She's over
woman Who he claimed was 150 years old
George Wasington's nurse
Barnum's freak show and
circus boomed. His
hoaxes and advertising
wiles Brought him far in
the business world.
Barnum's Ingenious
Barnum's Most
Branding is an
famous and
example of modern
influential ad
advertising
campaign was his
strategies brought
managership of
into use by Barnum
Jenny Lind
4. Barnum worked on
the circus late into
his life. He created
and advertise unique
new acts like Tom
Thumb the small
man and Tiny the
Barnum Branded Jenny lind as the giant elephant
ultimate woman. His campaign
marketing not only her skill but her
character made her the most
successful foreign performer of her
time
5. Barnum was the quintessential
business man. He originated the
concept of profitable
philanthropy. Every move he
made was shrewd and
profitable. He was the first
modern business man.
Later in life he
mostly retired
and spent the rest
of his days with his
wife. He was never
forgotten
however. His
legacy included
the modern
business and
advertising
strategies and
perhaps more
importantly, a hit
broadway musical
