Happy New Year!
What would you do if failure was an option?
One of my favorite creative thought leaders, Todd Henry, just launched a new podcast, the Daily Creative. In his first episode, Snakebite, he poses the question above.
In business (and life), we’re continually learning and taking risks—developing new products, adding new team members, and scaling our companies.
We don’t know what the future holds. Will the product sell? Will we have enough work to support another team member? Where will we be in 5 years?
Vision and goals for the future don’t always come easily. Sometimes, it’s like film developing in a dark room—a clear image emerges over time. Once the image emerges, we can make decisions based on that image.
Do you have a clear vision and goal for your company in the new year? And what would you do in your marketing if failure was an option? Reply now and let me know.
#1 Social Media Best Practices for 2024 and Beyond
If you’re just stepping into the wild world of social media marketing, fear not, my friends – I’m spilling the beans on my tried and true best social media practices to set you on the right path in 2024 and beyond! Grab your boots, and let’s get to walking.
#2 Do Nothing Better
In our world of busy, it seems doing nothing is a lost art. Doing nothing allows your mind to wander and boosts creativity, helps you reach your goals, and problem solve. If you struggle like I do with doing nothing, learn how to do it better here.
#3 Starbucks, Bring Your Own Cup
I have a Starbucks problem.
So I was overjoyed to learn that starting January 3, customers will be able to use their own clean, personal cup for a contactless pour at every visit to all stores nationwide. The reusable packaging program can be used at the drive-thru when ordering ahead in the Starbucks app, and in retail locations. Hello, bonus stars. 🌟
#4 If You Do This Your Emails Might Be Rude
Avoid being rude in your emails with these tips from Hidden Potential author Adam Grant. And learn why I’m not saying “I hope you are well…” in work emails anymore in this Fast Company article I stole from Nancy Ruzow’snewsletter.
#5 Gmail & Yahoo! Changes Coming February 1st
Email compliance changes are down the pipeline for Gmail and Yahoo! emails on February 1st. To be compliant and ensure your email gets delivered to the inbox, you’ll want to —
- Obtain a custom domain
- Authenticate your email with DKIM and SPF records
If you send more than 5,000 emails in a day, read this, or if you have 30 minutes to spare, listen to Jay Schweldson’s Do This, Not That Podcast—you’ll get the full scoop. For the Spotify version, click here.
📚 What Are You Reading in 2024? 📚
This year, I want to improve my prowess on the business side of creativity. So here are 13 books on business, creativity, and marketing that I want to read this year. We’ll see how far I get. Have you read any of these, and what were your takeaways?
I’m always looking for a good book fiction or nonfiction—what’s on your reading list this year? Reply now and let me know.
📚 1. The Business of Expertise David C. Baker
📚 2. All It Takes is a Goal, Jon Acuff
📚 3. Marketing Planning & Strategy, John Dawes
📚 4. The Art of Storytelling, John Walsh
📚 5. The Business Side of Creativity, Cameron S. Foote
📚 6. The Brand Called You, Peter Montoya with Tim Vandehey
📚 7. All Marketers Tell Stories, Seth Godin
📚 8. Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, Nancy Harhut
📚 9. Business Made Simple, Donald Miller
📚 10. Make Time, Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
📚 11. The Imagineering Process, Louis J. Prosperi
📚 12. Marketing Made Simple, Donald Miller
📚 13. Converted, Neil Hoyne
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.