ER - Your SS# on Mailing Labels - Emergency Room

A few weeks back, a State of Wisconsin tax mailing to certain
residents included their Social Security number on the label on the
outside of the envelope. Apparently this is the second time such a
thing has happened. Not a good thing. Another example of cutting
corners by some institution we like to imagine is looking after our
welfare.

We may look at it and call it an employee problem, a failure of
training, or of supervision. Yes, these problems could be systemic.

Finally, we think it's a problem with proofreading.

Label - EmergencyRoom

ER - I'm a EZ Girl - Emergency Room

The bar that sponsors the bowling league is called the End Zone.

On my niece's bowling shirt it says: "I'm a EZ Girl".

She wants to take a marker and put an 'n' after the 'a'.

I am AN EZ Girl. I am AN End Zone Girl.

Except that that might be calling too much attention to the deal.

She thinks they got the shirts for free because of the error.
I think they got the shirts for free because that's what sponsors do
in order to have a bunch of people wear silly slogans on their bodies.

I asked her to send me a jpg so I could show you, dear reader.

"The worst part of it is," she says, "not only do people think I'm
easy, but that I'm stupid, too."

Well, that's what the doctor is here for; listening, taking notes, writing prescriptions. Not that this will help the shirt. But that's why we're in the Emergency Room.

Seek good editing & proofing before it's too late.

ER - Sioux Fall, SD - Emergency Room

I was out at the first luncheon meeting of ABLE South yesterday.
ABLE is the acronym for Active Business Leads Exchange and South
means the southern suburbs of Milwaukee area.

I met a young gal there in graphic design and supporting services who
was representing the third branch office of a North Dakota firm.
She'd forgotten her business cards but followed up quickly with an
email with her contact information.

I went immediately to the website and saw that their South Dakota
Branch office has an address in Sioux Fall, SD 57109

Of all the waterfalls in the world I'd never encountered a singular
fall.

I wrote her back and said I think Sioux Falls, with a 's', is what is
needed. These things are easy to overlook.
I know I've spelled Milwaukee wrong on more than one occasion.

I told her I'd be very happy to proof and edit something for her firm
as a get-to-know-you gift.
The fine print says that I read your copy and make verbal edits over the
phone. It's about a half hour of time and it shows you any problems in your message.

You could take me up on such an offer, too. The Doctor will see you now.

Fifteen Professional Minutes - A great deal

Fifteen minutes of Designer/Photographer time to use for yourself.

Click above for a larger jpg image, or
click for a PDF of the above image.

Go here to see some of the fine work George Lottermoser is doing.
http://www.imagist.com/blog/

Timing Your Offers

Making an explicit offer at the close of a presentation, direct mail
piece, or networking opportunity, in order to get a meeting or get
closer to a sale, is something that escapes many of us.

At least, that's according to Robert Middleton in his email
newsletter and on his blog.
And you know, there's a ring of truth to that.

I don't have much more to say at the moment. I'm working on my offers.

You can read it for yourself at

www.actionplan.blogs.com
The date you'll be looking for 1/14/08.

Case Study: Before and After

Another Case Study.

BEFORE

________________

David,
I'm sending out a brief and simple email to my existing client base
in the hope of getting some conversations started re: 08 business.
I don't want to belabor the thing. ...

Here's what I have:
-------------------------------
Dear

In the spirit of mutual prosperity,
and planning for 2008,
I'd like to begin a conversation regarding
your web site and other promotion plans for 2008.

As several clients have expressed
an interest in video on their web sites,
we've added video production and editing capability.
We're delighted to have two video projects in the works right now.

Hoping we can help you accomplish
your promotion and information goals,
with the best value in photography,
videography, illustration and
graphic design for either print and web,
during 2008.
-----------------------------------------

Any recommended prescriptions, therapies, etc. would be appreciated.

###

And here's what I sent him ....

AFTER

Dear

In the spirit of planning and mutual prosperity for 2008, I'd like to begin a conversation with you regarding your web site and other promotional plans.

As several clients have expressed an interest in video on their web sites, we've added video production and editing capability. We're delighted to have two video projects in the works right now.

I'm hoping we can help you accomplish your promotion and information goals, with the best value in photography, videography, illustration and graphic design for either print and web, during this new year.

Call me when you get a minute. I'd like to see you again. We'll have coffee.

---

Generally the client was pleased with this until the subject of
Timing Your Offers came up. However, he didn't get an immediate response. Part of the equation has to do with the level of relationship with his existing client base.

ER - Short List - Emergency Room

Stuff like this pops out at me and I feel some need to comment on it. Also, truth be told, some small joy, as well.

• The sign on the pyschologist's door has psychology misspelled.

• I go to get a logo off a guy's 8-page website and on 6 pages his email address has a typo in the domain name. "No wonder I'm not hearing from anyone," he says after I tell him.

• In late 2007, a national hotel had a flyer to meet Santa, have brunch, etc. Herring and omelette were misspelled and, in the dates and times, the year was listed as 2008. Not that it was a herring omelette, but being in too much of a hurry to use the spell-check up in the offices makes me wonder if they’re short staffed in the kitchen. A side note: too many non-corporate fonts at use in the name. Ho, Ho, Ho.

• Around these parts a middle eastern grocery probably does not have to worry too much about competition, but I wonder why they don’t demand to have their business name spelled right on at least two of their signs. Holy Land and Holyland. Before they moved to their new location the delivery truck was lettered: Holly Land. Next time I go in I’ll pick up a business card. I wonder what it says. And, each one of these ‘designs’ uses different fonts and color combinations.

• I know. I know. I’ve spelled Milwaukee wrong, too. That’s why I have a Find-a-Typo Contest from time to time.

It takes so little attention to alleviate these problems. I don't know if calling this area the Emergency Room is actually appropriate. Perhaps we're doing a post-mortem in the morgue.