Welcome to Thanksgiving at the Wolves’ Den!
Just like a well-planned Thanksgiving feast, marketing is all about meticulous preparation, perfect timing, and yes, dealing with the occasional mishap. In this special edition, we’re dishing out a smorgasbord of tales ranging from cooking disasters to marketing misadventures, topped off with a hearty serving of gratitude from our Fullmoon pack.
So, loosen your belts and prepare for a feast of stories that remind us that even the most burnt birds can offer valuable lessons, and a little thankfulness goes a long way in the workplace!
Turkey Day Fails and Marketing Bails
Thanksgiving: A time for gratitude, family, and, let’s face it, the occasional culinary catastrophe. But who knew festive kitchen mishaps could teach us so much about marketing?
Dive into real-life holiday hiccups from our Fullmoon team and extract some juicy marketing lessons. Get ready to gobble up insights that are as useful as they are entertaining!
“Food First, Hospital Later”
“We had one Friendsgiving where dinner took four hours longer than originally planned. As you can imagine, by this point, we are absolutely starving. We finally sat down at the table when my friend accidentally knocked the bottle off the table directly onto my foot.
“The entire bottle shattered on contact. If you know anything about me, the first is that I come from a medical family. The second is that very few things will come between me and food.
“I remember looking down and doing a quick assessment of the damage. The conclusion I came to was that I was unable to tell the difference between red wine or blood, and that I needed food to recover any injury I just had.”
Marketing Recipe for Success:
In marketing, like in chaotic Thanksgiving dinners, staying focused on objectives despite setbacks is key. Dana’s ordeal reminds us to keep goals in sight and overcome obstacles to keep campaigns on track.
“Dining on Duplicate Content”
“Last week, we spent all day making a turkey to take to family in SC. That night, we realized that we hadn’t communicated our plan. In a late-night recovery attempt, I quickly texted the father-in-law, ‘We’re bringing food!’
“Little did I think about being more specific, just to miss a message this morning from him: ‘I’ll do the turkey if you all will do the rest!’ Once I finally saw the message, I called him immediately to prevent double turkey trouble. I was too late, and now we had a collective 40 lbs of roasted bird to deal with!”
Marketing Recipe for Success:
This tale spotlights clear communication’s role in marketing, as Nissa learned. Regular team coordination is vital to prevent duplications and align efforts.
“How Does One Spell Sal-mon-el-la?”
“Last year our power went out. We ended up having to half cook the turkey on the grill.”
Marketing Recipe for Success:
Wes’ scenario reflects the marketing world, where unexpected challenges, like shifts in market dynamics or a failed tactic, demand adaptability and innovative solutions. Fostering an environment where creative problem-solving is encouraged can make a significant difference. Being able to ‘grill the turkey’ when ‘the power goes out’ can turn a campaign around.
“No Need For Speed”
“I don’t know if my dad still does this, but he used to run a 5K every Thanksgiving morning. One year, he was driving to the venue with a few cousins and me as passengers.
“He had just crossed a bridge that divided the county lines, and a cop pulled him over in front of all of us. The officer gave him a long lecture about how speeding (in this instance, only about ten mph over – not exactly Dale Earnhardting it) is the leading cause of accidents and that it’s just as dangerous as drunk driving.”
Marketing Recipe for Success:
Similar to driving, the pacing in marketing is crucial. Develop a balanced marketing timeline. Allow sufficient time for each campaign stage, ensuring quality while maintaining momentum (and avoiding displeasure from authority figures, like your boss!).
Gratitude in the Workplace (and Why It’s Important)
In the whirlwind world of marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and data. But there’s one ingredient that can transform the workplace from a mere office into a hub of creativity and collaboration: gratitude.
Below, our pack members share their personal tales of thankfulness. From unexpected opportunities to the simple joy of a job well done, these stories remind us that at the heart of every successful campaign and strategy is a team that values and supports one another. This is a great time of year to remember and appreciate the power of thankfulness in shaping a thriving and resilient marketing team.
A Grateful Pack
Nissa Campbell, Longform Content Copywriter
“My journey, driven by creativity and organization (in all but my own life – but hey, I’m working on it!), led me to an amazing unexpected opportunity to work with world-class musicians as their Girl Friday. It’s a thrilling project, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it!
“We’re building our brand, domain, and scheduling gigs like there’s no tomorrow. So keep your eye out for Barker & Genfan, coming soon to a digital concert hall near you!”
