My New Year's Resolutions
Every year around this time, people look back on the year that was and make promises or resolutions to improve themselves and the world around them. Here are mine:
1. I resolve to continue hoping IKEA will come up with something new for 2009. The radio spot that conjured the image of the naked Spokes-Swede was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.
2. I resolve to remind people every chance I get that you can learn a lot about marketing by observing the smart, strategic, targeted way a politician raised campaign contributions. I subscribed to Obama.com early last year and received (and still receive) emails a couple times a week. Several from "Obama himself", from "Michelle", his campaign manager, and his running mate. Obviously they were written by a terrific copywriter, but in 2008, ancient direct marketing techniques helped elect arguably the freshest face on the political landscape in years.
3. I resolve to be optimistic that businesses will remember the golden rule: You have to spend money to make money -- especially in tough times. Stay top of mind with your best customers and they'll remain loyal.
4. I resolve to give my hard-earned money to companies that consistently provide the best service. I recently purchased a new MacBook. There was a problem with it. Apple made it right, no questions asked. More than that, they made the whole process easy, convenient, fast and friendly. It's not that a problem arose. It's how they dealt with it. Great service (and the Word-of-Mouth that it generates) is going to go a long way in a tough economy.
5. I resolve to post to this blog more often. The last year has been a little crazy (crazy good) so I've been a little neglectful. I hope everyone has a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.
What are your resolutions?
