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In this Issue
Spotlight: Don't forget the special touches
Down-to-earth Solutions:
Decorating with a daily dose of art
Stellar Stats:
Trimming is big business
StarLite: Icicles vs. tinsel vs. garland: a trimming debate
Welcome
Each holiday
tends to have specific “trimmings” – traditions, decorations and special foods
we hold near and dear (or secretly dread). Work life is that way, too. There are
always extras to consider, if we take the time...peripheral projects, related
activity, or multiple elements based on a single concept.
This issue explores the concept of “all the trimmings.” Sometimes they are superfluous…but sometimes they are stupendous. Mostly, they are worthy of your thoughtful deliberation. Next year, consider all the marketing trimmings and set out to make a mark on your company’s marketing effectiveness.
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THE SPOTLIGHT:
Don't forget the special touches
 When you start a new project, chances are it starts with a single thought
— an idea that inspires action. You ponder the possibilities and decide to move forward.
Next time you are so motivated, discipline yourself to take ten minutes to think about complementary projects
— trimmings, so to speak. Consider ways you can expand on your idea, strengthen your message, and ultimately stretch your marketing dollar. By incorporating different media, involving your employees, or considering a full-fledged campaign, you implement more of an integrated marketing approach that can lead to far better results, including increased customer mindshare.
Do you always need the trimmings? Absolutely not. But if you take some time up front to brainstorm options, you’ll often hit upon something significant. By broadening your scope, you make your messages more memorable…and your marketing sparkle.
If you need help with any of “the trimmings” talk to M45. We help customers create new campaigns every day. Sometimes they even include gift boxes!
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DOWN-TO-EARTH
SOLUTIONS:
Decorating with a daily dose of art
 EcoEnergy, an alternative energy company headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, is committed to partnering with its customers every day of the year. That’s why they were so interested when M45 suggested a calendar as
part of their promotional and public relations plan.
The custom calendar fits with the client’s marketing objectives in many ways. It helps tell the story of wind energy, which has been used by mankind since the Persians put it into play circa 900 A.D. It shares stunning visuals, all showing proud windmills from the past. Plus, it allows EcoEnergy daily “face time” with its customers and prospects, promoting their partnership emphasis. The calendar will be used as an end-of-year gift and may become an annual “trimming” – turning an “extra” project into a time-honored tradition.
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STELLAR STATS:
Trimming is big business
$512 million
The gross earnings of Christmas tree farmers in 2006,
with North Carolina ($134 million) as the top producer.
Oregon was next at $121 million in sales.
(Source: US Census Bureau,)
 $1.3 billion
The value of product shipments of candles in 2002 by the nation’s manufacturers. Many of these candles are lit during Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.
(Source: US Census Bureau,)
7 hours
Time it takes the average mall to decorate for the holiday season, with some taking as long as 20 hours.
(Source: International Council of Shopping Centers,)
$78,000
The amount some high-end shopping centers expect to
spend on holiday decorations. Across the US, the range
this season will be anywhere from $300 to $78,000. (Source:
International Council of Shopping Centers,)
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A town by any
other
name...
Holiday symbols are well-known through-out
the world and have made their mark on the American landscape. Here, a
few of the U.S. towns named after holiday lore.
Christmas, MI
Holiday, FL
Santa Claus, IN
North Pole, AK
Mistletoe, KY
Garland, TX
Holly, WA
Humbug, AZ
Elf, NC
Snowflake, AZ
Silver Bell, AZ
Noel, MO
Rudolph, WI
Dasher, GA
Vixen, LA
Blitzen, OR
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STARLITE:
Twice as creative and at least a third less serious than your average
newsletter copy
Icicles vs. tinsel vs. garland: a trimming debate
Note: The following ditty reflects the editor’s own opinion and is not officially endorsed by M45 management or the majority of its employees.
Do you know? Do you care? Icicles are hung with care. One by one onto the tree. Sparkly, silvery and slippery.
Tinsel, it gets wrapped around -- metal, shiny ropes are bound. Round and round the tree like lights, draped to perfection, sparkling bright.
Garland can be boughs or beads, popcorn, cranberries, even seeds. Wrapped or swagged quite carefully, pretty on the porch or tree.
Different folks use different terms, debate the subject, feeling firm. Either way the décor is enhanced, now you need to take a stance:
Vote:
What do you call the single silvery strands some people hang on their holiday tree?
What do you call the one-piece metallic swags some people hang on their holiday tree?
What do you call popcorn, cranberries, or other items that are strung together and hung on some holiday trees?
In the mood
to trim a virtual tree?
This unique site lets you place decorations and then save the visual
to a card the website hosts will send to your friend or co-worker. It's
lots easier than lugging boxes out of the attic! Take a look...
–Author unknown
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