The numbers are staggering. Since 2007, mail volume in the United States has dropped by 43.1 billion pieces, post office visits are down by 200 million, and retail transactions have decreased at least $2 billion. The figures, worry some in the direct mail industry, could eventually lead the United States Postal Service to reduce delivery to three days a week.
This issue's Shoptalkers: Fred Davis, CEO of Strategic Perception; Eric Hogensen, president of HSG Campaigns; Douglas Herman, partner at The Strategy Group; and Vince Monaco, owner of the Monaco Group.
If you’re a first-time candidate, you’ll soon discover that a lot of people are going to give you their two cents about your campaign. The thing is, many of them have no idea what they’re talking about.
Here are five terrible pieces of advice that you are likely to hear, and the facts that you need to remember.
Is there an idea about campaigns you would like to share? Do you have questions about campaigns you would like us to explore? Let us know by replying to this email, and we'll try to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
This week Dave is recommending Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari.
"This time last year I recommended Harari's first book, Sapiens, which explores the meta-historical story of human beings. In the more philosophical Homo Deus, Harari explores the ways that the accelerating advances in science and technology could either transform our species into super-humans, or make us much less important to the world. Harari makes some futuristic predictions, but more importantly, he asks us to start thinking about what's next for the human race."
This week Eric is recommending the documentary Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story.
"Lee Atwater's story is an important one, especially for political professionals. While I don't agree with his politics or some of his tactics, his life and relentless pursuit of winning is a story worthy of remembrance and study. Political work is hard and full of pitfalls, and I have always believed it's vital to learn from those who came before us. I recommend a watch or rewatch of this documentary as we head into a critical election season for our country."
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