Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

By Mike Gauss on | December 20, 2010 | Comments (0) | Share

There are many well crafted TV ads and catchy taglines. Some are even memorable, although the message appeal is so focused that they are guilty pleasures. For me, the two that are successfully embedded in my mind are: BASF’s “We don’t make a lot of the products you buy. We make ta lot of the products you buy better,” and E.F. Hutton’s “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” I could go on about these two campaigns, but not today. I only mention them because the first is how I like to view my work and the second is the effect I aspire to have on behalf of our clients at Articulon. That being said, it is the E. F. Hutton quote that came to mind this week.

From the end of November to the second week of January, and the office environment is a buzz. The busy bees are trying to end one year and begin the next with success while simultaneously sharing their excitement about the social and fun nature of the holiday season. It is a time when the Scrooges are a little nicer, and the George Baileys are even more optimistic; a time when R.H. Macy and Adam Gimbel work together to renew hope in a gray-sky world. The ensuing din from all this activity threatens to sweep everyone away in joyous chatter and excitement. And then it snows bringing a momentary stillness.

Across the U.S. and in many other areas of the world, we are experiencing a December that is filled with frozen, lace-shaped crystals floating in the wind. The cumulative effect is to quiet the noise. It is this calm that has me singing carols of business success. The past 30 days have been the most successful continuous period I have experienced in 2010. And, and I know why. In the words of Shakespeare: “Friends, Romans, countrymen lend me your ear.” This is my version of an E. F. Hutton moment.

“If you want to get something accomplished in business, be it a contract signed, a project completed or a voice heard, eliminate the noise and get everyone focused,” M. W. Gauss.

The revelation is not as profound as my setup implies. That being said, the proof is as they say—in the Christmas pudding. You see I am a doer. My joy comes from completion, not the journey. I once thought that I was the only remaining Keebler Elf (mythical or not). It has taken some time for me to realize that there are a bunch of cookie-making compatriots still out there. If you listen during the quiet of the snow, their mixing, rolling; cutting and sifting can be heard.

On snow days, the pointy hat and shoe wearing marketers continue baking sweet treats that include a larger share-of-voice and higher conversion rate because some competitors turn off the ovens. At Articulon, we keep the kitchen bustling. Like the often falsely-cited mailman’s motto (The United States Postal Service has no official creed or motto) "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed round,” we are committed to delivering our client’s message on time and on target even when it snows.

So for the well wishers and those who may ask if I am having a merry Christmas (happy holiday season)? My answer is a resounding, “YES.” In fact, my favorite song of the season this year is “Let it Snow.” To all of my readers, I wish a very jolly holiday filled with peace, rest and joy. To the Amanda’s, Terry’s, and Barb’s; the Gary’s, Michelle’s and Sandi’s; the Kathy’s, Joe’s and Matt’s (and all the doers), I say thank you and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year. And that is what we mean by never stop communicating.