Easter Sunday serves as a reminder, Phil the groundhog aside, that spring is back with us. We have made it through another winter, and there may still be (Apr) showers, but the flowers are soon to follow.
We can also see that there are parts of the world that are besieged with violence and cruelty. There are dark powers at work who have little regard for human rights or even humanity.
The Ukrainians have a tradition of making elaborate decorated eggs for Easter. It is an artform that has its roots in the pre-Christian era. The eggs were believed to have powerful magical powers. An uninvited and unprovoked war has been brought to their doorstep, they are fighting back valiantly, and at Easter time, as always, the magical Ukrainian Easter eggs return to give hope.
As we enjoy the holiday with our family and friends, regardless of religious affiliation, our hearts go out to those who are dealing with sadness, hunger, and cruelty. Our hopes and prayers are with them as they search for a new spring that is full of happiness and hope.We all have the ability to make the world a little better. Do what you can. It doesn’t matter whether you can do a little or a lot. It all contributes to the greater good.
Happy Spring
Zairmail is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to send (postal) mail.
The Super Bowl is over, the nachos and snacks are all gone, and the cheers (and groans) fade into the distance. Debate around the best commercials, as always, rages on. Some will shine bright as a symbolic reminder of a brand well-served; yet others will warn those who follow where not to tread.
One thing we know for sure, we cherish the opportunity to serve you.
Oh, and it won’t cost $5 million for each 30 second spot.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We didn’t get you flowers, but 10% off direct mail orders this week should help!
Use promo code LoveU10.
Big Hugs, The Zairmail Team
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
The Cincinnati Bengals will meet the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI (56). The two teams will square off on February 13 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his tree stump on Wednesday (Groundhog Day) to see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter. COVID lingers on as new variants threaten. Sabers continue to rattle on the eastern border that Ukraine shares with Russia. The XXIV Winter Olympic Games start today in Beijing…
This is already shaping up to be an interesting year.
There will be other challenges and surprises that emerge as the year unfolds.
So, as business professionals, what can we do? A lot of these events are out of our control.
In December, we talked about looking back on the year and taking stock. Did we hit our goals? If we didn’t, then we need to ask why? If we did, then we need to raise the bar. If we didn’t have goals, then we need to address that issue and create SMART goals for the new year.
This process of introspection is one half of the strategic planning process. We need to start out by performing an internal analysis. We need to identify the resources and capabilities that we have to work with. In particular, we want to identify core competencies – valuable capabilities that are unique to our organization. We also want to identify weaknesses that are unique to our organization.
The second part of the process is to perform an external analysis. An external analysis takes into account political, economic, sociocultural, technological, ecological, and legal undercurrents that impact the business environment. We opened this discussion by highlighting some current elements in the news – there are many more. This time of year, the Federal Reserve, and other business/trade organizations, publish forecasts for the year. This can be an important (and free) source of information.
The results of our internal analysis and external analysis come together in a SWOT analysis. We use the internal analysis to highlight our most important strengths and weaknesses. We use the results of our external analysis to highlight the most relevant opportunities and threats from the environment. This provides the foundation for a plan, that leverages our strengths (core competencies), plays away from our weaknesses, capitalizes on opportunities, while avoiding credible threats. The plan is then captured in a collection of SMART goals that can be used to guide our progress in the coming year.
You will find tips to help in this newsletter and in the Direct Mail Journal (www.directmailjournal.com).
You can be sure, that as your dedicated business partner, Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) will be here to help. Just reach out to us if there is anything we can do. Our business is based on your success. Harness the grace and power of the Tiger in 2022.
Storytelling in marketing campaigns serves to better connect you with your customers. It works like any other human connection. Storytelling is a way to get to know a person better, in this case, it’s a way for customers to get to know your business. When a customer is truly invested in an organization, their loyalty is always with that brand and they feel a part of that community too. The strength of this cannot be underestimated! So how can you use storytelling in your direct mail postcard campaign and what are the general do’s and don’ts?
When you’ve reflected on your business performance from the previous year, done the math and looked for patterns in your finances, you’re ready to focus on new opportunities for growth. These are the simplest steps to successful strategic planning and we’re going to share a very easy tool that can help you with this area.
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
As we enter the holiday season is important to say thanks for all the gifts that we have received.
One of the gifts that we are most grateful for is our relationship with our clients and our community.
Those who have used our service know that Zairmail is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to send mail. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and earn your trust every single day.
We also appreciate the opportunity to share the tools and tips in this newsletter with you. We include educational content to help you grow your business and work in a little humor too. We appreciate the opportunity to share a smile with you. Without you there could be no “us”.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
Here is wishing for the best Thanksgiving so far – with many more to come!
As reported in the last issue of the Direct Mail Journal, The USPS increased the cost of postage in August based on approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Postage increases are usually announced in November and take effect in January. This is the second price increase this year. One source of positive news is […]
It’s not often we stop to think about what a celebration like Thanksgiving actually teaches us. Rather, it’s something that businesses will jump on for their promotional messaging. The problem with this is… it often comes off as a bit flat. Holidays and celebratory days come around every year […]
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
Zairmail Salutes the Brave Men and Woman Who Have Served Our Country
Veterans Day started out as Armistice Day on November 1, 1919. The holiday celebrated the first anniversary of the end of World War I – the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of 1918. Armistice Day became an official national holiday in 1926 and was renamed Veteran’s Day by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all those who serve or have served in the armed forces of the United States.
