Loads of ideas–and good sources of what not to do–are sitting in your mailbox every day.
You may call it junk mail at first…but if you really sit down to look at it, you may find some inspiration for your next direct mailout.
I hang on to every piece I get that catches my eye, be it the design, the feel of the paper, the way it’s folded.
I keep those pieces that not only don’t inspire me to read it, but turn me off.
Take notes on these pieces. Circle elements that stand out to you. Note on the piece–that’s right, write on it–what made you like it, even if you don’t have a need for that product. What made that one piece stand out in your pile of mail? Or, what made that piece make you want to throw it away without a second glance? Did you see the company who mailed it as being a group of hacks?
This is a great way for us marketers (and when you own your own business, you ARE the marketing department) to get a good feel for what gets attention and what gets the trash treatment–on someone else’s postage. And, you can build an idea file for inspiration down the road.
