Dear Friend,

 

I'm sure your inbox is feeling a bit overstuffed after Thanksgiving. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday, the emails just keep piling up.
 
Instead of stuffing your inbox with more sales emails, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect.
 
 
It laid out a few simple strategies for deepening your connections with clients:
  • Listening more than you talk
  • Taking time to visit them in person
  • And showing a genuine interest in them
These things may seem simple, but simple doesn't always mean easy.
 
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle, we overlook how small, thoughtful gestures add up over time.
 
Just like the small acts of kindness in the Coca-Cola ad below. Think about how you can spread joy and cheer to your customers and clients in the coming year.

#1 The World Needs More Santas

I love its optimistic message of spreading kindness and that “Anyone Can Be Santa”.  Plus, the upbeat track from Celeste is sure to make your holiday Spotify list.

Watch the video, then take the quiz to discover your inner Santa, and hit that reply button to let me know what you got. (I got The Thoughtful Santa.)

 

Gmail Update Coming December 1st

#2 Gmail Update Coming December 1st

Have you heard of the Gmail update coming on December 1st?

Gmail is purging emails that haven't been active in the Google universe for two years. For email marketers, this means you're going to see lots of bounces in your list. 

Don't panic. If someone hasn't checked that email in two years, this update is a good thing. You don't want these folks on your list. You'll benefit because you'll have a cleaner list, and eventually, you may even see better open rates.

#3 How to Manage Social Media and Your Mental Health

Does endlessly scrolling social media give you FOMO? Yeah, me too. It may be time to take a break and unplug for a bit. Check out this infographic from Media Update for a few tips to rein in your usage this holiday season. 

Postcard Direct Mail Samples

#4 Mastering the Art of Direct Mail

Did you know your ROI gets a boost of 18% when your marketing campaigns incorporate direct mail? That's not too shabby. So how do you run a successful direct mail campaign in 2024? Get a few tips here.

FREE Log Maintenance Checklist Download

#5 Free Log Home Maintenance Checklist

This one is a freebie for my log contractor friends.

If you're feeling the slowdown that comes with the Winter season (or even if you're not,) download this handy-dandy maintenance checklist.

Add your branding and edit the contact info in Acrobat Pro. Feel free to share it with your customers to help them keep their dream homes in tip-top shape so Santa doesn’t get stuck in the chimney.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

🌟 My Favorite Nonprofits 🌟

In the spirit of the season, I'd like to share my favorite nonprofits with you.

🌟 Big Waves

Big Waves is a nonprofit that was formed in honor of Vaughn Bigelow Jr., who was lost in a senseless act of gun violence. Their mission is to advocate for gun sensibility and safety and enrich the lives of kids through the sport of water polo. Learn more + 

 

🌟 The Ear Community

Melissa Tumblin founded the Ear Community out of the love of her daughter, Ally, who was born with Microtia (missing or underdeveloped ears). It's a place where individuals and families with Microtia and Atresia can get help, support, and find resources. Learn more +

 

🌟 The International Mass Timber Alliance

The IMTA’s mission is to secure the future of Mass Timber and Wood Construction by proving its sustainability and energy efficiency through scientific testing. For those in the log home industry, their mission is crucial as building codes continue to evolve to meet future energy needs. Learn more +

Sarah Spoelstra

Do you have questions about design and marketing? 
Contact me and let's chat.

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Sincerely,

Sarah Spoelstra
Moonshine Design
Owner. Graphic Designer.  Marketer.