Finding Your Next Control – Part Two

by Tom Gaffny, Tom Gaffny consulting As I wrote to you in my first installment, there are 7 ‘take it to the bank’ rules to remember which will help you find that next control package. In that first missive, I concentrated on your target audience – and the paramount importance of understanding who they are, [...]

Newsletter Formats – What are People Mailing?

Formats in the ‘News’: Part 1: Formats in the ‘News’: Part 2 In this month’s comparative review of newsletter formats you’ll find a quick checklist of the newsletter assets that are working for many organizations. Newsletters inserted within special appeals, year end campaigns and to support invitations to special levels of giving – monthly sustainer and [...]

Top 7 Misconceptions About Direct Mail Production

The direct mail implementation process can seem like magic.  The idea is generated, the artwork is created, the lists are determined and ABRACADABRA the mail piece is in-home and revenue begins to arrive! While the implementation process can be mysterious and meticulous, there are several misconceptions that are important to recognize in order to have [...]

Is Now the Right Time for a Production Audit?

When was the last time you audited your direct mail program’s production process?  If you can’t answer this question, then an audit is long overdue.  At Production Solutions, it is our standard practice to perform a production review for every client at least once a year.  Some clients receive one quarterly.  Why do we make [...]

7 Steps to Finding Your Next Control

By Tom Gaffny, Tom Gaffny Consulting If there’s one thing all nonprofit organizations can agree on these days, it’s that finding new donors (or recapturing old friends) has never been harder.  Whether your mission feeds the hungry, rescues animals or enlightens the community, building a donor base is tougher today than it’s ever been. And [...]

Changes Looming at the USPS – What Can You Do?

No doubt you have been bombarded with media reports of an uncertain future for the U.S. Postal Service.  For months we have read about large postal increase proposals, the adoption of a five-day delivery schedule, the proposed reduction / elimination of the nonprofit subsidy and, of course, the closing of postal facilities. With all of [...]

4 Package Formats That Will Get Your Attention

Cheryl Keedy, Director of Package Innovation, shares 4 of her favorite commercial formats that fundraisers may find intriguing. 1.  Are you Talking to Me? (Click Thumbnail To View Video) Opening this double panel self mailer you are taken by surprise by this special technique that gets your attention and makes a lasting impression. 2.  Engaging [...]

What’s Hot in the Commercial Ad World – AdWeek DC 2011

Since 2004, Advertising Week DC has invited the best of the advertising, marketing and media community to a week dedicated to networking, professional development and education. PS attended to learn what the best of the best are starting to do, and what they’re predicting is to come. Giants such as the New York Times, Google, [...]

Industry Alert: USPS Announced Proposed Postage Rate Increase

The USPS announced details of the proposed postage rate increase, if approved, implementation will begin January 22, 2012. The changes average 2.1%, the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Highlights of the proposal include: First Class Full Rate = 2.468% increase (44 to 45 cents) Non-Profit Letter = 1.867% increase Standard [...]

15 Pitfalls to Avoid While Producing Premiums Overseas

If you have ever produced a premium overseas then you will be familiar with some, or maybe all, of the pitfalls we highlight in this article.  However, if you are considering overseas premiums or have had issues with overseas production management, you may find this article helpful. Including a premium in a direct response package [...]

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