"It’s 2009, We Know What to Do at the Beep"

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on August 4, 2009

This is funny, and yet legitimate, at the same time.

Cell phone users, send a message
David Pogue, NY Times

I’ve been ranting lately about one particularly blatant money-grab by U.S. cell phone carriers: the mandatory 15-second voicemail instructions.

Suppose you call my cell to leave me a message. First you hear my own voice: “Hi, it’s David Pogue. Leave a message, and I’ll get back to you” — and THEN you hear a 15-second canned carrier message.

…

These messages are outrageous for two reasons. First, they waste your time. Good heavens: It’s 2009. WE KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THE BEEP.

…

Second, we’re PAYING for these messages. These little 15-second waits add up — big-time. If Verizon’s 70 million customers leave or check messages twice a weekday, Verizon rakes in about $620 million a year. That’s your money. And your time: three hours of your time a year, just sitting there listening to the same message over and over again every year.

…

Let’s push back, and hard. We want those time-wasting, money-leaking messages eliminated, or at least made optional.


Read the full article here and if you’re so inclined (like I am), send your carrier a little note and let them know that there is in fact, some merit to this argument.

After all, like David says, it is YOUR time and money.

Two Quick "What Not To Do"s in Email Marketing

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on July 6, 2009

I really, really hope my alma mater doesn’t employ these same practices. Shame on them too, if they do.

In 2008, I signed up to make a monthly automatic contribution to the NC Children’s Hospital (the “12 x 12 donation”). The NC Children’s Hospital is an absolutely amazing, and absolutely necessary place, that I would support with or without its affiliation to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. With that donation, they received my email address.

In 2009, I’ve signed up for the Morehead Planetarium email list. (Also cool, but not nearly as important as the Children’s Hospital.)

You can imagine my surprise (and little bit of disgust) when I received an email last week that opened with “Hello alumni and friends of Carolina,”

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

All jokes aside (and trust me, it could be way worse – not only did I graduate TWICE from another university, but I graduated TWICE from a RIVAL university), so why on Earth am I getting emails like this?

As I went to unsubscribe, I was taken to a subscription management page (ok – thumbs up are due here) where I found out I have been so kindly added to ALL of the following lists:

FYI Carolina Online
A free newsletter for alumni, parents of current students and friends of the University from the Office of University Relations. FYI provides information about people, events and issues at Carolina about six times a year

GAA affinity information
Includes credit card, insurance and similar programs

University and GAA events
Reunions, Travel, Lifelong Learning, Carolina Club news and events, etc.

University and GAA news
University athletic information and tickets

University schools and departments
Includes Business, College of Arts & Sciences, Dentistry, Education, Government, Information and Library Science, Journalism and Mass Communication, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and UNC Libraries

WTF.

You’ll notice that neither the NC Children’s Hospital nor the Planetarium are on that list. But those are the only two institutions on the campus of UNC with my email address.

Clearly, I was about to be bombarded with emails that were not only irrelevant, but just downright unwanted. You want a quicker way to get people to just “Opt-out from all emails (Remove me from all current and future emails, regardless of any individual settings.)” and permanently ban you from contacting them ever again? I really can’t think of one.

Sigh.

Lessons Learned (the hard way by Carolina):

1 – Know your audience. If your list doesn’t come exclusively from a graduation or general university fund donor roster, don’t assume I’m an alum (or even a friend). You’re better off not using an introduction at all, unless you know for a fact that it will be all encompassing.

2 – Keep your contact lists relevant. Don’t share your email address lists across multiple (often ultimately unrelated) business units.

eCycling in Raleigh/Cary/Durham this Weekend

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 25, 2009

I posted this on my personal blog this week and then realized it’d be a great resource for businesses, too!

Electronics are probably some of the nastiest things that could end up in a landfill, so if you need to get rid of anything, here’s a great *free* opportunity from Fox 50 and Creative Recycling to do so!

Our landfills are filling up with things that won’t ever go away. Specifically, old, outdated electronic equipment which take up space and pose a hazard to our environments.

That’s why FOX50 created “E-Cycling” Day:
Saturday, June 27th from 10am – 2pm at all 3 locations.