Industry Importance:
- Nissa’s Creative Journey emphasizes the power of self-awareness and seizing opportunities. Leveraging unique skills can lead to innovative collaborations and exciting ventures in marketing.
Nik Stephney, Sr. Digital Strategist
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do work I love with people I genuinely enjoy. This year FMDM has expanded our services and our team which was no easy feat! I’ve learned so much about myself and faced many fears (Public speaking – 0, Nik – 1). I’m so excited to see how we grow in 2024!”
Industry Importance:
- Nik’s Personal Growth demonstrates the importance of personal development in marketing. Facing and learning from challenges fosters both personal and professional growth, essential in the dynamic world of digital marketing.
Wes Musgrove, Paid Media Specialist
“Being able-bodied and healthy. Making connections. Having fun!”
Industry Importance:
- Wes’ Human Connection underlines the significance of health, connections, and enjoyment in marketing. Teams that are healthy, connected, and enjoy their work can better manage industry pressures and recover from setbacks.
Emma Faccine, Sr. Copywriter
“I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my team. Their collaboration and encouragement have not only enhanced my skills but also made the workplace a nurturing environment.
“Equally, I am thankful for the invaluable balance that working full-time from home provides, allowing me to excel in my career without compromising precious moments with my family.”
Industry Importance:
- Emma’s Balanced Approach showcases the empowering effect of a supportive and flexible work culture in marketing. Balancing professional growth with personal life is key to sustained productivity and well-being.
Topher Campbell, Sr. Copywriter
“I’m just grateful I have this job. The year leading up to it was nothing short of a roller coaster. To me, just being able to work every day on projects that I think are really fun alongside great, positive people, and a regular paycheck is enough to be grateful for.”
Industry Importance:
- Topher’s Positive Work Environment highlights the importance of job satisfaction and enjoyment in work for long-term commitment and productivity in marketing. A happy team often equates to creative and successful campaigns.
As we reflect on Thanksgiving chaos and chuckles, it’s time to carve out key marketing lessons that are as nourishing as a well-roasted turkey.
Takeaway Marketing Lessons You’ll Thank Yourself For Applying
Take a scoop and help yourself to this feast of insights! These aren’t just leftovers; they’re the main course of wisdom for marketers looking to spice up their strategies, so don’t be shy about filling your plate with strategies that will keep your marketing game tasty year-round.
- Cultivate Unique Talents: Encourage team members to explore and develop their unique skills, fostering an innovative and diverse skill set within your team.
- Foster Job Satisfaction: Create a positive and engaging work environment. Align projects with employees’ interests and passions to boost morale and encourage creativity.
- Promote Continuous Learning: Support continuous learning and provide opportunities for team members to challenge themselves, aiding them in stepping out of their comfort zones.
- Value Health and Connections: Promote a balanced work-life approach, emphasizing health and networking. Encourage team-building activities to strengthen internal connections.
- Support Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible working options to accommodate diverse lifestyles and working styles, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to innovation and creativity.
Imagine what work would be like if everyone in the industry embraced these key marketing lessons with the same gusto we bring to our holiday feasts. Cultivating talents, fostering job satisfaction, promoting continuous learning, valuing health and connections, and supporting flexible work arrangements aren’t just seasonal treats; they’re year-round essentials for a thriving marketing team. These insights are a recipe book to a more fulfilling and successful journey in the dynamic world of marketing.
Fill Up Your To-Go Container
As we wrap up our Thanksgiving spread of stories and insights, it’s clear that the world of marketing, much like a family gathering, is full of surprises, learning opportunities, and moments to be grateful for. We’ve seen how holiday fiascos can teach us about crisis management, and how a thankful heart can be the secret sauce in a fulfilling career.
Let’s continue to sprinkle gratitude in our daily professional lives. And remember: whether it’s a marketing campaign or a Thanksgiving feast, it’s the journey and the people we share it with that make it worthwhile.
Here’s to a year of delightful surprises (or the tenacity to overcome unfortunate ones) and successful campaigns!
The Butter on the Roll (Mmm, butter 🤤)
Now, it’s your turn to share the gravy! We’d love to hear about your own Thanksgiving misadventures or marketing marvels. Did you turn a disaster into a success? Have a moment of marketing genius of which you’re particularly proud?
Share your stories in the comments below and let us know what you’re thankful for in your professional journey. Who knows, your story might just be the inspiration someone needs to turn their woes into whoas!
