Successful Email Marketing Requirements
A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American
Successful Email Marketing Requirements
If you're thinking about implementing an email marketing program, lean on people who can help you avoid common mistakes.
Experienced email experts can guide you through the ins and outs of:
- Proper design
- Landing your email in the inbox.
- Words/phrases to avoid
- The correct ratio of images to text
Experience has taught those of us who craft effective content what works and what doesn't.
It's also important to know how much text to include, the type of text, what types of images are most likely to get clicked on and much more.
Seriously ... You Should Have Gotten Underwear for Christmas
(What does a Mannequin American have to do to get invited to a Jockey underwear fashion show?)
From our friends at BizTimes: According to a survey by Kenosha-based underwear manufacturer Jockey International Inc., 43% of Americans say they need new underwear. Equally important, 21% say that their significant other needs new underwear.
I guess all of our gift-giving-dilemmas for 2010 are solved.
A previous survey indicated that 25% of Americans own underwear that is 5 or more years old (are you kidding me?) and 79% have underwear that is "tattered, discolored or stained." Thank goodness I don't wear underwear, or that last statement would gross me out.
Special Note:
As long as I'm referencing Milwaukee BizTimes, this week's issue contained an article on the new State Fair Park director and the many challenges he will face. To help "drive" the point home, the publication used a photo of Dale in his racecar, crossing the finish line at the Milwaukee Mile in front of grandstands devoid of any spectators. (Maybe they were blaming him for the poor attendance?)
Attention-Getting Bus Wrap
From Ads of the World: This bus wrap for the Copenhagen Zoo shows a giant constrictor snake squeezing a city bus. Looks like something Signs and Lines, by Stretch would do. Impressive and attention-getting.
Vent Haven Convention 2010
Dale (above with Louie the Jockey) will be a featured lecturer at the 2010 International Ventriloquists' Convention, July 14 - 17, in Ft. Mitchell, KY. The workshop will be based on Dale's book, "Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is ... How to get those first paying jobs as a ventriloquist." I'm assuming I'll make an appearance at the workshop ... otherwise, why else would they have invited Dale?
For more information about the conVENTion go to its Facebook page by clicking here, (and become a "friend" to keep up with the latest news) or go to the conVENTion Web site by clicking here.
If you'd like to view or purchase any of Dale's books, click here.
Speaking of Ventriloquism
A new documentary, DUMBSTRUCK made its world premiere at the 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and appears to have gotten good reviews.
The movie follows five 'vents' for a year and culminates with them meeting up at the international Ventriloquists' ConVENTion. Dale and I know all of them, including Wilma.
"The vents are real and viewers share in their successes and missteps, both on- and off-stage, as they strive in their own ways to achieve the American dream," according to producers. (Dale and I gave up on the American dream long ago. For us, it's been a long, tough struggle to the middle.) One of the vents followed in the movie is Terry Fator of American's Got Talent fame and now starring at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
You can see a trailer for the movie by clicking here. If you're a vent, you'll see a lot of people who you know.
Also, if you're a vent, you'll want to listen to the movies theme song. I think it's called "You've got a special friend by your side." Dale laughed, then he cried, and now he's in the fetal position over in the corner. I became speechless.
Please let me know what you think of the song in the "comments" section of this blog, or email me at chip.martin@bmpr.com
Speaking more about Ventriloquism ...
It's against my nature to make disparaging remarks about fellow-Mannequin Americans ... but I have to admit, this Michael Jackson puppet, advertised on Ebay, creeps me out a bit.
A Final Note on Ventriloquism
Next Thursday Dale and I will be having dinner with Jeff Dunham, before Jeff's show at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI. Well, Dale will be with Jeff, I'll be with Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Bubba. They know how to party.
The Bradley Center seats 20,000 for concerts and Jeff's show is predicted to sell out ... go figure?
If you haven't seen Jeff's "arena show" do yourself a favor and make a point not to miss it the next time he's in your area. It really is his funniest show, ever. According to this article, Jeff was the top grossing comedian in 2008 and 2009 and is on Fortune magazine's list of the Top 100 Most Powerfui Celebrities. (If he's so "powerful" maybe he can get me a better partner? I think Dale has been holding me back.)
