ANTI

One of the things that I have learned in this business is to choose your words carefully. If I’m in a pitch for new business I’ve found I can lose the deal by saying the wrong thing (trust me, it’s happened more than once). After writing advertising copy for 30 years, I know the value of choosing the right words. As a former English major, I have struggled for decades to resist the temptation of using a big word when a smaller word will suffice….er, I mean “will do.”
My father was a smart man and had an extensive vocabulary. He could knock out a crossword puzzle in the Lynchburg News & Advance before he finished his second cup of coffee. However, he learned that when he used what he called “50 cent words,” it didn’t help communication, especially if the other person didn’t understand the meaning.
I’ve found that many people who use big words, such as the longest word in the English language, antidisestablishmentarianism, often do not actually know the meaning of the word and therefore use it improperly. This can be detrimental in life and in business. Nothing can ruin your personal or professional credibility like using a big word in the wrong context.
On a flight two weeks ago, I had to endure a flight attendant who read about and instantly fell in love with the word “expedite.” Despite not fully understanding the meaning, he made it an integral part of every announcement:
“Please expedite back to your seat, the captain has put on the seatbelt sign.”
“Please be sure to expedite your bag into the overhead compartment, we are about to leave.”
And finally, “Please expedite your work on your laptops and stow them for landing.”
I can’t think of a way to end this article, so I am going to expedite its completion.
MONDAY:
PUTTING IT ALL OUT THERE
The pandemic has meant the team at Madison+Main has created home offices. This week, Director of Business & Marketing, Leanne Ferry, hosted a Name That Workspace guessing game on our social media channels. She tasked team members to send photos of our at-home desks and workspaces and the guessing game began. I did not enter a photo because I’m still working from the messy desk that I’ve always worked at.

TUESDAY:
HARDLEY DAVIDSON
This week, three Madison+Main-iacs visited our friend and client RicWithers at Wythken Printing to scope their shop for a video shoot. The team had a blast seeing all the cool tech, the printers, and the printing pros in action. Ric and his team are always fun to work with.Speaking of Wythken Printing, they recently did a killer job on some posters for our new client Perkinson Center for Arts & Education. We hit them with a quick deadline and they delivered. Thanks, Ric! Now give me my team back! From the looks of these photos, it seems like they’re having too much fun. And as everyone knows, fun is not allowed at Madison+Main.

WEDNESDAY:
SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN ROANOKE!
On Wednesday, Creative Director Art Webb and Account Executive Andrew Simpson hit the road to Hermitage Roanoke for a photoshoot of their beautiful blooming grounds. One this is certain…spring is in the air. Special thanks to Cade Martin Photography for capturing some great shots of their facility.

THURSDAY:
A LATTE HAPPENING
Our client A. Smith Bowman Distillery releases a new Cane & Coffee limited-edition spirit next week. The team partnered with Virginia Commonwealth Roasters to hand-select roasted Peruvian coffee beans for an oh-so-yummy cane spirit. This experimental batch will only be available through their online gift shop and at the Distillery. Grab a bottle, or five, and add it to your morning cup of Joe. Then try to spell “Antidisestablishmentarianism…”

FRIDAY:
YOU’RE THE KEY
Today, I want you to mark your calendars for #DoorwaysDay on Wednesday, May 12. The Doorways is one of our favorite clients — many of you know them as the former Hospital Hospitality House. Every year, almost 10,000 guests stay at The Doorways so that their loved ones can get access to life-saving medical care in Richmond. Because of the pandemic, they have had to cancel most of their events, which provide revenue to support their mission. They need to raise $24,000 in 24 hours. Support the mission today!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Chesapeake Business Appreciation Golf Classic
Friday, June 4, 2021 | Greenbrier Country Club
Looking fore an excuse to hit the links? Head to Chesapeake for their 21st Annual Business Appreciation Golf Classic! Proceeds will support a local charity. For all inquiries and sponsorship information, please contact Curtis Cobert at ccobert@cityofchesapeake.net or call (757) 382 – 8040.
Hermitage Richmond’s Arts on the Lawn
Saturday, May 15, 2021 | 1600 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
Join more than 50 local artists and makers who will be showcasing their work at on the lawn at Hermitage Richmond. Peruse local paintings, photography, pottery, fiber arts, handmade jewelry, woodworking, and more. Artists benefit from 100% of their sales and funds raised from the sale of vendor space will go towards Hermitage Richmond’s Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program, an evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program benefitting people with dementia. Rain date is Saturday, May 22.
“A synonym is a word you use when you can’t spell the other one.” — Baltasar Gracián