The cartoon (“aging in advertising”) from the great Tom Fishburne at the top of this post captures a key point from this article…

“Investing in longer lives will lift your portfolio”

…in a recent issue of “MoneyWeek” magazine.

The broad themes of the piece are… [Read more…]

2018 is not yet over…we still have Christmas and the New Year to enjoy…

…but it’s not too soon to get started on putting together a marketing calendar for January 2019. So let’s take a look ahead at some of the events, anniversaries and other occasions that we can put to use for an event-driven marketing event or promotion.

Of course, the New Year itself is a great reason for a promotion. At this time, most people are making plans for the year ahead and often looking to make a “fresh start”.

“New Year Sales” are a staple pretty much around the world and no reason why you can’t make use of this.

January is also “Brainteaser”, “Get Organized” and “Creativity” month.

Also…looking a little further ahead…

…in 2019 Chinese New Year falls in February on the 5th.

Other events of note…

As a follow up to this month’s “Looking Ahead – Marketing Calendar December 2018” feature, here’s a reposting of a special guest post that has proved popular since it was originally published some years ago on the “Total Package” site (sadly no longer active).

It’s from Troy White…

…with some great marketing tips that can be applied for other seasonal events, not just Christmas.

Over to Troy and his “Holiday Promotions Ideas You Can Take To The Bank”… [Read more…]

Time to look ahead and consider what’s available to the smart direct response marketer to create…

…a marketing calendar for December 2018.

That is to say, occasions, events and anniversaries that we can use as the building block for marketing campaigns and promotions.

December of course means…

…CHRISTMAS…

…with the NEW YEAR not far behind as a marketing event.

New Year provides a great marketing opportunity for pretty much any business.

Even now in November, it’s not too early to run with the theme…

…”Make 2019 Your Best Year”…

…which can apply to businesses in health, relationships, personal finance and success in general.

In December, New Year’s resolutions will be on people’s mind…

…so this is a fantastic time to promote any kind of personal development product…

…as well as business-oriented offerings.

Remember to plan and launch your New Year promotion well in advance and in good time for January 1.

With Christmas, keep in mind…

…any specific customs in your area.

For example, in Sweden the Yule season starts on December 13 with Santa Lucia Day.

It’s also the December Solstice on December 21 (at 22.23 UT…check the time in your location).

Other significant events in December… [Read more…]

Once again Halloween draws near…

…that time of year when the barrier between our world and the worlds beyond becomes a little thinner.

It is often a time of strange events…

…that may produce a sense of horror!

Indeed, in 2018 marketers might well shudder when they review the current situation.

In the retail arena, there is an ongoing massacre of once successful companies like Sears in the US and House of Fraser in the UK…

…with the survivors struggling with declining sales and shrinking profits.

In general, it seems to be getting harder to bring in new customers and make sales…whether that’s online or offline.

But perhaps what is most frightening is… [Read more…]