The other night, I tore open a bag of candy “message” hearts. Actually, two bags, because I bought some of the jumbo-sized ones, too. Studying the mix of pastel hearts scattered on my table, I realized that these traditional Valentine’s Day treats can offer B2B marketers some important lessons. (Admittedly, not much—but they’re a heck [...]
Author Archive: Keven
Not Just Another Happy New Year Post
How long have I got to wish you a Happy New Year? I can recall a Seinfeld episode in which Elaine complained that someone had wished her a Happy New Year in February. Since I’m writing this in mid-January, I hope I’m safe. But does the world even need another Happy New Year message at [...]
If We’re Really Grown-Ups, Then Why Do We Start Working Harder in September?
I just received an unintentionally hilarious piece of mail. It’s a letter from one of my many credit card providers, telling me I’m “approved” for a free 2013 appointment book and pocket organizer set. I am to pay just $4.95 for shipping and handling. It was a nice gesture, and I should probably reciprocate by [...]
How to Make Leap Day Last All Year
Happy Leap Day! As you’ve noticed, Leap Day happens but once every four years. It’s an “extra” day—a day we may very well forget until it’s nearly upon us. And when it arrives, it seems to throw off the rhythm of the week, and the month. Most of us are commemorating this special day by [...]
Four Simple New Year’s Resolutions for Marcommers
Blech. It’s already late-mid-January and you still haven’t made a New Year’s resolution. I think I know why: if you’re older than, say, 25, it’s probably impossible to think of a single personal flaw you haven’t already overcome by way of a previous New Year’s resolution. But if you work in marcomm, you can always [...]
Five Ways to Triple Holiday Stress
Ah, the holidays. Family. Friends. High spirits. Wassailing. I could spend hours waxing nostalgic about snowy driveways and the clip-clop of hooves, but then I’d only be ignoring the jittery, strung-out elephant in the room: stress. Hard as it may be to believe, some folks actually find the holidays stressful. Now, it would be all [...]
Spammers Don’t Even Try – So Why Should Marcomm Pros?
If you’re reading this blog, you probably work in marketing communications. Have you ever stopped and wondered what separates you from the spammers? When I say “spammers,” I’m not talking about well-meaning folks who may have once violated some technicality in the CAN-SPAM Act, purely by accident. I’m talking about the shady, deceptive, get-something-for-nothing crowd. [...]
How to Maximize Self-Marketing Opportunities at Family Weddings
Spring: when a young man’s fancy turns to…. Well, shoot. I just glanced at my calendar, and today is actually the first day of summer. I guess I was thrown off by all the unseasonably cool weather this year. But I think I can still salvage this blog post. If spring is the season of [...]
When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Bullet Points
On Wednesday, March 9, my beautiful 21-month-old son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. We woke up that morning with a cranky, thirsty boy (again), visited our pediatrician, visited a pediatric endocrinologist, and came home late in the evening with syringes, vials, and a new way of life. There was no way to prevent it. No [...]
