England's Rapid Response Prayer Unit

A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Puppet
Mannequin American views and guidelines on marketing/PR trends, news from the world of puppets and ventriloquism, bits of humor and other interesting but useless information. I post every Tuesday and Friday.

Are You a "Pusher" or a "Puller"?
We're not talking about "push vs. pull marketing strategies" but rather, do you push your shopping cart or pull it through the checkout? The majority of people (74%) are pullers. And men and women are equally likely to be pullers. (The survey only targeted people shopping by themselves because parents almost always push the cart to keep children from falling out or misbehaving.)

So what does your grocery-cart maneuvering say about you?

Pullers tend to be more aggressive and impatient about the shopping experience, while pushers tend to take their time and go with the flow. Pullers also perceive themselves to be more time-sensitive, more in control and willing to break with tradition. Pushers, however, were more traditional and tended not to have as many reasons as to why they drive that way, rather saying "it's just a habit" or "it's the right thing to do."

Neither group is likely to switch, according to the survey findings. Whether they pulled or pushed, each believed that their way was the best way.
 

So what does all this mean? Well, it could actually mean a lot to the grocery stores, retailers and marketers that make significant sales by marketing to people who might not be, in fact, pushing their carts through the lane at the front of the store. The front of the store is a department, accounting for 1% of sales or more. It's designed for consumers to make impulse purchases as they push through. If you're pulling, your back is to the merchandise most of that time. And that means marketers need to employ different strategies to "break through the psyche" of the now-majority pullers. For instance, the findings show that pullers, who are a little more assertive and more efficiency-oriented, might not respond well to cashiers pitching specific products.

The theory is that there's a better way to appeal to pullers. It you figure out how, give me a call and we may be able to make some money!

Prayers for the Unemployed and Employed
The Church of England is trying to comfort workers hit by redundancy (English-speak for "unemployed") with prayers.

It has offered encouragement both to the thousands laid off in the recession and to those who feel guilty they are still in employment. The "Prayer on being made redundant" and "Prayer for those remaining in the workplace" were published by the Church's "rapid response prayer unit" (I didn't make that up) that was set up last year to provide spiritual aid to those suffering through debt and unemployment.

The Church launched its "matter of life and debt" program a year ago. It revolved around a series of prayers, and clergy advice to parishioners with money problems on how to get professional help. Last autumn, as the major banks collapsed, it produced a "Prayer for the current financial situation." Church officials say 30,000 people have read this prayer since it was published in September.

Here are the prayers.
Prayer on Being Made Redundant...Redundant - the word says it all - useless, unnecessary, without purpose, surplus to requirements.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of the sadness, the anger, the uncertainty, the pain, I can talk to you,
Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul,
As life carries on, may I know your presence with me each and every day. And as I look to the future, help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions,
Guide me by your Spirit, and show me your path. Through Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.-Amen.

Prayer for Those Remaining in the Workplace ... Life has changed, colleagues have gone - redundant, out of work. Suddenly, what seemed so secure is now so very fragile. It's hard to know what I feel: Sadness, guilt almost, at still having a job to go to, and fear of the future. Who will be next? How will I cope with the increased pressure of work?
Lord Jesus, in the midst of this uncertainty, help me to keep going, to work to the best of my ability, taking each day at a time and taking time each day to walk with you, for you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen.

No blue Web link for this ... you'll have to use old-fashioned prayer.

Gallianlo Sambuca Revisits its Italian Heritage Through Humorous Sign Language
A new Web site for Galliano Sambuca strives to elevate Sambuca from a shot drink to a classy beverage while also embracing the Italian tradition of gesticulating with your hands as you speak.

Visitors can listen to accordion strains, learn to "speak Galliano" through various illustrated hand signs and watch some very funny videos. My favorites are the "How's Your Galliano?" videos. The first one gives you two choices of how to negotiate your way out of a parking ticket using Italian sign language. The pantomimes are funny onto themselves ... but the narratives that explain the sign language are hysterical. Once again ... humor sells.

Click here to go to the Web site and when you get to the home page click on "How's Your Galliano?"

How Did They Come Up With This?

Audi has launched a new quirky yet impressive commercial in Europe for the new Audi Q5. Unbox the Box features an animated cartoon character. Seriously, click on the link and you'll say to yourself, "How did they ever think of that?"

Quote of the Day
"Sex is one of the most wholesome, beautiful and natural experiences money can buy."
Steve Martin