The men and woman of our military serve to keep us free and protect our way of life. They come from all walks of life. They come together for a shared purpose. They are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and co-workers – you cross paths with veterans every single day.
We are all forever in their debt.
Reach out to someone who has served and say thanks.
Veterans take 10% off regularly priced direct mail orders through Sunday November 14. Use promo code SERVE.
Thank you for all you have done to help keep us safe!
Back to the Future (Price Decrease)
The cost of First-Class postage was $.03 at the end of World War I (Armistice Day). The price went down to $.02 after the war, a price point that lasted through 1932. In contrast, the USPS raised the cost of a First-Class stamp to $.58 in August – the second increase this year.
You can count on Zairmail to do our part to battle inflation for you. We work hard to maximize your savings based on both economies of scale and postal discounts – while still providing the fastest and easiest way to send mail.
Zairmail is rolling back the price of jumbo postcards. Upgrade from a standard postcard to a jumbo postcard for just a nickel more. Talk about a blast from the past – what else can you do with a nickel these days?
We are always here to help. Just let us know how we can best serve you.
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
The stores are chocked full of scary costumes and treats. It seems to start a little earlier every year. Still, it comes not a moment too soon, Americans are more than ready for some fun social events with family and friends. We have seen 18 months of pandemic-driven mask mandates, stay at home orders, and political turmoil. The entire country is ready for some holiday fun.
SEND JUMBO POSTCARDS FOR LESS
We can take a clue from the consumer goods folks on this front. It is never too soon to plan for the holidays and get your holiday greetings in the hands of those who matter most to you and your business. We need to stay “top of mind” and be part of the glow.
Just in time for the holidays, the US Postal Service has extended the (discounted) postcard rate to jumbo postcards (5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9). That means that you can super-size your greeting for just a small amount more. Talk about a holiday treat! This one is super sweet!
DRESS IT UP WITH AN ENVELOPE
You can also drop your holiday postcard in an envelope to get a high-end holiday card effect. Postcards in envelopes do not qualify for the postcard rate, but they still cost a tiny fraction of what traditional cards in the store run. They also have a personal and tactile feel that an email greeting cannot match.
CLASSICS ARE ALWAYS IN STYLE
Zairmail can also send more traditional greeting cards too. Come up with your own personalized holiday design and Zairmail will print and mail it for you. You can even personalize your envelope with a holiday stamp, a handwritten font, and a personal message on the outside.
GO FOR GHOULD!!
Still not enough? We have one client who includes magnets for the fridge in her cards. These special greetings have a central place in the kitchen for months or even years.
Of course, since you are using Zairmail, the process will be faster, easier, and less expensive!
Let us help you ward off the evil spirits and spread the holiday cheer!
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
The backbone of our nation is based on business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exceptional workers. Thank you from Zairmail for making us GREAT!
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
There has never been a better time to be more personal when it comes to your marketing messaging and building customer connections. 2021 is the year to prioritize personal!
It’s true that mail is the most valued type of content because it’s real and it’s tangible! See for yourself and order a free sample mail kit right here to get started with your direct mail campaign.
We handle every step for you and it’s quick and easy! Have your message in the mail within 24-48 hours including a mailing list.
They are affordable, efficient, easy/quick to launch, versatile, and offer excellent branding opportunities. What are they? You guessed right — postcards in envelopes. Contrary to popular misconceptions, direct mail postcards are not a thing of the past. Instead, they are fast gaining traction and causing so much buzz in modern-day marketing campaigns. And they have proven to be profitable for marketing tools.
Whether you’re a designer who’s been tasked with the challenge of designing a postcard for a mailing campaign, or you’re the business owner who wants some creative input in the design, these tips are for you!
There are various different types of direct mail you can select to deliver your campaign. We’re going to run through some of them and talk about the different scenarios in which you might select each one
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
We can’t believe that April is here and Easter is upon us yet again. Another great holiday and another wonderful time to reconnect with customers and check-in.
That’s why we’re giving away our very own special Easter treat!
You can get 20% off any order over 500 pieces.
This is an exclusive for our Zairmail newsletter subscribers or Zairmail social media followers.
To claim, just give us a call and let us know.
Happy Easter and as always, thank you for choosing Zairmail.
If you’ve ever thought postcards are a thing of the past and direct mail is no longer relevant, sorry to burst your bubble — you thought wrong. According to recent statistics, direct mail has a 29% return on investment, which is one percent shy of the ROI on social media marketing campaigns.
The global business landscape is expanding by the second and businesses are in stiff competition to reach prospective customers. To successfully attract leads and get them to patronize you calls for clever means of communication and marketing.
The pandemic has thrown a big wrench in the working of virtually all businesses. While many businesses are operating at a limited capacity, working remotely, or planning their exit, you don’t have to go in the same direction.
It’s almost impossible to discuss how businesses can connect with their customers without mentioning customer engagement. To keep your business up and running and profitable, you need to build a community of loyal customers — those that will stick with your brand through thick and thin.
Zairmail (www.zairmail.com) is the fastest and easiest way to send (real) postal mail. Give us a call anytime at 888.898.0066, we would be happy to help with your direct mail needs.
Wilson Zehr, PhD is a Direct Mail Industry Expert, Direct Marketing Specialist, and CEO of Cendix (www.cendix.com), the leading provider of Web-to-print
solutions that increase sales both online and offline. He is also the founder of Zairmail (www.zairmail.com), the company responsible for many "industry firsts" in direct mail.
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