Come out and see us – rain or shine – in the parking lots of three Best Buy locations:

* Durham – Renaissance Center
(7001 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713)

* North Raleigh – Capital Blvd.
(6101 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616)

* Cary – Crossroads Plaza
(237 Crossroads Blvd, Cary, NC 27518)

It’s so convenient. You won’t even have to get out of your car! Volunteers will unload your electronic items

And there’s countless number of electronic items you can drop off.

Equipment Accepted: All electronic equipment is acceptable with the exception of manifested hazardous waste, radioactive waste and/or biohazardous waste.


Read the full info and see the list of what’s ok and not ok to bring here!

Please pass this along or encourage your local media and Best Buy to model something in your area after this program!

Putting Outdated Office Equipment to Work

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 24, 2009

Here at the family shop, we had an outdated computer monitor hanging around that was not being used. It was still in working condition, so I knew it didn’t necessarily need to be recycled yet (and it definitely wasn’t going to a landfill)… but what should we do with it?

I asked my network on twitter and got some GREAT responses!

@WasteDiverter, whose bio reads “Connecting those who have excess stuff with those who could use it”, sent me a great link: City of Raleigh – Local Computer Recycling/ReUse Options.

The Purple Elephant Computer Factory for Kids will be receiving this donation from us this week! Their mission is “to bridge the educational and rehabilitative needs of children, and adults, by placing computer technology directly into the home”. Sounds like a great use for this monitor to me!

Thanks, @WasteDiverter!

{Image: Purple Elephant Computer Factory for Kids website}

But What Do I Know?: The "Local" Concept

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 23, 2009

Maybe it’s just the OCD in me that gets me irritated when I see campaigns that don’t really drive the message home from start to finish… I don’t really know. But whatever it is, IT’S ALWAYS ON and “I can’t turn this thing off” (attributed to a few of my college friends who used that statement for everything, often leading to very funny results).

Here’s this week’s “but what do I know?” feature (enter sarcasim here): I noticed on my daily drive this week that Citgo is running a new billboard campaign emphasizing locally owned stations with something along the lines of “Local. Loyal. (the way it should be)”.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think that campaign would have a little more “umph” behind it if it featured a local owner standing in front of his local station. I know, I know… there’s more work and possibly a little more cost involved in running different prints instead of one same print everywhere, but we’re talking effectiveness here. Citgo’s probably shelling out millions in monthly marketing expenses – might as well make it good, right?

(Plus, I’m sure there are tons of local owners who’d be glad to have their station pictured on a billboard. Maybe even right below it or across the street? I know they’d do it for free and I sure don’t think they’d even need to help contribute to the cost, but I’m sure some would.)

I’ve always been very cynical of the fuel industry and its marketing (we have some great family friends who own a few stations and they make the majority of their money… you guessed it… in the store itself and not on gasoline), but if you’re going to try and tap into the local movement, at least put some crediblity behind it, ok? Pretty please? Thanks.

Email of the Week: Free Tea!

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 22, 2009

I have to admit, I saw “McAlister’s Deli” in my inbox and was thinking of unsubscribing, because I hadn’t really benefiting from their email club that I could remember.

And then I got this funny promotion and an offer for free (sweet) tea… a southern staple at lunch and dinner!

“Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit,
Sweet Tea must fight for freedom from the inside.

July 23
Take a sip in solidarity! McAlister’s serves free tea all day.*“

Not only has McAlister’s developed a clever play on the word “free” (meaning both free of cost and the need to be released from jail), but they’ve developed a web campaign, video mini-series, merchandise, and a facebook fan page campaign around it.

If sweet tea was ever locked up in culinary jail, I would for sure be one thirsty girl!

On July 23rd, I’ll see you at McAlister for free tea! (And here’s another month that I’m still on their email list!)

*Obligatory legal note: Only at participating locations, one per guest. Not valid for catering or gallons.

Email of the Week: Deep South Sucks!

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 16, 2009

The first is from my friends at Deep South Entertainment, who with their crafty subject line and funny graphic inspired this new blog feature for me. The newsletter just happens to be from their bar, Deep South: The Bar. I’m a bit behind on my blogging, but this email was sent on 5/28/2009.

From: Deep South the Bar
Subject: Deep South Sucks!

