The Naughty List
As mentioned last week, I’m slowly turning into Santa. I figured I would fully step into the role and assume the appropriate responsibilities (other than eating the cookies left around the office). The first thing on the holly jolly agenda is The Naughty List.
I know what you’re thinking. “Wait, the Naughty List is real?” Of course it is. I keep two lists, actually. One for people and one for business. The Biz Naughty List keeps me mindful of business practices that will keep your company on customers’ (and Santa’s) good side.
Here are a few marketing practices that are flat out No, No, No’s:
- Cold Calling: Yes, there are still some companies that cold call, so don’t be like a dreaded car warranty company, timeshare company, or window replacement company that still makes cold calls. You’ll just end up making people angrier, and you won’t get sales.
- Client Gifts: It’s the thought that counts, right? Sending a gift to your customers is a way of thanking them for their business, but don’t be cheap…be thoughtful. Sending a mass-produced, impersonal, generic, unsigned holiday card is probably worse than no gift at all. Stand out from the crowd. On that note, thanks to Blue Ridge Bank for the yummy brownies, made by Kissy’s Sweets & Treats of Luray, Virginia. They were devoured within the hour — and they came in a festive holiday tin for the win.
- Google My Business: Don’t forget to check your Google My Business listing – and check it twice. If you’re closed or adjust your holiday hours, update it. There’s nothing worse than seeing a customer walk up at 5:05 p.m. and trying to open a closed door when you’re normally open ‘til 9 p.m. You lost a sale, and you might have lost the customer, too.
- Don’t Be Selfish: Sharing is caring, as they say. In social media, your content, especially during the holidays, shouldn’t be about “me, me, me” but “we, we, we.” Give your customers, employees, and even your favorite charity some valuable shout-outs on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media pages. It’s good for both of you.
However, it is the holiday season and the season of forgiveness. The Biz Naughty List does leave room for improvement, so there’s still hope for a business to get back in my good graces before Christmas.
MONDAY:
BIG CELEBRATIONS
Over the weekend, our client Birmingham Green participated in the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. They went on to receive second place for Best Business Vehicle. You can catch them cruising at the 46:10 minute mark.
We also celebrated Director of Business & Marketing Leanne Pillow’s fifth anniversary at Madison+Main this weekend. Since joining us, Leanne has organized and executed amazing company events and parties, helped bring on new clients, and shared her cheerful disposition with all of us. Where would we be without you, Leanne? Never mind, that’s too scary of a thought.
TUESDAY:
PROFESSIONAL PARTY PEOPLE
On Tuesday, Director of Business & Marketing Leanne Pillow and Account Executive Leigh Ann Kiebler spent the morning meeting with our client Atlas 42. From the looks of it, they had a very merry time. This past weekend, Atlas 42 hosted Innsbrook’s Wreath Making Workshop led by local florist Katie Claytor, as well as the Innsbrook Holiday Market. Be sure to keep an eye out for more upcoming events at Atlas 42.
WEDNESDAY:
TAKING SHOTS OF THE TEAM
Meet our newest Account Executive Leigh Ann Kiebler! Kiebs (as we’ve nicknamed her because we already have a Leanne) comes all the way from Kentucky and previously worked as Marketing Director for a large construction company. Prior to that, she flew the friendly skies as a flight attendant for several years. The sky’s the limit, as they say. Now, she acts as ground control for our clients, guiding them to success. Happy to have you as part of our team, Kiebs!
Before our Christmas Soiree, the Madison+Main Design Team met at the office for a festive photo op. Before getting dressed in their holiday best for the party, they donned their tackiest Christmas sweaters and took these spirited shots. #Sleighhh
THURSDAY:
GIVE THE GIFT OF A GIFT CARD
Your holiday shopping just got so much easier. Whether you’re a fan of family fun or want to treat your company to corporate team building, the Northern Neck is the place to go. Our client Compass Entertainment Complex is offering 20 percent off any gift card purchase through December 22, 2022. (Discount valid with on-site purchase only.)
And as a reminder, the Texas Inn also has a “CHEESY” gift card with your name on it. Get yours today when you shop around the T-Room store — in person or online.
Speaking of gifts, Account Manager Marita Cardenas and Communications Specialist Kennedy Heidel spent the day driving to our clients Williamsburg Landing and Fort Monroe Authority to deliver this year’s client gifts. Even though it was a little windy, it was an easy (and breezy) delivery. We hope all of our clients are “blown away” when they receive these tokens of our appreciation.
FRIDAY:
CAITLIN, CARDS, AND CASK STRENGTH LOTTERY
On Friday, we celebrated Copywriter Caitlin Sherman’s one-year anniversary! That’s right – no more “Junior” in her title. There are a lot of things Caitlin has brought to the table in the past year: odd facts about The Muppets, silly songs she’s written (and performed for us), and her unique way with words. She may not have found her missing left kidney (true story), but she has found a home at Madison+Main on the Comms Team.
In honor of today also being Christmas Card Day, we’d like to remind you that our good friends at Wythken Printing are prepared for any holiday project. Christmas cards, custom wrapping paper, thank you notes – you name it, they can do it. Besides, it’s best to leave the DIY jobs to the professionals…a.k.a. Santa’s elves.
Last, but certainly not least, we’re happy to share that our client A. Smith Bowman Distillery has officially kicked off their 2022 online lottery for its Limited Edition 10-Year Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey! This year’s batch is sure to pack an even greater punch than the last. You’ll have until December 16, 2022, to throw your name in the barrel for a chance to be selected as a lucky winner. Good luck!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Hampton Roads Philharmonic: Winter Classics & Holiday Favorites
Fort Monroe Theatre
41 Tidball Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
December 10 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Do you hear what I hear? The Hampton Roads Philharmonic is performing its Winter Classics and Holidays Favorites Concert at Fort Monroe Authority! Bring the whole family out for this free event to enjoy uplifting holiday classics at the historic Post Theater.
Make An Ornament Enrichment Activity
Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
Glen Allen and Midlothian Locations
December 13-15 | All Day
Get into the holiday spirit at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts with an ornament enrichment activity! Crafty pups will work with one of their friendly counselors to make a beautiful winter ornament. Add this activity to a day care, boarding, or grooming appointment for some festive fun!
Fort Talkers — From Pigs Feet to a President’s Death: What a Time at Fort Monroe!
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
December 15 | 1 – 2 p.m.
Scandals, monarchs, and presidents! Fort Monroe Authority’s Museum Specialist will be sharing stories from Fort Monroe in 1881 that highlight the oddities of 19th-century entertainment, a scandalous marriage, and more. Join them for this free event or stream it on their Facebook Page!
“He’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty or nice.” — J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, Songwriters of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”