FoD #175: yes, everything is BS
You are sick of all of the BS...and the email.....So am I....
CORRECTION FROM LAST WEEK: I received a flood of responses alerting me that the link I provided to ExecThread in the preamble did not work. I fixed it in the online version of the newsletter, but I am passing along a working version in this email as well. You can click >HERE< to become learn more about ExecThread and join. Sorry about that!
Do you think we are all a little fried right now, Friends?
As we have been social distancing, it seems like the volume of emails have gone up to frustratingly high levels over the past 8 weeks (even higher than previously mentioned). And most with some sort of virus related topic or spin.
Frankly, at this point do any of us really need another invite to an "in the age of coronavirus" webinar or an email starting with "In these turbulent times..." or a graphic with the damn globe with menacing little red trees on it trying to get us to envision a deadly viral particle?
Friends, like many of you, IDGAF -- seriously.
As I have said before, once again this is where people hate the marketing department: corporate marketing messages can be lazy, lack creativity and often fail to differentiate.
And COVID-19 is shining a bright light this -- driving prospects and customers nuts with an increased supply of 100% US Grade A crap. People are not only tired of it, they are beginning to tune it out.
That makes you not want to check your email -- including, for some, opening your friendly weekend email newsletters. I get it.
As highlighted in this week's Last Word, everything IS bullshit these days....except the Steak-umm Twitter account. If you are looking for a brand that is doing it right "during these uncertain times," I encourage you to follow it -- if a questionable meat product can cut through the noise, so can you and your brand.
But if you find that in times likes these your marketing team is getting outflanked by fake steak and following the same playbook by producing the identical BS you see elsewhere but just in a higher volume, the guy who recently gave a presidential address on LinkedIn to promote #RelaxDay2020 would be happy to talk to them.
Q2 and even Q3 may be officially shot and Q4 will be upon us soon enough. You will still need to make your number....and I guarantee you it won't be don't by thinking conventionally....
Until then, be safe, be well, wash your hands, and, by all means, please don't inject any disinfectants into your body.....
XOXO
Dave
Think on These...
Life is Tough. Here Are Six Ways to Deal With It
The way the world looks from the ordinary or conventional point of view is pretty much the opposite of the way the world actually is.
When life is tough, this ancient set of Buddhist slogans can offer six powerful techniques to transform obstacles into awakening and benefit.
FREE CLASS: The Science of Well-Being by Yale University
Learn The Science of Well-Being from Yale University in this FREE online course
For Your Day Job...
This Massive Google Document Contains Every Icebreaker Question You'll Ever Need Small talk haters have hit the mother lode with this list.
Customers Buy Brands That Employees Buy Into
Thinking through your employer brand is not just key to attracting talent, but to shaping the brand promises they’ll join you in delivering. Good insights for everyone here.
Why Are Farmers Dumping Commodities When Grocery Store Shelves Are Empty??
The food supply chain is complicated and miraculous. On average, one US farm feeds 166 people for a year in the US and abroad, according to the American Farm Bureau. For every dollar spent on food in the US (whether at home or away from home), US farmers and ranchers receive about 15 cents. What makes up the other 85 cents?
For my ag Friends and those who are interested, no data viz, but some interesting insights here.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Can it rain frogs, fish, and other objects?
Really? At this point, would anything surprise you?
Kansas City Is Now Home to a BBQ Vending Machine
In related news: I love Kansas City (seriously, Arthur Bryant's is THE SPOT).
Here’s What Happens In Your Brain When You Hear White Noise
FACT: Most popular skill on our Amazon Spot by far -- SPACE DECK.
And The Last Word....
LISTEN: "Everything Is Bullsh*t" — www.youtube.com
Heard this alt-rock song on the radio this week by Particle Kid (aka Willie Nelson's son) and had to pass along to the Friends. Has a Neil Young and They Might Be Giants feel just seemed appropriate for the current times.....
And when it is stuck in your head later this week when you are on yet another Zoom meeting, email me and thank me!
HEY! I really hope you don't think this newsletter is bullsh*t. If you don't, pass it along and tell someone this is a weekly BS Free Zone and have them subscribe. I appreciate it!