(insert typical newsletter stuff and calendar here)…

And then my eyes got to this:

The subject line along with that funny graphic win my award for best email of the week! Too funny guys… well done.

Got a good one you think should be featured next week? Let me know!

You’re Not Using Google Calendar?

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 10, 2009

What??? Are you crazy? It’s fabulous, free, and you can share (and keep private) all the content you please.

Check out this morning’s News & Observer business section run down on the calendar provider and enjoy!

Gaga for Google calendars

PS – No paper trail to worry about losing or not keeping updated, either! If you desperately need something on paper, you can simply print the monthly, weekly, or daily views.

FYI for All Local Event Planners and Marketing/Promotions People

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 8, 2009

I had no idea this resource was available from the City of Raleigh (and it’s FREE, TOO!), but you better believe I’ll be utilizing it as often as possible from here on out. I can’t tell you how many events I’ve been to lately where I’ve had an empty can or bottle and thought to myself “Well huh… there’s no where to recycle this here. Not cool!”

Going green may not be important to you, but I guarantee there are a lot of us out there who notice that it is not important to event hosts and hostesses, and that’s a lasting impression that no event planner or host/hostess wants to send their guests (and potential clients) home with.

Event Recycling

ClearStream Recycling Containers Available for Loan

Raleigh Recycling can assist you with recycling at your event by lending you recycling containers. ClearStream recycling containers are easy to transport, are clearly labeled, and the transparent bags make them a breeze to monitor materials being placed in the containers. Containers are available on a first come, first serve basis, so make your request early! A maximum of 23 recycling containers are available. If ten or more containers are checked out you may also check out a rolling cart to tranport them on. There are no rental fees, however, if the containers are damaged or not returned you will be billed. We may also be able to provide a recycling truck for collection and/or display and would be happy to have a display table to help educate event visitors.

Green Planning

Reducing waste is much better than recycling or disposing of it. From the start, think green! Let folks know from the very first advertising (flyer, ad, web, etc.) that recycling will be available and to look for it! At the event, use signage and if possible, loud speakers to remind visitors.

*What type of event is it?

*What types of food and beverages will be availalbe? What will they be served in/on? If there are choices, make sure to choose the ones that can be recycled!

*How many vendors will there be? Make your vendors aware that you expect them to recycle and want them to be as waste free as possible.

*Identify which materials can be recycled.

*How many event visitors?

*Do you have sufficient garbage cans? Who will monitor and collect?

*Do you have sufficient recycling containers (at least 1 next to every other garbage can!)? Who will monitor and collect? Our recycling containers are clear allowing the public to clearly see the bin is for recycling so less trash gets in – especially true if you do not have folks staying at each station to direct visitors to the proper container.

*Are the bins clearly labeled? Are you directing visitors to the correct containers? Make them convenient and visible.

*Have you considered composting any of the food waste?

To request ClearStream recycling containers for your event, go to the Related Links frame in the upper right hand corner of this page and click on ClearStream Sign Out Form. On the Publications page, select the document “Sign Out Clear Streams” in either .doc or .pdf format. Complete the form and return it to Raleigh Recycling.

For More Information Contact:
Linda A. Leighton
Waste Reduction Specialist
Solid Waste Services Department
400 West Peace Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-996-6890

This is such a great program from the City, be sure to contact Linda for any other waste reduction needs. I’ve exchanged many emails with her, she is fabulous! I think I may send her an email now too, to complement her department on this program.

A Good "Top 10"

Lisa Jeffries Nobling on June 4, 2009

I’d like to re-title the article I’m about to recommend.

Instead of the “Top 10 Reasons I’m Not Following You on Twitter”, I’d like to call it the “Top 10 Reasons I Don’t Give a Darn About Your Tweets”. (Because for people I know and like, I usually try to give them a while to get it right.)

Some folks are just plain failing miserably though.

My favorites from Brent’s Top 10 include: #10 – Your updates are protected (face it, you’re not THAT cool), #7 – You have “social media expert” or “marketing in your bio” (for the exact same reason as Brent), and #1 – … I’m not spoiling it! You’ll have to read the article to find out.

So hop to it – it’s a quick read and well worth it.